Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Australian Cattle Dog
A tough, tireless herding dog built for the Australian outback. Australian Cattle Dogs are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and need a job to stay happy and well-behaved.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Cattle Dog if you want less shedding and better health. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Australian Cattle Dog
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
medium
Size
large
14–22 kg (31–49 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
43–51 cm (17–20 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
5/5
Energy
5/5
3/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
Better4/5
Health
3/5
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Family Fit: Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
3/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs5/5Better
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 with children while the Australian Cattle Dog manages 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Health Profile: Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever Compared
Australian Cattle Dog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs10–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Australian Cattle Dogs live 12–16 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Australian Cattle Dog is more compact.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
14–22
vs25–36
Height (cm)
43–51
vs55–62
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Labrador Retriever is a large breed at 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) and 55–62 cm (22–24 in), while the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium breed at just 14–22 kg (31–49 lbs) and 43–51 cm (17–20 in).
Which Costs More to Own — Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Australian Cattle Dog is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Cattle Dog
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,040 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $600–$2,000 for a Australian Cattle Dog versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Temperament: Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
When you live with a Australian Cattle Dog, you'll notice their loyal, alert and resourceful character in everything they do. A Labrador Retriever, by contrast, shows a friendly, outgoing and active nature.
Exercise Needs: Australian Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Grooming Differences: Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Australian Cattle Dog is easier to maintain.
Australian Cattle Dog
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Australian Cattle Dog (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Australian Cattle Dog has a slight edge.
Which Is Easier to Train — Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Summary: Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if you value less shedding (3/5) and better health profile (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Australian Cattle Dog by roughly $300/year.
Choose Australian Cattle Dog if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Australian Cattle Dogs cost roughly $300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — Australian Cattle Dogs have strong watchdog instincts (5/5).
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have young children — Labrador Retrievers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Australian Cattle Dog's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Australian Cattle Dog's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever?
A Australian Cattle Dog puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,040 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Australian Cattle Dog lives 12–16 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Australian Cattle Dog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Cattle Dog or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Australian Cattle Dog (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.