Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever
The Australian Shepherd was bred for herding sheep; the Labrador Retriever was bred for retrieving game for hunters. The Australian Shepherd is medium to large by weight; the Labrador Retriever is large. The Australian Shepherd has a long double coat, needing regular grooming; the Labrador Retriever, a short to medium double coat, needing weekly brushing. Both shed a lot. Both need lots of exercise.
Side by side
| Australian Shepherd | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Bred for | Herding sheep | Retrieving game for hunters |
| Size | Medium to large | Large |
| Weight | 35 to 70 lb | 55 to 80 lb |
| Coat | A long double coat | A double coat, short to medium |
| Grooming | Regular brushing, and trims for some coats | Brushing every week |
| Shedding | A lot | A lot |
| Exercise | Lots of exercise | Lots of exercise |
| Voice | Not in its sources | Not in its sources |
| In license records | 3,185 | 15,822 |
What people name them
The most common names in the pet license records we use.
From pet license records published by New York City, Seattle, Cambridge in Massachusetts, and Allegheny County in Pennsylvania.
General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.
Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.
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