American Eskimo Dog vs Labrador Retriever
Discover the differences between American Eskimo Dog and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

American Eskimo Dog
Lively, intelligent, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and mental stimulation. Adored for its striking white coat and cheerful, alert personality.

Labrador Retriever
Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.
Quick comparison
Medium
9–16 kg
Double coat, dense
12–15 years
8–14 kg
High energy
Large
29–36 kg
Short double coat, water-resistant
10–12 years
25–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
American Eskimo Dog
Outgoing, sociable, enjoys company of people
Learns quickly, eager to please owners
Active, needs regular exercise and stimulation
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts moderately to new situations and changes
Labrador Retriever
Warm and sociable with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts easily to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
American Eskimo Dog
Progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia
Labrador Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
American Eskimo Dog
Good option
Intelligent and eager, but requires consistent training and socialization
Manageable with effort
Can adapt to apartments with daily exercise and mental stimulation
Highly suitable
Thrives with active owners who provide regular play and exercise
Family friendly
Gentle and playful but supervision needed with very small children
Generally compatible
Usually gets along with other pets if socialized early
Not ideal
Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
Labrador Retriever
Great choice
Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.
Not ideal
Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.
Perfect fit
High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.
Highly suitable
Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.
Prone to anxiety
Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
American Eskimo Dog
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Loyal and forms strong family bonds
- Alert and makes an excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Generally good with children and other pets
Labrador Retriever
- Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Excellent with children and families
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
- Generally adaptable to various living situations
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
American Eskimo Dog
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires frequent grooming to manage shedding
- Can be wary of strangers without socialization
- Needs daily exercise to prevent boredom
- May develop barking habits if understimulated
Labrador Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- Can become destructive if under-exercised
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
- May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
- Needs significant daily physical activity
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