Labrador Retriever

Temperament

The Lab has a reputation for loving everyone, and in most cases it's true. The AKC gives it top marks for affection with family, children, other dogs and strangers. The FCI standard describes it as good-tempered, with no trace of aggression or excessive shyness. That's also why a Lab usually makes a poor watchdog: it's more likely to greet a stranger with a wagging tail than a bark. It is very energetic, especially until about age three, and without enough to do it can wreck a home out of boredom. It loves carrying things in its mouth, so in a house with small children, stuffed toys and socks tend to disappear. It's a willing learner because it loves food and working with people, which makes training much easier. The FCI standard highlights its eagerness to please, which in practice means a dog that likes having a job.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Labrador Retriever for?

The Lab is an excellent dog for an active family, including one with children, and for people who want to try dog sports, swim with their dog or go on long hikes. It can work as a first dog if the owner has time for training. We don't recommend it for people who are away all day, who mind dog hair on their clothes, or who want a guard dog.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

An adult Lab needs a lot of exercise. The UK Kennel Club recommends more than two hours a day, ideally with some kind of work: retrieving, swimming, finding hidden objects or obedience training. Labs love water, so a lake is a summer treat, but dry the ears after every swim. Until about a year old, a puppy should exercise in moderation, with no long runs alongside a bike or jumping from heights, to protect its developing joints. The coat is short and dense with a water-resistant undercoat, and it sheds heavily, especially in spring and fall. Brushing once or twice a week is enough, daily during shedding season. The biggest challenge is diet: a Lab is almost always hungry and gains weight easily. Weigh its food on a kitchen scale, count treats as part of the daily ration, and make sure you can feel its ribs under your fingers.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Labrador is considered a healthy breed. In the British McMillan et al. (2024) study, its median lifespan was 13.1 years, and the AKC gives 11–13 years. Breeders mainly screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy and eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy. Young, very active dogs can suffer exercise-induced collapse (EIC), for which there is a DNA test. Like any large, deep-chested dog, the Lab is at risk of bloat. Keeping it lean throughout its life is key to healthy joints.

• hip and elbow dysplasiaThe breed's most common orthopedic problem; breeders X-ray both parents before breeding.
• exercise-induced collapse (EIC)Loss of control over the legs after intense exercise in young adult dogs; a DNA test is available.
• progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)An inherited eye disease that leads to blindness; a genetic test identifies carriers.
• centronuclear myopathy (CNM)Muscle weakness that shows up in puppies; the AKC lists it among the conditions screened for in breeding.
• bloat (GDV)A risk for large, deep-chested dogs and an emergency.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The Labrador's ancestors were dogs from Newfoundland, an island off Canada's east coast. Local fishermen used them to haul in nets and lines and to retrieve fish that slipped off the hooks. In the early 19th century, English aristocrats brought these dogs to Britain and began breeding them as retrievers for shooting. The breed type was set there in the second half of the century, which is why the FCI names the United Kingdom as the country of origin. The name “Labrador” stuck to the Newfoundland dogs, though no one knows exactly why. The AKC registered the breed in 1917, and the FCI gave it final recognition in 1954.

Fun facts

• The standard calls the Lab's thick, tapering tail an “otter tail,” and the dog uses it like a rudder in the water.
• The FCI standard allows only three colors: black, yellow from light cream to fox red, and chocolate.
• In Newfoundland, the smaller type of fishing dog the Lab descends from was called the St. John's dog.
• The Lab is one of the FCI breeds with a working trial requirement: an International Champion title requires passing a field trial.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Large dog breeds
• Best dogs for kids
• Hunting dog breeds
• Dogs for first-time owners

Sources

1. 1FCI standard nr 122 – Labrador Retrieverfci.be
2. 2FCI – nomenklatura, Labrador Retrieverfci.be
3. 3AKC – Labrador Retrieverakc.org
4. 4The Kennel Club – Retriever (Labrador)thekennelclub.org.uk
5. 5McMillan i wsp. 2024, Longevity of companion dog breeds, Scientific Reports (tab. S3)nature.com

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.