Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever
Herding · Medium vs Sporting · Large
Australian Cattle DogMedium
An alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise.
Weight: 35–50 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Labrador RetrieverLarge
America's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl.
Weight: 65–80 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Labrador Retriever is the larger breed at 65–80 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Australian Cattle Dog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Australia | Canada |
Height (male) | 18–20" | 22.5–24.5" |
Height (female) | 17–19" | 21.5–23.5" |
Weight (male) | 35–50 lbs | 65–80 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 55–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | short | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.
About the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is america's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl. Originally from Canada, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, active, outgoing, even-tempered.
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Australian Cattle Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Deafness
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
Labrador Retriever health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Obesity
- • Progressive retinal atrophy