Dachshund vs Labrador Retriever: Complete Comparison

Side-by-side breed comparison with ratings, health data, and recommendations

Quick Verdict

👪

Best for Families: Labrador Retriever — higher family compatibility scores overall

🏢

Best for Apartments: Dachshund — lower energy and better suited to small spaces

🌱

Best for First-Time Owners: Both are equally manageable for first-time owners

Breed Ratings Comparison

Dachshund	Category	Labrador Retriever
Below Average (2/5)	Shedding	Good (4/5)
Below Average (2/5)	Grooming	Below Average (2/5)
Average (3/5)	Exercise	Excellent (5/5)
Average (3/5)	Trainability	Excellent (5/5)
Average (3/5)	Good w/ Kids	Excellent (5/5)
Average (3/5)	Good w/ Dogs	Excellent (5/5)
Good (4/5)	Barking	Below Average (2/5)
Average (3/5)	Energy	Excellent (5/5)

Size Comparison

Dachshund	Metric	Labrador Retriever
16-32 lbs	Weight	65-80 lbs
8-9 in	Height	21.5-24.5 in
Small	Size Category	Large

Lifespan Comparison

Dachshund	Metric	Labrador Retriever
12-16 years	Lifespan	11-13 years
#10	Popularity Rank	#1

Temperament Comparison

Dachshund

Clever, Stubborn, Devoted

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Coat & Grooming Comparison

Dachshund	Feature	Labrador Retriever
Varies	Coat Type	Double coat
Varies	Coat Length	Short
2/5	Shedding	4/5
2/5	Grooming	2/5

Health Issues Comparison

Dachshund

ModerateIntervertebral disc disease
ModerateObesity
ModerateDental problems
ModeratePatellar luxation

Labrador Retriever

ModerateHip dysplasia
ModerateElbow dysplasia
ModerateProgressive retinal atrophy
ModerateExercise-induced collapse

Origin Comparison

Dachshund	Detail	Labrador Retriever
Germany	Origin	Canada
Hound	Breed Group	Sporting

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose Dachshund if you:

Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a small hound breed from Germany

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Dachshund weighs 16-32 lbs and stands 8-9 inches tall, while Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Dachshund tends to live longer. Dachshund has a typical lifespan of 12-16 years, while Labrador Retriever lives 11-13 years.

Which is better with kids, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever rates higher for being good with children (5/5). Dachshund scores 3/5 and Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 in kid-friendliness.

Which sheds more, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Dachshund has a shedding level of 2/5 compared to Labrador Retriever at 4/5. Dachshund is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train with a trainability rating of 5/5. Dachshund scores 3/5 and Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for trainability. Labrador Retriever may be a better choice for first-time dog owners.

Breed Ratings Comparison

Dachshund

Choose Dachshund if you:

Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a small hound breed from Germany

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Dachshund weighs 16-32 lbs and stands 8-9 inches tall, while Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Dachshund tends to live longer. Dachshund has a typical lifespan of 12-16 years, while Labrador Retriever lives 11-13 years.

Which is better with kids, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever rates higher for being good with children (5/5). Dachshund scores 3/5 and Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 in kid-friendliness.

Which sheds more, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Dachshund has a shedding level of 2/5 compared to Labrador Retriever at 4/5. Dachshund is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?