Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More

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The Labrador Retriever has been a long-time favorite family companion for good reason. They have one of the most agreeable, energetic canine personalities around. I have raised several Labrador pups and can attest firsthand that these are some of the best dogs you may ever meet. They are smart, loyal, and super affectionate. The Labrador Retriever breed hails from Canada and can be a perfect companion for the right family. There is a bit more to know about the breed, so before you bring home a spunky Lab puppy, let me introduce you to one of the world’s favorite dogs.

Labrador Retriever Breed History

The Labrador Retriever was first seen in Newfoundland, Canada. At that time, the breed was called the lesser Newfoundland, the St. John’s Water Dog, or the St. John’s Newfoundland, most likely to avoid confusion between the Lab and the giant Newfoundland. The Labrador Retriever is not the only dog to share this ancestor. The Flat Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and the Golden Retriever all share the St. John’s Water Dog in their lineage.

There are two theories about how the breed got its current name, the Labrador. One is that the name comes from the Spanish word “labrador,” meaning laborer. Given the breed’s working history, that would be an appropriate choice of moniker. The name is also attributed to the name of the area the dogs originated in.

At one time, these dogs worked alongside Portuguese fishermen who trawled the Grand Banks area off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The dogs were used to fetch items from the water, like fishing nets. The Lab also carried messages from boat to boat by swimming between the craft.

Some Labs were taken back to England, where they quickly became a favorite of the Earl of Malmesbury, who employed the dogs to work with huntsmen in the swampland around his country estate. They quickly become popular among other nobles due to their skill as hunting dogs and water retrievers.

In 1903, the Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in England. The Labrador Retriever arrived in North America early in the 20^th century, imported by sportsmen who favored the dogs’ versatility and unrivaled work ethic. Today, the breed is prized as pets and working dogs, as they make lovely service, support, and therapy dogs.

Temperament

Labrador Retrievers are known to be social and trusting pups. They can be quite mischievous, even into adulthood, and are always up to play for endless hours. These pooches make great companions to children and make loyal additions to any family. It is uncommon for a Lab to meet someone they don’t like.

Labs are also widely known to make lousy guard dogs. While they may bark at a stranger, they will almost always soften up for a pat on the head, even from strangers! Don’t let a barky first impression fool you! They are some of the most easy-going dogs out there.

A Lab’s outgoing, energetic, and happy demeanor is the main reason he is America’s #1 favorite dog breed! a healthy Lab should never snap at anyone or show any aggression. Instead, he will offer snuggles and kisses. They also do well with other housepets.

Size & Appearance

Labs vary in size from 22 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 90 pounds. Females are generally slightly smaller and more lightly built than male Labrador Retrievers. Bench or English Labs are bigger than field labs, so that’s also something to consider when buying from a breeder.

The Labrador Retriever is known for having a “bull neck” – a wide and muscular neck. The large, thick neck was useful when the dogs were used mostly for hauling fishing nets back to fishermen’s boats. Nowadays, the Labrador Retriever is still expected to have a thick and muscular neck; however, for most dogs, it serves little purpose as they no longer perform such laborious duties.

The Labrador Retriever also has a thick otter-like tail, which makes it as efficient as a rudder when swimming in the water. This thick and powerful tail is wide at the base and tapers to a tip at the end.

Labradors also have webbed toes. This physical feature helps them paddle through the water effectively.

Coat & Colors

By breed standards, the Labrador Retriever’s coat should not be curly. Although it is permissible to have a wave down the back of the coat, the hair lies flat generally.

The slightly oily coat may give inexperienced owners the impression that their dog needs bathing, but the oiliness is natural and protects the skin.

Labradors can be black, chocolate, yellow, red, or even silver. They have a double coat that consists of a soft, fluffy layer of underfur topped by a short, hard outer layer of guard hairs. Labs are heavy shedders, making them a poor choice for your household if you have allergy sufferers living there.

However, if you have a Lab mix or one with some variation in their genetics, you may have some differing shades.

Exercise Requirements

Labrador Retrievers are traditionally a working breed, and as such, they need lots of exercise. Labs are notoriously greedy dogs, and they can become overweight if not given enough exercise.

Obese Labs can suffer from weight-related health problems, so always be sure to keep your dog in good condition and give him plenty of exercise. If possible, give your Labrador Retriever at least two long walks every day and some playtime at home.

Labradors are full of energy that needs to be burned off every day. This need for energy release, as well as the propensity to become obese, means you should exercise your Lab for about two hours each day. This doesn’t mean a brisk walk around the neighborhood! He needs a play session at the park or playing with other dogs. This way, he can be mentally stimulated as well.

Living Conditions

A Labrador Retriever should live inside with a cozy dog crate to call his own. Some crate models are better suited for Labradors than others. When your dog is outside, ensure he has a place to go that’s shaded from the sun while having unlimited access to fresh water. These dogs are very family-oriented and won’t thrive if isolated from their human pack.

