Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever dog

Friendly, outgoing retriever known for its versatility and love of water.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 55 - 80 lbs 21 - 24 inches 11 - 13 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Canada



Own a Labrador Retriever? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Fetch (4) Tug Of War (3) Swimming (1) Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Hiking Socializing Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Running Hunting Digging Exploring

Know a Labrador Retriever? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Regular shedding means you may need to be comfortable with loose hair around the home.

Despite the name, the Labrador Retriever traces its early development to Newfoundland rather than Labrador. Its ancestors included the St. John's water dog, a working dog used by fishermen around Newfoundland. These dogs became known for their ability in the water: they retrieved fish and gear, hauled lines and nets, and were even reported to dive after objects. Their short, water-resistant coats were particularly useful in the cold North Atlantic environment. During the 1800s, dogs from Newfoundland were brought to Britain, where sporting enthusiasts developed them into specialized gun dogs for retrieving shot game. British breeders refined the type and established the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed. The Kennel Club in Britain recognized the Labrador in 1903. The same qualities that made the breed useful to fishermen and hunters — trainability, a strong retrieving instinct, willingness to work with people, and adaptability — later made Labradors well suited to guide work, detection, search and rescue, and other service roles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Labrador Retriever tends to shed regularly, so loose hair and routine coat care should be expected.

The Labrador Retriever generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Labrador Retriever is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Labrador Retriever tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Labrador Retriever is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Labrador Retriever generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Labrador Retriever generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Labrador Retriever is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Labrador Retriever may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.