Which is bigger, a German Shepherd or a Labrador Retriever?

By typical weight/height midpoints, the German Shepherd tends to be larger overall. German Shepherd typically weighs about 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs) versus Labrador Retriever at 55-80 lbs (mid ~68 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 22-26 inches vs 21-24 inches. Both are classified as large dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, German Shepherd tends to be the larger dog.

Which is taller, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?

German Shepherd is typically taller at the withers (22-26 inches vs 21-24 inches).

Which weighs more, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?

German Shepherd usually weighs more (50-90 lbs vs 55-80 lbs).

Are German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever the same size class?

Yes—both are large in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.

Do males and females change the size comparison?

Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.

Size matchup

German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever: size & weight

Typical weight (50-90 lbs vs 55-80 lbs) and height (22-26 inches vs 21-24 inches)—so you can tell who’s bigger on the metrics that matter.

German Shepherd typically larger

German Shepherd

large · energy 5/5

50-90 lbs

Weight mid ~70 lbs

22-26 inches

Height mid ~24.0 in

Breed profile

Labrador Retriever

large · energy 5/5

55-80 lbs

Weight mid ~68 lbs

21-24 inches

Height mid ~22.5 in

Breed profile

Both land in large-dog territory; GSDs are often taller at the withers, while weight bands overlap heavily by sex and line.

Typical weight

German Shepherd: 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs)
Labrador Retriever: 55-80 lbs (mid ~68 lbs)

German Shepherd usually tips the scale higher.

Typical height (withers)

German Shepherd: 22-26 inches (mid ~24.0 in)
Labrador Retriever: 21-24 inches (mid ~22.5 in)

German Shepherd is typically taller at the shoulder.

Size class & fit

German Shepherd

large · lifespan 9-13 years

Confident, Courageous, Smart

Labrador Retriever

large · lifespan 10-12 years

Outgoing, Even-tempered, Gentle

Size drives food bills, car space, crate size, and how hard a jump lands on kids and seniors. Pair this page with lifestyle compare when temperament matters as much as inches.

Planning verdict

Lean German Shepherd

Lean German Shepherd if you want a large dog around 50-90 lbs and 22-26 inches, with energy 5/5.

Lean Labrador Retriever

Lean Labrador Retriever if you prefer large size near 55-80 lbs and 21-24 inches, with energy 5/5.

FAQs

Which is bigger, a German Shepherd or a Labrador Retriever?: By typical weight/height midpoints, the German Shepherd tends to be larger overall. German Shepherd typically weighs about 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs) versus Labrador Retriever at 55-80 lbs (mid ~68 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 22-26 inches vs 21-24 inches. Both are classified as large dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, German Shepherd tends to be the larger dog.
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?: German Shepherd is typically taller at the withers (22-26 inches vs 21-24 inches).
Which weighs more, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?: German Shepherd usually weighs more (50-90 lbs vs 55-80 lbs).
Are German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever the same size class?: Yes—both are large in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.
Do males and females change the size comparison?: Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.

Related size matchups

References

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
How Long Will Your Dog Live? Size Matters — American Kennel Club (AKC)
General Dog Care — ASPCA