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Spanish Hound vs Labrador Retriever

Discover the differences between Spanish Hound and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Spanish Hound
Spain

Spanish Hound

Scent Hound Group
Large

A loyal, tenacious scent hound with a calm, affectionate nature. Excels as both a dedicated hunting partner and gentle family companion.

Labrador Retriever
Canada

Labrador Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

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

Size:

Large

Male:

25–40 kg

Coat:

Short, dense

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

23–35 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–36 kg

Coat:

Short double coat, water-resistant

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Spanish Hound

Friendliness
3/5

Generally reserved, bonds closely with familiar people

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Active, enjoys regular exercise and activity

Playfulness
3/5

Moderately playful, prefers purposeful activity

Adaptability
3/5

Adapts best to calm, consistent environments

Labrador Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with people and animals

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts easily to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Spanish Hound

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, ear infections

Labrador Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Spanish Hound

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and vocalizes frequently

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Thrives with plenty of physical activity and outdoor time

Kids
3/5

Supervised recommended

May be too boisterous for small children

Multiple Pets
3/5

Possible with care

Prey drive can cause issues with smaller pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Suffers from separation anxiety and boredom

Labrador Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.

Being Left Alone
2/5

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

Spanish Hound

  • Strong scent-tracking ability
  • High endurance for long hunts
  • Loyal and devoted to family
  • Generally calm indoors
  • Low grooming requirements

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

Spanish Hound

  • Prone to stubbornness during training
  • High prey drive toward small animals
  • Needs significant daily exercise
  • May be reserved with strangers
  • Can develop separation anxiety

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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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

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