Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
VS
Old English Sheepdog
A shaggy, bear-like herding dog with a distinctive shuffling gait and a booming bark. Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, playful clowns that adore children and family life.
Quick Answer
Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and less shedding. Choose Old English Sheepdog if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Old English Sheepdog
large
Size
large
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
27–45 kg (60–99 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
53–61 cm (21–24 in)
10–13 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
4/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better4/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,200–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Total Cost of Ownership: Labrador Retriever and Old English Sheepdog
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Old English Sheepdog
Avg. Purchase$2,100
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,940
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever and $1,200–$3,000 for a Old English Sheepdog. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Grooming and Shedding: Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog sheds more; Labrador Retriever is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Shedding
Better4/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs5/5
The Old English Sheepdog sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Labrador Retriever (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Labrador Retriever has a slight edge.
Training Differences: Labrador Retriever and Old English Sheepdog
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Labrador Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Daily Exercise Demands
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Old English Sheepdog is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Energy Level
5/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Old English Sheepdog (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.
Family Life: Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size Differences: Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs27–45
Height (cm)
55–62
vs53–61
The Labrador Retriever stands 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), while the Old English Sheepdog measures 53–61 cm (21–24 in) and 27–45 kg (60–99 lbs). The Old English Sheepdog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Temperament Compared
Old English Sheepdog is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs4/5
Labrador Retrievers from the Sporting group carry a friendly, outgoing and active personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Old English Sheepdogs, belonging to the Herding group, are adaptable, gentle and playful — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Health and Lifespan: Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Lifespan (years)
10–13
vs10–12
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Labrador Retriever lives roughly 10–13 years while the Old English Sheepdog averages 10–12 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Labrador Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Labrador Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and less shedding (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Labrador Retriever and Old English Sheepdog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $600/year.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Labrador Retrievers cost roughly $600 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Old English Sheepdog if...
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — Old English Sheepdogs have strong watchdog instincts (4/5).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Labrador Retriever and Old English Sheepdog have high energy needs (5/5 and 4/5 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, Labrador Retriever or Old English Sheepdog?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Old English Sheepdog at 5/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Old English Sheepdog easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Old English Sheepdog's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Old English Sheepdog?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Old English Sheepdog costs $1,200–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,940 for the Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Old English Sheepdogs live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years on average, while the Old English Sheepdog lives 10–12 years. The Labrador Retriever generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Labrador Retriever or Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Old English Sheepdog (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.