Schapendoes vs Labrador Retriever
Discover the differences between Schapendoes and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Schapendoes
A lively, affectionate, and intelligent herding dog with a shaggy coat and boundless energy. Loves active families and thrives on play, companionship, and engaging activities.
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
14–20 kg
Long, wavy
12–15 years
12–18 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.
Schapendoes
Gets along well with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular exercise
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
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
Schapendoes
Hip dysplasia, eye problems
Labrador Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Schapendoes
Moderately suitable
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and mental stimulation
Not ideal
Needs more space and exercise than most apartments provide
Perfect fit
Thrives with plenty of activity and enjoys outdoor adventures
Very friendly
Generally gentle and playful, but supervision around small children is important
Highly suitable
Usually sociable and gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
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
Schapendoes
- Intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Highly social with people and dogs
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Strong stamina for long periods of activity
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
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
Schapendoes
- Requires extensive daily mental stimulation
- Thick coat needs regular brushing and grooming
- Can become vocal when understimulated
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Needs secure boundaries due to herding instincts
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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