Dog Breed

Labrador Retriever

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Primary image of Labrador Retriever dog breed
Full Name
Labrador Retriever
Alternate Names
Lab
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Life Span
10 - 13 years
Weight
55 - 80 pounds
Description

The Labrador Retriever is a friendly dog, who likes to play, and goes crazy over fetching balls. The "lab" is super intelligent and energetic. They are not known as a guard dog, but they are alert, and have a natural tendency to protect children and their home. They are great with both strangers and family, and want to please their owners, making them the perfect family dog. It's no surprise we see them consistently in the top 3 most popular breeds in the US.

Origin
United Kingdom
Bred For
Water retrieving
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Labrador Retriever good with children?

    Yes! The Labrador Retriever is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labrador Retriever is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Labrador Retriever friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Labrador Retriever is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labrador Retriever typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Labrador Retriever friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Labrador Retriever naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labrador Retriever typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Labrador Retriever like to cuddle?

    The Labrador Retriever loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Labrador Retriever like to play?

    The Labrador Retriever is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Labrador Retriever make a good service dog?

    The Labrador Retriever can be a service dog with the proper training. Labrador Retrievers are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Labrador Retriever good for first-time owners?

    The Labrador Retriever is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Labrador Retriever be trained?

    The Labrador Retriever can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the Labrador Retriever can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?

    The Labrador Retriever sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Labrador Retriever easy to groom?

    The Labrador Retriever requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Labrador Retriever need a lot of exercise?

    The Labrador Retriever needs a daily exercise partner! The Labrador Retriever is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Labrador Retriever?

    The Labrador Retriever has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Labrador Retriever bark? Does the Labrador Retriever bark too much?

    The Labrador Retriever barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Labrador Retriever will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Labrador Retriever a good guard dog?

    The Labrador Retriever is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Labrador Retriever good at staying alone? Is the Labrador Retriever independent?

    The Labrador Retriever does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Labrador Retriever a good apartment dog?

    The Labrador Retriever is a very bad fit for apartment living and we would not recommend it.
    Size

    How big is the Labrador Retriever?

    The Labrador Retriever is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Labrador Retriever tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Labrador Retriever?

    The Labrador Retriever can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Labrador Retriever tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Labrador Retriever?

    The Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Labrador Retriever try to run away?

    The Labrador Retriever has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Labrador Retriever is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Labrador Retriever a healthy dog? The health of a Labrador Retriever should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Labrador Retriever is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Labrador Retriever?

    It seems like the Labrador Retriever never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Labrador Retriever is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Labrador Retriever for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Labrador Retriever drool?

    The Labrador Retriever drools an average amount- typically only after heavy exercise or if you are eating their favorite human food in front of them.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Labrador Retriever have a large prey drive? Does the Labrador Retriever like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Labrador Retriever has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Labrador Retriever atheltic?

    The Labrador Retriever is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
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  • Secondary image of Labrador Retriever dog breed
  • Secondary image of Labrador Retriever dog breed

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Breed Variations

  • Image for the Black variation for dog breed

    Black

  • Image for the Brown variation for dog breed

    Brown

  • Image for the Yellow variation for dog breed

    Yellow

  1. Sporting
  2. Water Dog
  3. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a purebred dog that belongs to the Water Dog sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Water Dog sub-group: Water dogs are athletic dogs that have been bred to retrieve and serve their owners under conditions that require swimming. They have thick coats that keep them warm but dry easily, and their feet are thick with webbed toes. They are happy, and always ready to make their owners happy. They are intelligent, want to make their owners happy, and are healthy dogs, truly making them excellent pets. They require frequent exercise and stimulation, but in return you will get an excellent dog. They would make an excellent alternative to the Golden Retriever- with similar personalities and upsides, just not as well known.

Labrador Retrievers for adoption

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