Quote Originally Posted by Asherah View Post
Don't be deceived about a Lab not having strong drives. They are hunting dogs and have exceedingly strong responses and are obsessive ( I own one as well) in terms of ease of train-ability the GSD was worlds easier than my Lab. The GSD is less than two and will quickly and happily respond to training and commands that I am still failing at teaching the lab, who is 4, to do. She's also still very high energy and I imagine she will be until the day she dies. Don't get me wrong the Lab is a fantastic animal and ours is a great family pet and a great hunting dog, but I would not categorize a lab as "having a lower drive."
My lab is an awesome companion for my son and totally adores him. She's a wacky fun thing and was relatively easy to train. She's got a bag of tricks a mile long and loves doing them and is people oriented. She's never met a stranger.
Labs are double coated as well and she shed's worse than the GSD!
Frankly as a hiking companion my lab sucks. She's constantly distracted by everything and everyone (the OH MY EGERED I HAVE TO GO MEET THEM/GO GET IT NOW) and is unpleasant to walk on leash. I constantly have to correct her and she's stubborn enough to ignore multiple corrections in favor of what she wants. This has been my experience with every lab I have ever owned, which is to date three. I love my ball of hyper fattness, but lots of people that get a lab are deceived about what kind of dog they really are. Whatever you get make sure to do research and reading before diving in, if possible go and meet the dog.

Had to edit: reread and it seems like I'm bashing labs which I'm totally not! Just comparison and contrast of the dogs I have owned and their personalities.
Labs absolutely have a ton of energy, but in my 20 years experience owning both labs and GSPs, nothing on earth compares to the energy output of a GSP. Obviously every dog has their own unique personality and situation, but my 5 year old lab looks like a senior citizen compared to my GSP. You cant go wrong with either of these breeds, im only bringing up any issues for the first time owner to be aware of. If youre committed to their happiness either breed will be amazing outdoors.

If you want a dog that's a big goofball go lab. I hold my 90lb lab like a baby on his back while im standing up.