Should i go for a Labrador or German Shepherd?

Question

Could you also give me an idea of the prices. The age doesnt matter the smaller the better. Which one is more better?

Answer 1

The lab will be better and you can find either at complete ends of the price range spectrum. It depends on if you want to go to a reputable breeder or a backyard breeder/puppymill. Do you want something that is standard and the parents were proven in the show ring or a pup from someone who decided they wanted their dog to have puppies? They are totally different breeds, one being in the sporting (retriever) and one being in the herding (shepard). Which would better fit your lifestyle? What kinds of activities do you do? Both require a good amount of exercise. They have totally different personalities however. Try going to the homepage for both breeds and reading up on their requirements and personalities, then determine which one better fits your lifestyle.
The lab (if you get a standard sized) is going to be smaller, at least in height, than the shepard. However it will be more stocky while the shepard will be leaner.

Answer 2

I bought my Lab with papers in VA for $500, but this woman was most definitely not doing it for the money. Both parents were highly pedigreed, (hips certified, best in show, etc) but the female was her only dog and her second and last litter. She wanted to do it a couple of times before she spayed her. I think for my area, I paid a little on the low end for a pedigreed Lab, but check around your area and see what they have. To say the least I have a quality dog and he came from a very loving, clean home. It took me a awhile to find her though.

Between the two breeds, you should go for the Lab. I only say this because you said you wanted smaller. They can vary in size TREMENDOUSLY! Mine is 115 lbs and his father was 125. However, his mother was 80. And I've seen Labs as small as 60. They only get fat if you don't exercise them, like German Shepards they are energetic dogs and they need to be walked (or have a backyard) on a frequent basis to avoid getting bored (and fat!) My Lab may be 115 lbs, but it's muscle. I expected that though, when I saw his father, who was 125 all muscle. However, they are not nervous dogs. They are generous, loyal, friendly dogs that have never met a stranger.

You should probably buy as a puppy. CHECK THE FEET! The bigger those feet look in proportion to the rest of him, the more dog food you'll be buying. You may also want to look at the shelter. There are always unwanted Lab Mix puppies, usually at the age range of 4-6 months, because people didn't research the breed, or couldn't handle a puppy.

I always recommend Labs, just because of the wonderful experience I've had. I had never had a big dog before my Lab, and now I couldn't live without him. But the most important thing for you is to research BOTH breeds on your own. Without bias and figure out which one is right for you. Keep in mind fur maintenance, temperment, neighbors, and price range. (It's alot easier to find a Lab puppy in a shelter than a German Shepard puppy!) Also, remember once again, the Labrador Retriever is the AKC's most popular dog, with more Labs registered than the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place breeds combined! All of us can't be wrong!

Answer 3

It all depends what you are really looking for in a dog, they are both highly intelligent and loyal. If you are looking for some personal protection the German Shepard is probably more intimidating. The lab would probably be a little better with kids overall. I've owned both and found both to be wonderful dogs.
All dogs in the weight range of these 2 breeds have the potential for hip problems, my wife's cousin had a lab that developed displacia before it was 2 years old.

Answer 4

I have a yellow lab. She is almost one and is very sweet and loving. Keep in mind that labs stay puppies until they are about two years old. Make sure that you have lots of time and patience with either puppy that you choose as they have a tendency to love to chew on anything.....shoes, furniture, remote controls. I prefer labs, but German shepard owners I am sure would disagree. All I can say is that you cannot find a more loving breed than the labrador. They are devoted to their family and want to be with you all the time.

Answer 5

Both are absolutely wonderful dogs!!! I have a 7yr old black lab and a 6 yr old Shepard. Both of them are so intelligent its as if they may speak human at any moment. Both are loyal to the end. However a shepard is a guard dog and a lab is an alert dog. Both are good with children. If I had to pick I would get a shepard/lab mix then I would have the best of both!! Your local animal shelter probably has just that. Check them out and save a dog's life, you will never regret it!!

Answer 6

I've had both, and both are great dogs, just make sure you look at the major characteristics of each (chewing, etc.) and are prepared for them before you get the puppy. As adults, they'll behave as you have trained them. Ill behaved dogs are usually a result of improper training and attention. I agree with getting a dog from the shelter. They have many mixed breeds (a lab/shepherd mix is a great dog), many of which will possibly be smaller and have less health issues than the purebreds are prone to. Many dog shelters have great programs. In my community, you pay $125.00 for a dog. It is already spayed or neutered (or you get a certificate to have this done if the puppy is still too young), chipped, licensed, you get a month's worth of insurance, you have 30 days to return it if it doesn't work out, and you get free obedience classes for as long as you own the dog. Check yours out and see what they offer.

Answer 7

Which breed is personal preference, and what you intend to do with the dog.
They both can be great couch potatoes, but if I was a duck hunter I sure wouldn't pick the Shepherd.
You can find sound puppies in both breeds from $200 to $2000 depending on what is behind them.
Don't forget to check the shelters to see if they have exactly what you want.

Answer 8

They are both wonderful if raised well..so age does matter.
If you go to SPCA..you can find out what the dog is like, and it will love you for rescueing it from death. Labs are loyal and devoted and gentle natured. German Shepards are VERY protective of those they love...to a somewhat potentially dangerous degree.
YOU have to be a super responsible pet owner to have a german shepard..anyone can handle a Lab.

Answer 9

Labs are big, friendly and fun loving. They also drag my neighbors all over town, bark at us when they're in the house, but basically ignore us when we're outside, even with our dogs. Their tails are painful when they slap you with them and when they run into you from behind it feels like you got hit by a semi truck. The males are much bigger than Shepard's (both male and female). The females are about the same size as Shepard's, if not a bit bigger.

I have a German Shepard puppy, at 5 months he was 47 lbs. He's smart, active, and playful. He learns very,very quickly. GSD have to have a job to do. They're not happy unless they're working. He barks at everyone and everything. Including the Labs next door, the pit bull who lives in the house behind us, and the retired next door neighbor. He doesn't run when let loose, stays very close to us. Obviously, I prefer the German Shepard. He's my 3rd German Shepard. Also they chew for about 2 years. Teach them young whats appropriate to chew on and what isn't.

Damage wise: My puppy hasn't caused any permanent damage to the house yet. The neighboring Labbies have busted through their back boor to get outside one day. Luckily the yard is fenced, but still.

I don't know how much the Labies next door cost. I didn't ask. My puppy cost $200.00. The breeder gave us $50 off since we found his place. He normally sold to pet shops, but said he couldn't sell them unless the puppies were over 10 lbs. Yes, he ran a clean operation, otherwise I wouldn't have bought the dog. My pup's registered, and neg for hip dysplesia from both his sire and both grandsires.

Hope that helps you decide.

Answer 10

I think labs are more easy going. German Shepherds also can have a lot of hip joint problems when older. I've never owned either tho, just walked em.