Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers bring confidence and affection to every household lucky enough to have one. Labs are social with families, gentle with kids, and highly motivated by play and food—making training easier than most breeds. Their short, water-resistant coat and strong build reflect their retrieving roots, and they do best with daily exercise and a job to do. Give a Lab consistent routines and reward-based training, and you'll have a partner who excels in obedience, service work, and outdoor adventures.
The Labrador Retriever is a large dog in the Sporting group, known for Friendly, Outgoing, Trainable. Adults typically weigh 55-80 lbs and stand 21.5-24.5 in, with a lifespan around 10-12 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Sporting
- Size: large
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Weight: 55-80 lbs
- Height: 21.5-24.5 in
- Temperament: Friendly, Outgoing, Trainable, Eager-to-please
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Labrador Retriever is often described as Friendly, Outgoing, Trainable, Eager-to-please. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Sporting breeds were developed to work closely with people in the field—retrieving, flushing, and staying responsive to direction.
They often do best with positive reinforcement, clear routines, and training that feels like a job (retrieving games, obedience, nose work).
Plan for consistent daily exercise plus mental stimulation; many sporting dogs thrive when they have a purpose, not just a short walk.
History
Labradors trace back to working water dogs in Newfoundland, where they helped fishermen retrieve lines and nets. The breed was refined in the United Kingdom into the reliable retriever known today.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Provide daily aerobic exercise (retrieving games, swimming, long walks).
- Use food puzzles and training sessions to prevent boredom.
- Brush weekly and during seasonal shedding to manage coat.
- Watch weight gain; measure meals and limit high-calorie treats.
- Schedule regular ear checks, especially after swimming.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Labrador Retriever include Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Poodle.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Labrador Retrievers get?
Most adult Labrador Retrievers fall around 55-80 lbs and stand 21.5-24.5 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
The typical lifespan is 10-12 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Labrador Retriever temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Friendly, Outgoing, Trainable, Eager-to-please. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Labrador Retriever from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.