Your pup needs plenty of toys and activities that engage mental interaction. Interactive toys and treat dispensers like Furbo are great tools. Furbo allows you to see your pup and give them a treat when you aren’t home. We review several of the best dog toys for Labrador Retrievers,

Training

Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who are always eager to please their owner. Labs are very powerful, strong dogs with naturally high levels of energy. For that reason, early socialization of your puppy is essential.

If you take the time to introduce your new puppy to lots of different situations, locations, and people in his early weeks, you’ll set him up to be a confident, well-adjusted dog in adulthood. Just be sure to wait until your puppy has had his full course of vaccinations before you begin introducing him to other dogs.

Obedience training and puppy classes are critical elements of the socialization process. If you plan to harness train, make sure to use a harness made for Labradors or large breeds.

Labs are actually the seventh most intelligent dog breed, so you can count on them to learn quickly and stand out in obedience training, especially when treats are involved.

Health

A healthy Labrador Retriever has an average life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. Labs are generally healthy dogs, but they do suffer from a few genetic health conditions. I’ve briefly detailed some of these below.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the dog’s hip joint, causing it to become malformed. The deformity causes the bone to degenerate, leaving the dog with painful arthritis. Hip dysplasia can be treated surgically if necessary, and milder cases can be managed with drug therapy and a comfortable Labrador dog bed. Always ask a breeder for certification that the parents & grandparents have been screened for this disease.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition that causes abnormal development of the structures within the elbow joint, particularly involving the cartilage and surrounding structures. As the disease progresses, the joint develops painful osteoarthritis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is the name given to a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eye’s photoreceptor cells. Atrophy means deterioration or wasting of these cells, eventually causing blindness.

Cataracts

Cataracts are imperfections in the eye’s lens. They prevent the lens from focusing light, causing it to become opaque rather than transparent. This leaves the dog with partially reduced sight in the affected eye. Some cataracts are tiny and cause little or no problems for the dog. However, more significant cataracts can cover the whole of the lens, leaving the animal blind or, at best, partially sighted.

Osteochondritis

Osteochondritis is a condition that commonly affects young, rapidly growing dogs. The surfaces of the dog’s joints fail to form bone in particular areas, resulting in thickened cartilage. In weakened areas, the cartilage detaches from the healthy tissue around it, creating a flap. The cartilage flap can sometimes detach itself from the surface of the joint, which leads to the development of secondary osteoarthritis.

Degenerative ACL/Tendon Conditions

As well as genetic conditions, very active Labrador Retrievers can suffer from soft tissue injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Be Prepared With Pet Insurance

Because they are prone to health issues, I recommend looking into pet insurance for your lab, ideally at a young age. Ask your breeder for a copy of their health certification. There’s a smaller risk of health conditions if the parents have been health certified. The Labrador Retriever Club insists that all dogs registered on the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database have hip and elbow certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (O.F.A.) and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (C.E.R.F.).

Fetch Pet Insurance Testimonial

Labrador Retriever: Macy
Pet Parent: Linda
Injury: ACL and Torn Meniscus Surgeries
Fetch Reimbursement: $5,694.20

We did not have pet insurance with our first dog, and we paid thousands out of pocket for 3 ACL surgeries and treatment for Addison’s disease. We learned our lesson and this time got Fetch insurance from the moment we brought Macy home. Two years ago, Macy had ACL surgery, and we were reimbursed $2,700. Now, she tore her meniscus and had a $3,200 surgery. Fetch reimbursed us $2,994.20 for that latest surgery. We are so happy we chose to go with Fetch. The process is easy, and they really seem to care.

Nutrition

Choose a high-quality dog food for your Labrador Retriever and feed him a diet that’s appropriate to your dog’s age, i.e., puppy, adult, or senior, and also make sure you are feeding the right amount. We cover this in more detail in our Labrador puppy feeding chart. You can use treats as a training aid, but be careful not to overdo them, as Labrador Retrievers are prone to weight gain. If your Lab gains weight, you’ll want to put your pup on an exercise plan and feed them food that will help them lose weight.

When you collect your puppy, ask the breeder what kind of food the pup is on. Stick to the same brand for the first six months or so. When your puppy is old enough, move him onto adult food. For more information and advice on feeding your Labrador Retriever, chat with your local vet.

Grooming Your Labrador

Labs shed a lot! For that reason, you’ll need to brush your pup at least twice a week to keep the shedding under control. The best grooming tools for your Lab are a slicker brush and a Furminator de-shedding tool.

Your Lab will probably shed more heavily twice a year during the spring and fall when he changes his undercoat in line with the new season. During these times, it may be worth looking into an anti-shed dog shampoo. Labs are known to have sensitive skin, so keep that in mind when bathing your pup.

