Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
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 Dachshund if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
small
Size
large
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
5/5
3/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better2/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better4/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Dachshund is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs2/5
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Family & Social Life
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
3/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs5/5Better
For families with children, the Labrador Retriever is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 5/5, the Labrador Retriever's friendly nature makes it a natural family companion.
Training & Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
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.
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs5/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Dachshund is typically clever, stubborn and playful, making them well suited for apartment living, seniors and singles.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Dachshund is more compact.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs25–36
Height (cm)
20–23
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 Dachshund is a small breed at just 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs) and 20–23 cm (8–9 in).
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the Dachshund: 12–16 years versus the Labrador Retriever's 10–13 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Dachshund.
Cost of Ownership
Dachshund is less expensive to own annually.
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $500–$2,000 for a Dachshund and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Dachshund is easier to maintain.
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better2/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Labrador Retriever's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Dachshund if you value more apartment-friendly (4/5) and lower exercise needs (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Dachshund and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Dachshund, Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Dachshund by roughly $400/year.
Choose Dachshund if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Dachshunds adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Dachshunds shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Dachshunds cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — Dachshunds have strong watchdog instincts (4/5).
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have young children — Labrador Retrievers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Dachshund or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or Labrador Retriever?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Dachshund or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Dachshund is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Dachshund is one of our top picks for apartment living.