Labrador Retriever dog
Large breed active energy Short coat Sporting Group ๐ŸŒ United Kingdom ๐Ÿ† #1 most popular

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, andโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 55โ€“80 lbs (24.95โ€“36.29 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 21.5โ€“24.5" ๐ŸŽ‚ 10โ€“12 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #7 (Brightest)

Labrador Retriever Characteristics

Energy

100%

Shedding

80%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

100%

Coat Type

Short coat

Weekly Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#7
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
12yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$21K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$466/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
3
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: elbows, hips, eyes

Expert Picks for Labrador Retrievers

โญ Top Pick Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

dog food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.8

Best overall large breed food โ€” consistent quality at a fair priceโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

beds

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best cooling bed โ€” essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm clโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Labrador Retriever Care Tips

โœ“

Requires 90+ minutes vigorous exercise daily โ€” fetch, agility, or long hikes.

โœ“

Heavy shedder โ€” brush 3-4ร— per week and deShed weekly to manage coat.

โœ“

Highly trainable โ€” excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

โœ“

Very sociable and people-oriented โ€” early socialization keeps friendliness well-directed.

All Labrador Retriever Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 8 โ€” Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs

Section

Retrievers

Status

recognized