Labrador Retrievers love to swim. When your dog has taken a dip in a lake or the ocean, be sure to rinse his coat thoroughly to remove any salt or dirt that could dry out his skin. Also, make sure that you dry your Lab’s ears after a swim to reduce the risk of infection.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

So, now you’ve decided that a Labrador Retriever would make the ideal canine addition to your family, you’ll need to know where to start your search for a puppy.

The price of a Labrador Retriever puppy depends on several factors, including where you live in the country, the puppy’s sex, and any accolades the puppy’s parents or grandparents have won.

You can usually buy a well-bred Labrador Retriever puppy for around $800 to $1,200. The puppy you buy should come with a temperament test certificate, a vet’s certificate, and the pup’s parents’ health certifications. The puppy should also have been wormed, and his series of vaccinations started.

Beware of buying a cheap Labrador Retriever puppy. If a pup is offered for a rock-bottom price, it’s probably from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. Be cautious.

Puppy mills breed puppies on an industrial scale, and little regard is given to health screening. The conditions in which the breeding dogs are kept are usually very poor, and many of the puppies are either born with health defects or become sick because of the unsanitary environment into which they’re born.

Learn more about picking a reputable breeder in our in-depth guide.

Rescues & Shelters

Sadly, there are lots of adult Labrador Retrievers to be found in rescue centers and shelters across the country. If you would be happy to offer a forever home to an unwanted adult Labrador Retriever, you could try searching for a suitable dog in one of the many rescue centers and shelters around the country.

However, you should proceed cautiously when taking a dog from a shelter. Often, a shelter or rescue center won’t have a full history for their dogs. So, the Labrador Retriever you’re considering as your family pet could have a checkered past, poor health, and even temperament issues.

These days, many shelters acknowledge the concerns of would-be adopters and offer potential owners the chance to take a dog on a trial basis for a month or so. That’s a great idea, as it allows you to see how well your chosen Labrador Retriever settles into his new environment. Learn more about the difference between adopting a rescue pup vs a dog from a breeder.

See Labradors In Action (VIDEO)

Watch as this dock dog performs at a competition.

How Labs Compare To Other Popular Breeds

Labrador Retrievers are often compared to other favorite family dog breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, the Beagle, the Husky, and the German Shepherd. Labradors are not hypoallergenic and are not a great pick for allergy sufferers. The Labradoodle or Mini Labradoodle is a good compromise as they shed much less due to their Poodle genetics. You can learn more about the differences between the purebred Labrador vs. the popular Goldendoodle mix.

My Personal Experience With Labrador Retrievers

My experience with the Labrador Retriever breed spans 20 years. The first Lab I raised was Bear, a black Lab who was incredibly sweet, loyal, and smart. He was very easy to train and got along with everyone, including other pets. Bear had epilepsy, which the breed is prone to. While he required an extra level of care, he was a very happy dog who made every day brighter.

My current Lab mix, Daisy, has been by my side for the last 13 years. She is one of the smartest dogs I’ve met and has learned how to open cabinet doors, play numerous games, and learn the meaning of several words. Daisy has incredible intuition and has prevented me from entering truly dangerous situations. She is a wonderful protector as well as a loyal friend. I highly recommend the Labrador breed to anyone, as long as you don’t mind a lot of dog hair around all the time.

Popular Lab Mixes

Because of their endearing nature, Labradors are popular “designer dogs” that mix with other breeds. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some very popular Labrador Retriever mixes you are likely to come across as you search for the perfect family dog.

1. Pit bulls and Labs combine to make Labrabulls
2. Corgis and Labs combine to make Corgidors
3. German Shepherds and Labs combine to make Shepradors
4. Blue Heelers and Labs combine to make Labraheelers
5. Siberian Huskies and Labs combine to make Huskadors
6. Mixed with a Beagle to create the Beagador
7. The Dachshund Labrador Mix
8. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes are known as Aussiedors
9. The Border Collie and Lab mix is the super smart Borador
10. The Boxador is a Boxer Lab mix
11. A Pyrador mixes a Lab and the Great Pyrenees breed
12. A Mastiff mixed with a Lab creates the mighty Mastador

Getting Ready For Your New Lab Puppy

If you are already in love with the Labrador breed and are ready to welcome one home, we have over 250 name ideas to share. Along with picking the perfect puppy name, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Start by familiarizing yourself with this Labrador Retriever growth chart and this puppy checkup schedule. And, of course, be ready with plenty of supplies to get started, including puppy pee pads, food, treats, bedding, and toys.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle is a long-time rescue dog mom with over 30 years of pet care experience, including many special-needs animals. She has owned multiple Labradors and Lab mixes and believes they are among the most amazing dog breeds she has ever met. Danielle is also a dedicated researcher working with a talented team to provide our readers with the most up-to-date, accurate pet care information.