Breed Profile
Labrador Retrievers are multi-talented dogs that love people and being active. They come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate and are extremely popular for their versatility and friendly disposition.
Behavior
Labrador Retrievers are people-loving dogs who really just want to hang out with you. They love hunting, swimming, and jogging, and have been proven to be excellent service dogs, athletes, and therapy dogs. There’s really not much a Labrador Retriever can’t do, you just have to be willing to help them learn. Along the way, you’ll find that one of the Labrador Retriever’s major loves is food. It’s a great way to motivate them, however, they sometimes have a habit of eating too much and gaining weight or eating things like matchbox cars or socks left on the floor. They are usually very friendly toward everyone they meet, including most other animals.
Coat
Labrador Retrievers have a short-medium length coat that will require brushing once or twice a week. There’s no way around it: Labrador Retrievers shed a lot. The more you brush them, the less they’ll shed around your house, but there’s no way to get it all. Labrador Retrievers love playing in the water and the mud, so you should expect to give them a fresh water rinse after every dip.
Lifestyle
Labrador retrievers can live happily in almost any type of home as long as they get their exercise. They don’t do well with being forced to live outside away from their people family, so you should plan to have them living in your house with you. Labrador Retrievers usually get along alright with any feline friends that also call your place home, and they tend to play nice with other dogs as well. Labrador Retrievers love children and you can expect them to become best friends with any little ones in your home. However, if you’ve got a toddler and a young dog, your Labrador may shower them with a little too much love, so a little supervision doesn’t hurt.
Activity
Labrador Retrievers are happiest when they get about an hour of exercise every day. You can split that exercise up into morning and evening sessions, but you’ll find that when they’re worn out from exercise they behave a little better at home. People love Labrador Retrievers because they’re up for all types of activities and are exceptionally talented in many arenas. They love swimming, hunting, jogging, doggie sports, or just about anything else you can think of that will stimulate them physically. When you choose a Labrador Retriever, you’ll have all kinds of options for daily adventures.
Characteristics
Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watch Ability
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness
Labrador Retriever Buyer's Guide
Labrador Retrievers are friendly dogs that come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. They are a breed with many talents and can become superstars in all doggie walks of life. Their many talents and friendly disposition are probably part of the reason Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. They love anything that has to do with people—especially if it involves water. Most love to get out and play fetch, but if given the opportunity, they may just laze around your house all day munching on whatever they can find. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on what you leave sitting on the floor, and make sure you plan to give your lab plenty of exercise to stay lean and ready to chase after any tennis balls that may cross their path.
Breed information reviewed by the Puppies.com editorial team. Helping families find their perfect puppy since 2003.
Labrador Retriever Quick Facts
1063
Available Now
From $100
Starting Price
55–80 lbs
Adult Weight
21–25"
Adult Height
Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Retrievers
What's it like owning a Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retrievers are multi-talented dogs that love people and being active. They come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate and are extremely popular for their versatility and friendly disposition. Full-grown, they typically weigh 55-80 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.
Are Labrador Retrievers safe around children?
Labrador Retrievers are generally excellent with children of all ages. They don’t do well with being forced to live outside away from their people family, so you should plan to have them living in your house with you. Labrador Retrievers usually get along alright with any feline friends that also call your place home, and they tend to play nice with other dogs as well. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.
How active are Labrador Retrievers on a daily basis?
Labrador Retrievers are happiest when they get about an hour of exercise every day. You can split that exercise up into morning and evening sessions, but you’ll find that when they’re worn out from exercise they behave a little better at home. People love Labrador Retrievers because they’re up for all types of activities and are exceptionally talented in many arenas. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.
What should I expect with Labrador Retriever shedding?
Labrador Retrievers have a short-medium length coat that will require brushing once or twice a week. There’s no way around it: Labrador Retrievers shed a lot. The more you brush them, the less they’ll shed around your house, but there’s no way to get it all. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.
Where do Labrador Retrievers do best — city or country?
Labrador Retrievers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Labrador retrievers can live happily in almost any type of home as long as they get their exercise. They don’t do well with being forced to live outside away from their people family, so you should plan to have them living in your house with you. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.
