Labrador Retriever
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Labrador Retrievers are athletic, food-motivated retrievers whose boundless enthusiasm for life makes them wonderful companions for active families. Originally from Newfoundland where they helped fishermen, Labs are natural swimmers who need substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive chewing and weight gain, common pitfalls for this breed known for eating anything within reach.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Sporting
Life Expectancy
11-13 years
Height
21.5-24.5 in
Weight
55-80 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
80 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #2
Sporting context: Sporting breeds were developed for bird and field work. They are usually active, social, and trainable.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Labrador Retriever
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Labrador Retrievers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Labrador Retrievers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Labrador Retrievers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 80 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Very High
Very High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Hip joint disease is common and may reduce long-term mobility.
Inherited episodes of weakness or collapse can occur during intense exercise.
Strong food motivation often leads to excess weight without strict diet control.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Labrador Retrievers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Very High
Very High
~6h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
High
Very High
Training & Behavior
Very High
High
Moderate
High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
High
High
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Labrador Retriever originated in United States.
Original Purpose
Labrador Retriever lines were developed for waterfowl retrieving. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Sporting. Sporting breeds were developed for bird and field work. They are usually active, social, and trainable.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Labs were originally called St. John's water dogs and worked as fishing nets for Newfoundland fishermen, diving for fish and retrieving nets—not retrieving birds.
They have otter-like tails that work like rudders in water, complete with an oil-resistant coat that repels water like a duck's feathers.
The yellow Lab didn't become fashionable until the 1950s; chocolate was nearly extinct after WWII due to breed registries ignoring the color.
Labs are the most common guide dog in the world because their brains are literally shaped slightly differently (larger olfactory bulb relative to brain size).
Labs have a genetic mutation that makes them almost never full—their appetites are neurologically different, making them the garbage disposals of dog breeds.
Famous Labrador Retriever Dogs
Endal
Highly decorated British assistance dog known for service work.
Marley
Famous Labrador from Marley and Me in books and film.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Labrador Retrievers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Channel high energy into structured exercise and activities
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Deshedding Tools
Keep shedding under control with the right deshedding brush or grooming tool.
Shop Deshedding →Is Labrador Retriever right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Labrador Retriever compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Labrador Retriever are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/