The Labrador is the world’s most popular dog for good reason: friendly, biddable, and brilliant with children. They are working retrievers, so plan on 60-90 minutes of real activity a day and plenty of mental work — a bored Lab is a destructive Lab. Food-obsessed and prone to weight gain, so measure meals and skip the table scraps.
Labrador Retriever
- Vet-reviewed by Dr. Amara Okafor, DVM
- Last updated June 2, 2026
Breed character
Exuberant, food-mad and irrepressibly friendly, the Labrador is the world's favourite family dog for good reason — outgoing, trainable and game for anything, especially if water or dinner is involved.
Temperament
- Outgoing
- Even-tempered
- Gentle
- Trainable
- Enthusiastic
Likes
- Swimming and retrieving — it lives for water
- Food (will work hard for it)
- Family company and rough-and-tumble play
- Having a job: gundog work, scent games, training
Dislikes
- Being under-exercised
- Long stretches of boredom and isolation
- Being left out of family activity
Habits & quirks
- Wagging the whole back half of its body
- Mouthing and carrying objects everywhere
- Begging and counter-surfing (watch the waistline)
- Bouncy, jumpy greetings without training
Great for
- Active families
- First-time owners willing to exercise daily
- Assistance and detection work
Think twice if…
- Apartments with no exercise plan
- Houseproud owners who can't tolerate shedding
Labrador Retriever: quick answers
How big does the Labrador Retriever get?
An adult Labrador Retriever typically weighs 25–36 kg and stands around 55–62 cm at the shoulder — a large breed.
How long does the Labrador Retriever live?
11–13 years is typical for the Labrador Retriever. Weight, genetics and routine veterinary care all move the needle — regular check-ups matter at every age.
Is the Labrador Retriever good with kids?
The Labrador Retriever rates 5/5 on our family-friendliness scale — one of the stronger choices for homes with children. Early socialisation and supervision still matter far more than breed for any dog around kids.
Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?
Yes — the Labrador Retriever is a heavy shedder (4/5 on our scale). Expect hair around the house and budget time for regular brushing.
Is the Labrador Retriever easy to train?
Yes — the Labrador Retriever rates 5/5 for trainability. It’s a quick study that responds well to short, consistent, reward-based sessions.
Is this the right breed for you?
Take the 3-minute Breed Match — a few honest questions about your home, time and energy, and a shortlist of dogs that genuinely fit your life.
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Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
