Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Labrador Retriever
A sturdy, cheerful retriever bred to work all day in cold water. Labradors are famously trainable and people-focused, which makes them popular family dogs, assistance dogs and detection dogs alike.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- Newfoundland, Canada; refined in the United Kingdom
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–36 kg (55–80 lb)
- Height
- 55–62 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Short, dense double coat; water-resistant
- Temperament
- OutgoingEager to pleaseFood-motivatedSociable
History
Developed from the St John's water dog used by Newfoundland fishermen to haul nets and retrieve fish, then refined by British sporting estates in the nineteenth century.
Appearance
Broad skull, kind eyes, thick 'otter' tail and a weatherproof double coat in black, yellow or chocolate.
Exercise and activity
Plan on 60–120 minutes of varied activity daily, including swimming, retrieving games and scent work rather than only walking.
Care and grooming
Weekly brushing rises to daily during heavy seasonal shedding. Labradors gain weight easily, so measure food and count treats as part of the daily ration.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections