Labrador Retriever
Also known as Labrador
- Height at the withers
- 54 to 62 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 36 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
A strong, athletic, medium to large retriever with a short, dense coat and a friendly, outgoing temperament. Consistently one of the most popular breeds in the world.
History and origins
It descends from the St. John’s dog, used by Newfoundland fishermen to retrieve nets and fish that slipped away. It was developed and established in England in the 19th century by the British aristocracy for waterfowl hunting, which is why the FCI assigns it to Great Britain.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Exercise-induced collapse and centronuclear myopathy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Labrador Retriever FAQ
How big does the Labrador Retriever get?
The Labrador Retriever stands 54 to 62 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 36 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Labrador Retriever need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Labrador Retriever good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Labrador Retriever live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as obesity.
