Breed comparison
Keeshond vs Labrador Retriever
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Keeshond
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
5Openness to strangers5
5Playfulness5
4Energy level5
5Trainability5
4Mental stimulation needs4
5Adaptability5
5Watchdog / protective3
4Barking3
3Shedding4
3Coat grooming2
2Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Watchdog / protective: the Keeshond scores 5 out of 5, the Labrador Retriever 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Keeshond if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair, you want a more protective watchdog. Pick the Labrador Retriever if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a quieter dog.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.