Energy
100%
Labrador Retriever
Friendly, Active, Outgoing
The sturdy, well-balanced Labrador Retriever can, depending on the sex, stand from 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 to 80 pounds. The dense, hard coat comes in yellow, black, and a luscious chocolate. The head is wide, the eyes glimmer with kindliness, and…
⚖️ 55–80 lbs 📏 21.5–24.5" 🎂 10–12 years 🧠 Intelligence #7 — elite
Traits
Labrador Retriever Characteristics
Shedding
80%Trainability
100%Grooming
40%Friendliness
100%Coat Type
Short coat Weekly BrushingBreed data
Data Snapshot
Intelligence
Average lifespan
Lifetime cost
Annual food estimate
With kids
Known conditions
Known genetic concerns: elbows, hips, eyes
Health watch
Labrador Retriever Health Context
Veterinary note
This section is general breed information, not veterinary advice. If your dog has symptoms, pain, breathing issues, sudden behavior changes, or urgent concerns, contact a veterinarian.
Medium-High
Hip Dysplasia
High prevalenceEarly signs: Stiffness, limping after exercise
Medium
Obesity
High prevalenceEarly signs: Weight gain, reduced activity, difficulty breathing
Medium
Exercise-Induced Collapse
Medium prevalenceEarly signs: Weakness or collapse after intense exercise
Medium
Elbow Dysplasia
Medium prevalenceEarly signs: Front leg lameness, joint swelling
Monitor diet carefully — Labs are highly food motivated and prone to obesity. Regular low-impact exercise helps protect joints.
Hip Dysplasia
Breed health context can affect lifetime costs. Estimate food, care, and planning costs for a Labrador Retriever.
Owner resources
Matched Resources for Labrador Retriever Owners
Contextual partner picks from the PupWiki affiliate pipeline. These are matched by breed size, energy, training needs, lifestyle, and ownership intent.
Labrador Retriever food & nutrition tools
Chef Paw (US) · Appliances
ChefPaw Dog Food Maker
Revolutionary countertop pet food maker, simplifying the process of crafting fresh and highly-nutrit…
$639.98
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Affiliate link — no extra cost to you
Labrador Retriever training & walking gear
🐾
JugBow · Training
JugBow No-Pull Training Harness
Dual-clip training harness with front and back D-rings. Reflective stitching, padded chest plate, an…
$34.99
Shop now →
Affiliate link — no extra cost to you
For Labrador Retriever owners
Crown and Paw · Gifts
The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas
Premium 8" x 10" custom pet canvas. Turn your pet into a legendary military veteran.
$46.86
Shop now →
Affiliate link — no extra cost to you
Affiliate disclosure: PupWiki may earn a commission from qualifying partner links, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing can change.
Care basics
Labrador Retriever Care Tips
Requires 90+ minutes vigorous exercise daily — fetch, agility, or long hikes.
Heavy shedder — brush 3-4× per week and deShed weekly to manage coat.
Highly trainable — excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.
Very sociable and people-oriented — early socialization keeps friendliness well-directed.
Owner fit
Who the Labrador Retriever Suits
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Recommended for experienced owners — higher owner difficulty rating of 7/10.
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Better suited to homes with outdoor space — this large needs room to move.
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Naturally friendly and energetic, this breed fits best with early socialization and clear routines.
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Working heritage means structured activity matters — under-stimulation can lead to problem behaviors.
Before you choose
Make an Informed Labrador Retriever Decision
Care Profile
Labrador Retriever at a Glance
great with families and children; needs an active owner with time for daily exercise; highly trainable — ideal for first-time owners; expect regular grooming and vacuuming
🏃
Exercise
Needs 90+ minutes of vigorous daily activity — fetch, running, or agility.
🎓
Training
Highly trainable — responds well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
✂️
Grooming
Heavy shedder — brush 3–4× per week; deshedding tools recommended seasonally.
🍽️
Feeding
Feed 2 meals daily; adjust portions by activity level. High-energy breeds benefit from performance formulas.
Related guides
All Labrador Retriever Guides
Labrador Retriever Cost Calculator
→ Puppy price, annual costs, food estimate, and lifetime ownership planning.
🍖 Labrador Retriever food & nutrition guide → 🎾 Labrador Retriever toy & enrichment ideas → ✍️ Labrador Retriever names → 🛏️ Labrador Retriever bed & sleep guide → ✂️ Labrador Retriever grooming guide → 🩺 Labrador Retriever health concerns → 💊 Labrador Retriever supplement considerations → 🦮 Labrador Retriever training guide →
Classification
FCI Classification
Editorial guides
Helpful Reads for Labrador Retriever Owners
Food Fresh dog food tools: what to compare
A practical look at fresh-food prep, cost, and owner fit.
Training Training gear for dogs that need structure
Harnesses, long lines, and reward routines for better walks.
Lifestyle Dog lover gifts that feel personal
Custom portraits and practical dog-parent gift ideas.