PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

Labradoodle vs German Shepherd

Discover the differences between Labradoodle and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.

Try different breeds

vs
Labradoodle
Australia

Labradoodle

Not officially recognized (Hybrid)
Medium

Friendly, intelligent, and playful, this breed thrives as a loving family companion. Their low-shedding coat and affectionate nature make them popular with children and allergy sufferers.

German Shepherd
Germany

German Shepherd

Herding Group
Large

Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

23–30 kg

Coat:

Wavy or curly, low-shedding

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

20–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

30–40 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense undercoat

Lifespan:

9–13 years

Female:

22–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Labradoodle

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable with people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular exercise and active play

Playfulness
5/5

Enjoys games, interactive and engaging

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new environments and routines

German Shepherd

Friendliness
4/5

Warm with family, reserved with strangers

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, highly trainable and alert

Energy Level
5/5

Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games, interactive and engaging

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Labradoodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

German Shepherd

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well, struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Labradoodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable personality suits those learning dog ownership basics.

Apartment Living
3/5

Fairly suitable

Can adapt to apartments if exercised daily, but prefers more space.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Energetic and playful nature matches well with active lifestyles.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Patient and gentle, making them safe for families with young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along with other pets when well socialized.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Can develop separation issues if left alone for long periods.

German Shepherd

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges

Kids
4/5

Highly suitable

Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Labradoodle

  • Intelligent and easy to train
  • Generally friendly with children
  • Low to moderate shedding coat
  • Eager to please their owners
  • Adaptable to various living environments

German Shepherd

  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
  • Strong loyalty to family members
  • Excellent working and service dog abilities
  • Protective instincts make them good guardians
  • Adaptable to various training activities

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Labradoodle

  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Requires regular grooming and coat care
  • Can be excitable and overly energetic
  • May display stubbornness if not engaged
  • Some risk of inherited health conditions

German Shepherd

  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
  • High exercise needs require daily activity
  • Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
  • May be wary of strangers without socialization
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Discover more helpful tools

Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours