Labrador Retriever
About the Labrador Retriever
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 21-25" |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $800-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Labrador Retrievers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Labrador Retriever
The story behind the Labrador Retriever
Despite the name, the breed traces to Newfoundland rather than Labrador, where the St John's water dog worked with fishermen hauling nets and retrieving fish and lines from cold Atlantic water. British sportsmen visiting the region in the early nineteenth century imported these dogs, and English estates including those of the Earl of Malmesbury and the Dukes of Buccleuch developed them into a specialist gundog for retrieving shot game on land and water. Restrictions on dog keeping in Newfoundland and quarantine rules in Britain later cut off the original source, leaving the British lines to carry the breed forward. Kennel Club recognition came in the early twentieth century, and the Labrador spread worldwide as a gundog, assistance dog, detection dog and family companion, becoming one of the most widely registered breeds.
Originally bred for: Waterfowl retrieving, Fisherman's helper, Upland gundog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Labrador Retriever
Portion control matters more here than in almost any other breed, since appetite rarely signals need. Feed a measured complete diet in two meals, use part of the daily ration for training, and check body condition monthly. Puppies should grow steadily rather than quickly.
Watch for: Labradors show no single characteristic allergy, but they are strongly associated with obesity, scavenging and eating unsuitable objects, which cause far more diet-related trouble than ingredients. Some individuals do develop food-responsive skin or gut disease; a vet should manage any elimination trial.
Start with the Labrador Retriever feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Labrador Retriever
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.