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.
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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
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Labrador Retriever
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Plan on 60–120 minutes of varied activity daily, including swimming, retrieving games and scent work rather than only walking. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip and elbow dysplasia, Obesity, Exercise-induced collapse, Progressive retinal atrophy, Ear infections), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice