Also known as: "Lab", "Labrador", "Labby"
Breed Overview
The Labrador Retriever is a Large dog breed, with a starting weight of 55 lbs for females, and can reach 79 lbs for males. It is officially part of the Sporting group and recognized by the ACR, AKC, ANKC, APRI, CKC, DRA, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, UKC. Some critical information for potential owners. The Labrador Retriever breed has a typical lifespan of 10 to 16 years, Short hair, and an average price of around $371. Breeders interested in the Labrador Retriever should know that the average litter size is between 7 to 12 puppies.
Doggie Vitals
| Group: Sporting |
Size: Large |
Male Height: 22-25" |
Female Height: 21-24" |
Litter Size: 7-12 pups |
| Origin: Canada |
Hair Length: Short |
Male Weight: 60-79 lbs |
Female Weight: 55-71 lbs |
Lifespan: 10-16 years |
Official Description:
The Labrador Retriever is the most registered breed in the AKC, and one of the most well known dogs around. You may have seen Labs on shows such as Lost and Scrubs, in the movie Marley and Me, or as famous pets of President Bill Clinton, Prince William, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Because of their even temperament, intelligence, and work ethic they make for a great working dog. They’re also amazing family dogs because of their loyalty, patience, and willingness to please.
Labrador Retriever Breed Characteristics
| Group |
Sporting
|
Drooler |
|
| Size |
Large
|
Guard Dog |
|
| Yard Needs |
Medium Yard |
Easy to Train |
|
| Shedding |
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
| Kid Friendly |
|
Active Indoors |
|
| Apartment Friendly |
|
Exercise Demands |
|
| Stranger Friendly |
|
Intelligent |
|
| Pet Friendly |
|
Grooming Requirements |
|
| Barks |
|
Dangerous |
|
| Tolerates Cold |
|
Tolerates Heat |
|
Labrador Retriever Temperament
The Lab is truly a member of the family. They are people dogs for sure; they crave attention, human leadership, and need to feel the love they offer back in return. On the same note, they’re loyal, affectionate, and great with children or other pets. Labs are extremely playful and energetic; they love to be in the water and will run around for hours given the chance. Labrador Retrievers are as good a companion as they are workers, it’s easy to see why they’re the most popular breed in the United States.
Labrador Retriever Living Area
Given proper exercise, a Labrador will be able to live in an apartment. In a perfect world every lab would love to have a medium to large size yard with a pool, pond or stream to play in, however an average size yard and some playtime every day will keep your lab mellow and happy. Their high intelligence and extreme focus levels give them the ability to find ways of escaping from the yard, however they are not prone to digging or jumping high fences.
Health Problems
Labradors tend to deal with a lot of hip and elbow dysplasia issues, and sometimes problems with their knees also. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), corneal dystrophy, and Retinal Dysplasia are frequently concerns with the lab breed. Ear infections, skin allergies and rashes (especially in the Southern California area), and obesity are other health concerns for the Labrador Retriever. As always, be sure to purchase your lab from a reputable breeder to ensure a healthy pet.
Labrador Retriever Coat
The Labrador retriever has a short, smooth, and dense double coat. Its soft undercoat provides protection from its active lifestyle, whether it be the weather or the water, the lab can handle both with ease. Labs are constantly shedding, but its common for them to "blow their coat" (meaning shed large portions at once) twice a year.
Grooming Your Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the easier dogs to groom, however they do shed. Brush the dog daily to remove loose hair before it ends up on the floor, or if you don't mind, a weekly brushing is fine. If your dogs nails are not wearing down naturally when you exercise it, trim them every month or so, or as needed. If you can hear the nails hit the floor they’re too long and you better get the clippers out. If your dog suffers from bad breath, brush its teeth! It’s a good idea to brush the labs teeth daily if you have the time, two or three times a week is fine. To keep your Labrador clean and prevent odor, bath it every other month. If he tends to roll in the dirt after he goes swimming, bathing him as needed will not harm its coat.
Labrador Retriever Dog Colors
Labs come in 3 main colors: black, brown, and yellow. Some yellow labs may be very light in color, almost to a shade of cream, while others have a reddish hue; this is permissable by breed standards. A small white spot on the chest is also permissable, however not ideal according to breed standards. Chocolate labs can also vary in shades of brown, from light to dark, but tan and brindle markings are considered faults.
Recognized By
ACR, AKC, ANKC, APRI, CKC, DRA, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, UKC
Famous People Who Own Labrador Retrievers
Bill Clinton, Orlando Bloom, Minnie Driver, Dick Cheney, Brad Garrett, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rupert Everett, Guy Gibson, Sarah McLachlan, Steve Martin
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