Dog breed guide
Labrador Retriever
An enthusiastic sporting companion with a love of food, retrieving, and being involved. A Labrador's short coat is easy to brush, but its energy and shedding are easy to underestimate.
- Adult size
- Large
- Exercise needs
- High
- Coat type
- Short
- Typical lifespan
- 11-13 years
Temperament & companionship
Many Labs are outgoing and playful. Young dogs can be boisterous and need help learning polite greetings and gentle use of their mouths. Working lines may need especially purposeful activity.
Exercise & daily life
Combine walks, sniffing, retrieving, and training with scheduled rest. Keep food and rubbish secure and adjust meals to body condition. Introduce swimming safely rather than assuming every Labrador is immediately confident in water.
Grooming & coat care
Brush the water-resistant double coat regularly and expect shedding. Dry and check ears after swimming, trim nails, and maintain daily dental care. A short coat does not mean a hair-free home.
Training & enrichment
Use measured food rewards from the daily allowance. Practice loose-leash walking, leave-it, and drop-it early. Provide safe chewing options and manage access to objects a young dog might swallow.
Health considerations
Ask about hip and elbow evaluations, eye examinations, and breed-relevant genetic tests such as exercise-induced collapse. Discuss weight control and an activity plan with your vet, especially during growth.
Sources & perspective
These are general breed tendencies, not a prediction about an individual dog. Size and lifespan are broad guides, not guarantees. Health information is educational and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. This guide has not been veterinary reviewed.
Updated . Consider rescue organizations and responsible breeders; ask for documented health and behavior history.