About Labrador Retrievers

Breed Traits

  • Personality: Friendly and outgoing, Labs play well with others
  • Energy Level: Very Active; Labs are high-spirited and not afraid to show it
  • Good with Children: Yes
  • Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
  • Shedding: Seasonal
  • Grooming: Occasional
  • Trainability: Eager To Please
  • Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
  • Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
  • Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

Breed Description

A Labrador Retriever puppy makes a lively and lovable addition to the family. The high-spirited and active pup has a big, generous heart and a desire to please, which makes him a trainable and willing companion. He’ll be thrilled to join in family activities, especially if that includes lots of active play time, from swimming, hunting or fishing to a rousing game of catch in the backyard. A gentle temperament combined with friendliness and intelligence make Labs the most popular breed in the country.

History & Job

 Origin: Canada

Year Recognized: 1917

Breed History & Job Description: Labs are popular pets in the United States, but they actually hail from a little farther north: Canada. In the early 19th century, an Englishman, Lord Malmsbury, was so impressed with their keen retrieving instinct, that he purchased several Labradors while in Canada to import to Britain. Labs historically worked beside fishermen and hunters, helping them catch fish and retrieve game. Today, Labradors use this same sharp instinct as hunting companions and active members of their families.

Health 

Labrador Retrievers are generally a healthy breed. Like all breeds there may be some health issues, like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and exercise induced collapse. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Labrador Retrievers are healthy dogs.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

Hip Evaluation

Elbow Evaluation

Ophthalmologist (Eyes) Evaluation

EIC DNA Test

Breed Standard

 The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.

The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an “otter” tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its “kind,” friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.