Breed

State

Size

About This Breed

Labrador Retriever Facts

Dog Group:

Gundog

Labrador Retriever Lifespan:

Labs typically live between 10 to 14 years old and many factors can impact your labrador's lifespan. First, genetics play an important factor. Some labs are health screened; some are not. The most common types of health screening include hip scores and eye tests. Ask the breeder directly if your puppy's parents have been screened for health conditions. Various health screenings may include: The Optigen Test which screens for blindness, the CNM which tests for Autosomal Recessive Centronuclear Myopathy, an inherited neuromuscular disorder, EIC Exercise Induced Collapse, which tests for loss of muscle control during exercise and Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD), a painful eye condition. Second, the color of your labrador--whether it's yellow, chocolate or black--will not impact lifespan. Third, adding a fence to your property helps labs live a longer life because they're safer, controlled space. Fourth, proper training, such as training your lab to come when called, can help keep your pet safe, which helps with a longer life. Finally, vaccinations help prevent serious diseases which can shorten your labrador's lifespan.

Labrador Retriever Size:

21-23 inches

Labrador Retriever Weight:

55-82 lbs. Please be aware labradors are persuasive in getting their owners to refill their bowls. Labradors do not have a tendency to put on weight due to genetics. Keeping your dog within the healthy weight range will help him/her lead a longer life.

Coat Type:

Short

Possible Colors:

Yellow which can appear red, chocolate, black

Breeders call these colors silver, champagne, and charcoal

Exercise:

1-2 hours a day

Grooming:

Once a week

Labrador Retriever Shedding:

Labradors shed heavily in the spring. It’s when they lose their winter coat. In autumn they shed again to gain their winter coat. Owners call these two times “shedding season” and it lasts around three weeks. They have a double coat made up of waterproof hair and a fluffy undercoat. The top layer keeps the dog dry; the undercoat keeps them warm.

Training:

Easy

Sociability:

Naturally friendly

Country of Origin:

Canada

What's the difference between a Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?

A Labrador is a loyal and intelligent dog that was initially bred to retrieve waterfowl. A Golden Retriever was bred initially as a gundog. They look similar. They both have thick, dense, water-repellent coats, and are great working dogs.

What can you expect from 8-week-old Labrador puppies?

Your puppy will be willing to please you. You can expect that your puppy will follow you and will want to be loved and cuddled. You can expect that your puppy will chew so it's important to discourage biting and nipping. And you can expect that your puppy will play with other pets or children if you have them.

20 Popular Labrador Retriever Names:

Rocky, Sam, Charlie, Shadow, Jack, Duke, Bear, Buddy, Max, Jake

Shadow, Molly, Maggie, Lady, Sadie, Bailey, Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Lady

Ten things you should know before Buying a Labrador Retriever