Briard vs Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.

If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Labrador Retriever's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.

Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$3,000 for a Briard and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.

Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Briard — originally from France — has a loyal, protective and intelligent disposition.

The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Briard (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labrador Retriever.

Lifespan is a near-tie: the Briard lives roughly 12–14 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.

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.

The Briard stands 56–69 cm (22–27 in) and weighs 27–41 kg (60–90 lbs), while the Labrador Retriever measures 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs). The Briard is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.