Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Poodle

Non-Sporting · Medium

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle

Side-by-side comparison of the Labrador Retriever and Poodle — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Labrador Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Labrador Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Poodle

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Poodle

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Labrador Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Poodle

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Poodle
Size	Large	Medium
Height	21.5–24.5″	10–22″
Weight	55–80 lbs	6–70 lbs
Lifespan	11–13 yrs	10–18 yrs
Group	Sporting	Non-Sporting
Coat type	Double coat, short and dense	Dense, curly, single coat, non-shedding

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Poodle
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Poodle
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	High
Good with cats	Moderate	High
Apartment friendly	Low	High

Care requirements

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Poodle
Shedding	High	Very Low
Grooming needs	Low	Very High
Daily exercise	60–120 min	40–90 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	0.5–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 500	$1 200–$2 800

Temperament