Origin
Canada
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
25–36 kg
Height
54–62 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Black · Yellow · Chocolate
Labrador Retriever
About This Breed
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Originally bred as a working dog for fishing in Newfoundland, Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly, outgoing personality and intelligence. They excel as guide dogs, service animals, and search and rescue dogs. Labs are great with families, children, and other pets. Their enthusiasm, trainability, and loveable nature make them excellent all-around companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Labrador Retriever
Origin
| Origin | Canada |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 25–36 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Height | 54–62 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Black · Yellow · Chocolate |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Friendly · Outgoing · Active · Gentle · Intelligent |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and for good reason. Labs are medium- to large-breed sporting dogs who are active and friendly, making them great family dogs. Labrador Retrievers weigh 55–80 pounds on average, with females on the lower end of this range. Typically, their height is 21–25 inches. They have a wide skull and nose, deep chest, strong tail, and muscular build. Labs come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Caring for a Labrador Retriever Labradors tend to be highly affectionate toward people, even strangers, and do exceptionally well with other dogs and with children.
Care Guide
Labradors tend to be highly affectionate toward people, even strangers, and do exceptionally well with other dogs and with children. However, supervision is still important when first introducing a Lab to family members. Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that repels water. Due to this double coat, they shed a lot, and frequent brushing to manage the shedding is required. Labrador Retrievers love water—in fact, the breed got their start working alongside fishermen, according to The Labrador Retriever Club. Today, they are great companions for active families who like to spend a lot of time outdoors swimming, hiking, or hunting.