Labrador Retriever

also known as Labrador, Lab

Pros History


The Labrador Retriever is a breed of sporting dog that originated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It is a medium to large-sized breed with a short, dense coat that comes in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate.

The Labrador Retriever was developed in the early 19th century as a working dog to assist fisherman in the cold, rough waters of Newfoundland. It is thought to be descended from the St. John's Water Dog, a breed that was used for retrieving fish that had escaped from fishing nets.

The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1917, and it quickly gained popularity as a gun dog and family pet. The Labrador Retriever is known for its intelligence, trainability, and outgoing personality, which make it an ideal companion and working dog.

In the 20th century, the Labrador Retriever became one of the most popular breeds in the United States and Europe, and it remains one of the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States to this day. It is also popular in other countries around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The Labrador Retriever is a versatile breed that is well-suited to a variety of roles, including hunting, retrieving, search and rescue, and therapy work. It is also a popular choice for obedience and agility competitions, and it excels as a family pet due to its friendly and outgoing personality.

The Labrador Retriever is known for its intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature, which make it an ideal companion and working dog. It is also known for its strong retrieving instinct and its ability to adapt to new tasks and environments.

In addition to its work as a sporting and working dog, the Labrador Retriever is also used as a service dog to assist people with disabilities. It is known for its calm and reliable temperament, which makes it well-suited to this role.

The Labrador Retriever is a hardy breed that is generally healthy and long-lived. It has a short, thick coat that requires minimal grooming, and it is well-suited to a variety of environments and climates.

Breed Information


Type

Is Labrador Retriever a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Labrador Retrievers originally used for?

Water Retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Labrador Retriever? How long can Labrador Retrievers live?

10-12 years

The average Labrador Retriever lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Labrador Retriever Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Labrador Retriever?

What is the average height of a Labrador Retriever? How big is a Purebred Labrador Retriever height? Labrador Retriever dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
Female 21-23 inches (53.3 - 58.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Labrador Retriever? How much should Labrador Retrievers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 65-80 pounds (29 - 36 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg)
Female 55-70 pounds (25 - 32 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Labrador Retrievers get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Labrador Retriever.

Hypoallergenic

Are Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Labrador Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Labrador Retriever personality? What are Labrador Retriever dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Cheerful
Friendly
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Social
Alert
Energetic
Gentle
Loving
Going
Responsive

Shedding Level

Are Labrador Retrievers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Shed?

Labrador Retriever dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Labrador Retriever. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Labrador Retriever dog?

The Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Labrador Retrievers come from?

Canada

Ancestry

What are Labrador Retrievers descended from?

St. John's Water Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Labrador Retriever breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Labrador Retrievers first bred? How old is the Labrador Retriever breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Labrador Retriever?

Sporting (AKC:1917)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Labrador Retriever Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Labrador Retriever eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Labrador Retriever nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Labrador Retriever coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Labrador Retrievers coat?

The coat of a Labrador Retriever dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Labrador Retriever Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Labrador Retriever?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Labrador Retriever have in a litter? How many puppies can a Labrador Retriever have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Labrador Retriever can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Labrador Retrievers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Labrador Retriever Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Labrador Retrievers have a lot of health problems?

The Labrador Retriever is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Labrador Retriever?

Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Labrador Retrievers?

Otitis Externa
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Labrador Retriever breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Labrador Retriever Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Labrador Retrievers have a lot of energy?

Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Labrador Retrievers need socialization? How social are Labrador Retrievers?

Labrador Retriever have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Labrador Retrievers get?

The Labrador Retriever needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Labrador Retriever have? Do Labrador Retrievers sleep a lot?

Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Labrador Retriever drool a lot?

The Labrador Retriever is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Labrador Retriever, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Labrador Retrievers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Labrador Retrievers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Labrador Retriever dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Labrador Retrievers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Labrador Retriever running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Labrador Retriever dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Labrador Retrievers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Labrador Retriever busy?

Fetch, Tug-of-war, Chase, Dog Parks, Walk, Run, Play, Walking, Cuddling, Exploring, Sniffing, Petting, Running, Boat ride, Swim, Tracking, Chasing, Smelling, Going out, Walks, Frisbee, Road trip, Meeting people, Shake, Swimming, Playdate, Chew, Smell, Walki, Being pet

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Labrador Retriever? How much energy does a Labrador Retriever have?

High

Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Labrador Retriever walk each week? How many miles should a Labrador Retriever walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Labrador Retriever, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Labrador Retriever should exercise a day? How much activity does a Labrador Retriever need?

60 minutes

In general most Labrador Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Labrador Retriever?

The Labrador Retriever is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Labrador Retriever?

Daily

Ideally, Labrador Retriever should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Labrador Retrievers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Labrador Retriever eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 65-80 pound (29 - 36 kg) Labrador Retriever feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Labrador Retriever is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Labrador Retriever is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Labrador Retriever Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Labrador Retriever?

The Labrador Retriever breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Labrador Retriever dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Labrador Retriever dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Labrador Retriever do well in apartments? Are Labrador Retrievers good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Labrador Retrievers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Labrador Retrievers good with kids? Are Labrador Retrievers good around children?

A Labrador Retrievers typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Labrador Retrievers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Labrador Retrievers good with cats? How friendly Labrador Retrievers are toward cats?

Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with other dogs? Are Labrador Retrievers OK with other dogs?

Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Labrador Retriever dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Labrador Retrievers friendly with strangers?

Labrador Retrievers are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Labrador Retrievers like to play? Are Labrador Retrievers playful?

Labrador Retrievers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Labrador Retriever for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Labrador Retriever easily trained?

The Labrador Retriever is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Labradors are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, making them easy to train and capable of learning a wide range of commands.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed has the characteristics required for successful therapy dog work.
  • Friendly
    Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them great family pets and good with children.
  • Adaptable
    Labradors are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments, houses, and farms.
  • Boat Dog
    Boating is often an activity that the Labrador Retriever breed enjoys.
  • Active
    Labradors are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
  • Service Dog
    This breed is ideal for service dog roles.
  • Good with other pets
    Labradors are generally good with other pets, including dogs and cats, making them a good choice for households with multiple animals.

Cons

  • Shedding
    Labradors are heavy shedders and will require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition.
  • Odor
    The Labrador Retriever's risk of having an offensive odor is high.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Keeping a Labrador Retriever breed inside the home is not advised.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Labrador Retrievers may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Food-motivated
    Labradors are known for their love of food, which can lead to weight gain if they are not given adequate exercise and fed a healthy diet.
  • Mouthiness
    Labradors have a tendency to be "mouthy," meaning they might try to chew on or carry around objects in their mouths. This can be a problem if they start to chew on things they shouldn't, such as furniture or shoes.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Labrador Retrievers may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Training
    While Labradors are generally easy to train, they do require consistent and patient training to help them learn and behave properly.