English Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever

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

English Shepherd
Category
Labrador Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

44 - 66
Weight (lbs)
55 - 80
18 - 23
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24.5
10 - 13 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 13 years
Working
Breed Group
Sporting
United States
Origin
Canada
Herding & guarding livestock, farm watch dog
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
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
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
$2,739
English Shepherd
vs
Annual Cost
$2,668
Labrador Retriever
English Shepherd
Expense
Labrador Retriever
$2,739
Annual Cost
$2,668
Lower ✓
$3,459
First Year
$3,388
Lower ✓
$32,219
Lifetime Total
$31,402
Lower ✓
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$630
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$440
Grooming (annual)
$264
Lower ✓
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Labrador Retriever (~12 yrs) costs approximately $817 less than a English Shepherd (~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

English Shepherd

Kind, Energetic, Independent, Adaptable, Intelligent, Bossy, Affectionate, Curious, Friendly, Loyal, Playful, Quiet, Gentle

Labrador Retriever

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