Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) vs Labrador Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
Category
Labrador Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

80 - 100
Weight (lbs)
55 - 80
24 - 33.5
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24.5
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 13 years
Working
Breed Group
Sporting
Russia
Origin
Canada
Guard dogs, defending sheep from predators, mainly wolves, jackals and bears
Bred For
Water retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

2/5
Energy Level
4/5
Better
4/5
Trainability
4/5
2/5
Good with Children
5/5
Better
2/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
Better
5/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Better

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$3,506
Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
vs
Annual Cost
$2,668
Labrador Retriever
Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
Expense
Labrador Retriever
$3,506
Annual Cost
$2,668
Lower ✓
$4,226
First Year
$3,388
Lower ✓
$39,286
Lifetime Total
$31,402
Lower ✓
$1,116
Food (annual)
$780
Lower ✓
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$550
Grooming (annual)
$264
Lower ✓
$1,080
Insurance (annual)
$864
Lower ✓
$90
Insurance (monthly)
$72
Lower ✓

Over their lifetimes, a Labrador Retriever (~12 yrs) costs approximately $7,884 less than a Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)

Alert, Quick, Dominant, Powerful, Calm, Strong

Labrador Retriever

Kind, Outgoing, Agile, Gentle, Intelligent, Trusting, Even Tempered, Affectionate, Playful, Friendly, Loyal, Independent