Dachshund vs Labrador Retriever

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

Dachshund
Category
Labrador Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

11 - 32
Weight (lbs)
55 - 80
5 - 9
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24.5
12 - 16 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 13 years
Hound
Breed Group
Sporting
Germany
Origin
Canada
Hunting badgers and small prey, Companion
Bred For
Water retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

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

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
2/5
Trainability
4/5
Better
4/5
Good with Children
5/5
Better
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
Better
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
4/5

💰 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
$1,861
Dachshund
vs
Annual Cost
$2,668
Labrador Retriever
Dachshund
Expense
Labrador Retriever
$1,861
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,668
$2,581
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,388
$26,774
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$31,402
$336
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$630
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$210
Lower ✓
Grooming (annual)
$264
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Dachshund (~14 yrs) costs approximately $4,628 less than a Labrador Retriever (~12 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

Dachshund

Stubborn, Devoted, Playful, Lively, Clever, Courageous

Labrador Retriever

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