Labrador Retriever
LargeFriendly, outgoing, and active - Labrador Retrievers are America's most popular dog breed. They're excellent family dogs who love water, retrieving, and making friends with everyone they meet.
Friendly
Water Lover
High Energy
Family Dog
At a Glance
Height
Weight
Life Span
Origin
Characteristics
About Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers have held the top spot as America's most popular dog breed for over 30 years. Originally bred as fishing dogs in Newfoundland, Labs are friendly, outgoing, and active companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.
Labs come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. They are famously friendly and outgoing, and active companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog. Labs are excellent swimmers and love water activities.
These dogs are highly trainable and eager to please, making them excellent service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets. However, they require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without proper outlets for their energy, they can become destructive. Labs typically remain puppy-like and energetic well into their adult years.
Perfect For
- • Active families with children
- • First-time dog owners
- • Those wanting a swimming companion
- • People who enjoy outdoor activities
- • Those seeking a loyal, friendly dog
Consider If
- • You prefer low-energy dogs
- • You can't provide 2+ hours of exercise
- • You want a guard dog
- • You can't handle moderate shedding
🏊 Water-Loving Companions
Labrador Retrievers are natural swimmers with webbed feet and water-resistant coats. They love water activities and are excellent swimming companions, but always supervise water activities.
- • Webbed feet make them excellent swimmers
- • Double coat provides insulation in water
- • Always supervise around pools/lakes
- • Great for dock diving and water retrieval games
Care Guide
Exercise Needs
- • 2+ hours of daily exercise required
- • Swimming, running, hiking excellent
- • Fetch and retrieval games essential
- • Mental stimulation through training
- • Dog parks for socialization
Training & Socialization
- • Start training early (very trainable)
- • Positive reinforcement works best
- • Early socialization important
- • Channel retrieving instincts properly
- • Obedience classes recommended
Grooming
- • Weekly brushing (daily during shedding)
- • Regular nail trimming
- • Weekly ear cleaning (prone to infections)
- • Occasional baths as needed
- • Brush teeth regularly
Health Considerations
- • Hip and elbow dysplasia screening
- • Eye health monitoring (PRA, cataracts)
- • Weight management (prone to obesity)
- • Bloat awareness (deep chest)
- • Exercise-induced collapse testing
Ready for a Labrador Retriever?
Find available Labrador Retrievers near you or take our quiz to see if this friendly, energetic breed matches your lifestyle.