Labrador Retriever

Personality

Labs are famously outgoing. They greet nearly everyone with a wagging tail, which makes them wonderful family companions and rather poor guard dogs. Most are patient with children, though a young Lab is large, bouncy and likely to knock over toddlers by accident.

They were bred to work closely with people, so they thrive on company and tasks. A bored, under-exercised Lab can become a destructive one, chewing furniture, digging or raiding the kitchen counter. Their appetite is legendary, and many will eat almost anything within reach.

Most remain playful well into middle age, often carrying toys or objects in their mouths as a way of greeting you. They are usually fine with other dogs and tolerant of cats if raised with them. Sensitive to harsh handling, they respond best to warmth, consistency and a clear daily routine. Expect a slow-maturing dog; many stay puppyish for a few years.

History

The Labrador's ancestors came from Newfoundland, in Canada, where fishermen kept short-coated water dogs that hauled nets, retrieved fish that slipped from lines and worked in icy water. These dogs, often called St. John's water dogs, were brought to Britain in the 1830s.

There, British aristocrats, notably the Earls of Malmesbury and Home and the Dukes of Buccleuch, recognized their talent as gundogs and developed them into the retriever we know today. The name Labrador was in common use in England by 1870, and the Kennel Club in Britain recognized the breed in 1903. The American Kennel Club registered its first Lab in 1917.

Labs have since become one of the most popular breeds in several countries. Beyond hunting and companionship, they are the most widely used breed for assistance dogs in the United States and are also used by police and other agencies for detection work, thanks to their trainability and stable temperament.

Appearance, coat & colors

Labs are strongly built, medium-large dogs with a broad skull, a kind expression and a thick, tapering "otter" tail that works as a rudder when swimming. The AKC lists heights of 21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) at the shoulder and weights of 55–80 lb (25–36 kg) for males, with females 21.5–23.5 in and 55–70 lb. Males are usually larger and heavier than females.

The coat is short and dense, with a water-resistant outer layer and a soft insulating undercoat. Three colors are recognized: black, yellow and chocolate. Yellow shades range from pale cream to fox red. White markings on the chest are accepted in small amounts.

There is a great deal of variety within the breed. Dogs bred for field work tend to be leaner and rangier, while show-bred dogs are heavier and blockier. Both are the same breed. The feet are webbed to a degree, which helps with swimming, and the eyes are brown or hazel, giving the face a warm, intelligent look.

Training

Labs are among the easiest breeds to train, driven by food, praise and a strong desire to work with you. They learn quickly, but their enthusiasm means that manners such as not jumping, not pulling and waiting at doors need steady, repeated practice from the start.

Begin with a puppy class and keep training sessions short and fun. Food rewards work especially well, though measure the treats you give so they do not add up to extra calories. Teach a reliable recall, a calm "settle" and "leave it", since Labs are prone to grabbing things off the ground.

Because they are strong and exuberant, loose-leash walking takes patience; a front-clip harness can help during the learning stage. Mouthiness is normal in puppies, so offer chew toys and redirect nipping. Retrieving games, scent work, dock diving and obedience trials are good ways to give a Lab a job. Use positive methods; harsh corrections tend to dampen their cheerful spirit.

Exercise

A healthy adult Lab needs significant daily exercise, split into walks, play and some off-leash running in a safe area. Young dogs and field-line dogs often need more. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs explains how to match activity to age and ability.

Swimming is a favorite and gentle on the joints, and fetch games satisfy their retrieving drive. Mental exercise matters as much as physical. Scent games, puzzle feeders and training sessions help prevent boredom.

Go easy on growing puppies. Long runs, repeated jumping and forced exercise on hard surfaces are best avoided until your vet confirms the growth plates have closed. In hot weather, exercise early or late in the day and provide water. A Lab that gets enough exercise is usually calm and relaxed indoors, while one that does not may gain weight or turn destructive.

Grooming

The Lab's coat is easy to care for but sheds heavily. Expect hair on clothes and furniture all year, with heavier seasonal shedding periods. Brushing once or twice a week with a rubber curry or deshedding tool keeps the amount under control, and daily brushing during heavy seasons helps.

Bathe your dog when needed, especially after swimming or mud, but not so often that you strip natural oils. Because many Labs swim often, dry the ears well afterward and check them weekly for redness, odor or discharge, since trapped moisture can lead to infections.

Trim nails every few weeks, and brush teeth several times a week if you can; see our guide to brushing your dog's teeth. A Lab's thick "otter" tail can knock objects over, but it needs no special care. Check the skin for hot spots during wet or humid weather, and see your vet if you spot persistent itching.

Feeding

Labs love food, and weight gain is one of the most common health problems in the breed. A University of Cambridge study found a variant in a gene called POMC in an estimated 23 percent of Labs; it was associated with stronger food motivation, as reported by owners, and with extra body weight. It is an association rather than proof of cause, and diet and exercise still matter most. Do not rely on your dog to stop eating when full.

Measure meals, feed adults twice a day, and count treats as part of the daily calories. Use our dog food calculator for a starting estimate and adjust based on body condition; you should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat. Our guide to telling if your dog is overweight shows how.

Choose a complete and balanced diet for the dog's life stage. Controlled growth in puppies matters for joint health, so ask your vet whether a large-breed puppy formula suits yours. A slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder can slow fast eaters, and keeping the bin and counters secure protects against stolen snacks. Ask your vet before supplements.

Health

Labs are generally sturdy, but several conditions occur more often than average. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic problems, and excess weight makes them worse. Others include atopic dermatitis (skin allergies), epilepsy, cataracts and certain cancers such as mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma.

Genetic conditions that can be screened for include exercise-induced collapse (EIC), centronuclear myopathy (CNM), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Labs are also deep-chested and can develop gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), an emergency in which the stomach twists. Call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately if your dog has a swollen belly, retching without producing vomit or sudden distress.

Keeping your dog lean is the single best way to protect joints. As Labs age, have new lumps, appetite changes and low energy checked early. Ask breeders for evidence of testing on both parents, schedule yearly veterinary checks, and consider pet insurance while your dog is young and healthy.

Health conditions to know about

• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Inherited joint malformation that can cause lameness and arthritis; weight control matters.
• Obesity — A strong appetite and a known genetic factor make Labs prone to gaining weight.
• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) — Inherited condition causing weakness or collapse after intense exercise; DNA test available.
• Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) — Itchy skin is common; clean and dry the ears after swimming to help prevent infections.
• Bloat (GDV) — Life-threatening twisting of the stomach in deep-chested dogs; needs emergency care.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• EIC DNA test
• CNM DNA test
• PRA (prcd) DNA test

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Labrador Retriever

Labs can live happily in many settings, but they do best with a home that gives them space to move and regular outings. A house with a fenced yard is ideal, though an apartment can work if you commit to long daily walks and play. They are generally not barky, but they can be loud with excitement.

They are indoor family dogs and do poorly when left alone for long periods. Without enough activity or company they may chew, dig or bark. Crate training and a dog walker can help with working schedules.

The double coat handles cold and wet weather well, but Labs can overheat in heat and humidity, so provide shade and water. They are excellent with children and most other pets, though their size and bounce mean supervision with very young kids is wise. Expect hair around the house and muddy paws if you live near water.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

The price of a Labrador puppy varies widely depending on region, breeder and lineage, and a higher cost does not guarantee a healthier dog. Because Labs are so popular, puppies are often sold by people who do no health testing, so ask questions before putting down a deposit.

A responsible breeder will show you results for hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams and the relevant DNA tests (such as EIC and CNM) for both parents. They will let you meet the mother, raise puppies in the home, and offer a written contract and lifetime support. Avoid sellers who promise rare colors such as "silver" or who have several litters available all the time.

Rescue is an excellent option. Many Labs end up in shelters and breed-specific rescues, often as adolescents that outgrew their owners' expectations. Adult dogs have known temperaments and may already be house-trained. Use our breed selector and puppy weight calculator once your puppy comes home.