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Labrador Retriever
A friendly, even-tempered retriever from Newfoundland, now one of the world's most popular family dogs.
♥ Swipe on the Labrador RetrieverQuick facts
- Origin
- Canada
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- High
- Bred for
- Retrieving game
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Temperament
- Friendly, outgoing, eager to please
- Exercise
- 90 min/day
- Grooming
- Low
- Shedding
- High
- Training
- Easy
- With children
- Great
- Apartment
- Maybe
Where the Labrador Retriever comes from
Labradors come from Newfoundland, where fishermen used them to haul nets and fetch fish. English breeders refined them into the retriever we know. They have been among the most popular dogs in the world for decades.
Personality and daily life
Labs are cheerful, social and eager to please. They greet everyone as a friend, which makes them poor guard dogs and excellent family dogs. Young Labs are bouncy and mouthy for a long time.
Labradors want to be part of everything the family does. They need daily running or fetch and will happily eat more than they should, so watch their weight.
Exercise, grooming and health
Plan on at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally with fetch or swimming. The short coat is easy to groom but sheds heavily. They love food, so measure meals. Hip and elbow problems and obesity are the common health issues.
Is a Labrador Retriever right for you?
Active families, first-time owners who will commit to training, and anyone who wants a dog for hiking, swimming or fetch.
- Great with children
- Easy to train, good for beginners
- Sheds a lot
- Easy to groom
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.