Labrador Retriever
Quick facts
Size
Large
Weight
25 – 36 kg
Height
55 – 62 cm
Lifespan
10 – 14 years
Origin
Canada
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Shedding
High
Temperament
Compatibility
Pros
- Famously good-natured and wonderful with children
- Highly adaptable to different lifestyles and activities
- Easy to train and eager to learn new commands and tricks
- Robust and generally healthy breed with a long lifespan for their size
- Excellent companion for active families who enjoy the outdoors
Cons
- Sheds heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes
- Prone to obesity — they will eat anything and everything
- Needs substantial daily exercise or may become destructive
- Can be boisterous and jump on people when excited, especially as adolescents
- Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia and exercise-induced collapse
Care guide
Exercise
Labradors require 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily, ideally including swimming, retrieving, and off-leash running. They were bred to work alongside fishermen, so water activities are a natural fit. A tired Labrador is a well-behaved Labrador — without adequate exercise, expect chewing, digging, and hyperactivity. Vary activities to keep them engaged: hiking, agility courses, dock diving, or simply a solid game of fetch at the park.
Grooming
Despite their short coat, Labradors shed heavily. Brush them once or twice per week with a slicker brush, and daily during shedding season. Their water-resistant double coat rarely needs bathing — every eight to twelve weeks is sufficient. Over-bathing strips the natural oils that keep their coat healthy. Clean ears regularly, as their floppy shape traps moisture. Trim nails fortnightly and maintain dental hygiene with regular brushing or dental chews.
Feeding
Feed two to three cups of high-quality large-breed food per day, divided into two meals. Labradors carry a gene variant (POMC) that makes them perpetually hungry, so strict portion control is essential. Avoid free-feeding. Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping, which can contribute to bloat. Choose a formula with glucosamine for joint support. Puppies should eat large-breed puppy food to ensure controlled growth.
Training
Labradors are among the most trainable breeds. Begin with basic obedience and socialisation from eight weeks. They respond brilliantly to food rewards, which also makes them easy to over-treat — keep training treats small. Focus on impulse control, as young Labs can be exuberant. Teach "leave it" and "settle" early. They excel at structured activities like obedience trials, agility, and scent work. Consistent, patient training produces an exceptionally well-mannered companion.