Sheltie vs Labrador Retriever
Discover the differences between Sheltie and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Sheltie
Energetic, intelligent, and loyal, this breed thrives on companionship and mental stimulation. Agile and responsive, it excels in dog sports and makes a loving family friend.
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
9–11 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
12–14 years
8–10 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.
Sheltie
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands and tasks quickly and easily
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Enjoys games and interactive activities daily
May struggle with changes or new 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
Sheltie
Collie eye anomaly, hypothyroidism
Labrador Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Sheltie
Good option
Intelligent and eager to please, Shelties respond well to consistent training and guidance.
Manageable with effort
Shelties can adapt to apartments if given enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Excellent match
High energy levels make Shelties well-suited for active, engaged households.
Generally suitable
Gentle and affectionate, but may be sensitive to loud or rough play from young children.
Gets along well
Typically sociable with other pets when properly introduced and socialized.
Prone to anxiety
Shelties can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods frequently.
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
Sheltie
- Highly intelligent and responsive to training
- Loyal and affectionate with family members
- Excellent watchdog with strong alertness
- Good with children and other pets
- Agile and excels in canine sports
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
Sheltie
- Prone to excessive barking without training
- Sensitive to loud noises and stress
- Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
- Can be reserved or shy with strangers
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.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience