Labrador Retriever Breed Information, Photos, History and Care Advice

We all know them: Labradors, Labs, or Labrador retrievers for the long version. No matter what you call them, they are one of the most familiar dog breeds around.

The color commonly knows this breed of their coats – chocolate lab, a yellow lab, and a black lab.

If you want to know everything there is to know about these lovable and intelligent dogs, our Labrador retriever breed profile is a great place to start!

Labs have been named America’s most popular breed among their notable achievements for over twenty-five years running. The sight of labs on television is just one example of how popular the breed has become.

The show Lost would not have been the same without the lab actress Vincent. In fact, Madison, the dog who played the role, was so talented that even the show’s die-hard fans never knew she was actually a female lab named Madison.

The breed is well known as a sporting and hunting dog too. They are a favorite of hunters, who use them to fetch and carry. Fishers and other people have learned what great companion labs make.

These dogs are also a favorite breed for families. Loving and loyal, their ability to learn tricks and eagerness to please has earned them top family dog status.

This loveable breed has won over hearts around the world. No matter how you look at it, the lab is a member of families the world over.

Main Characteristics of Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are full of energy and always ready for adventure. They are a sporting breed and known for their boundless energy. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, good-natured, purebred canine, look no further.

Labrador retrievers need to have some space to run and play. With their gentle nature and love of fetching, the lab makes the perfect family pet.

Remember: Labs have the energy to spare, and like children, they need an outlet for that energy.

As a companion on walks or runs, they excel at keeping up. They can become bored and develop bad habits if they do not have the opportunity to be active.

If kept in a small home with little or no yard, the family should include them in as many activities as possible.

Size of Labrador Retrievers

It wouldn’t be a Labrador retriever breed profile without talking about this breed’s size. Labs are medium-sized dogs and range from 21-inches to 24- inches tall, measuring at their shoulder. They average between 55-80lbs.

Paw size when a canine is still a puppy can indicate the dog’s size the puppy will grow into.

As is often the case, the breed females do not grow as tall as the males. Females will often be smaller on average, but this is not always the case. Male and female labs have sturdy legs and can often jump medium size fences with ease.

Lifespan of Labs

When choosing to add a Labrador retriever to your home, you’re making a long-term commitment.  Most Labs will live to be between 10-14 years old.

With proper nutrition and exercise to keep them healthy, they can often live longer.

It is not uncommon to see labs live up to twenty years.

The living conditions can also have a dramatic impact on the longevity of the Labrador retriever.

Many things can affect life expectancy; stress, losing a beloved family member, and even abandonment can shorten their lifespan by years.

Make sure to keep your dog happy for him to remain by your side for as long as possible.

Physical Characteristics of Labs

Most Labs have such distinct features that they are quick and easy to recognize.  When considering the Labrador, there are only three colors that the Kennel Clubs recognize as being registerable. These are Black, Yellow, and Chocolate. While there are many other colors of Labradors in existence, they will be disqualified from any show ring.

The coat of a Labrador is shorter and requires less maintenance than longer-haired breeds. With the denseness of the fur, they are quick to dry after a dip in the creek or another body of water. Labs can swim, and most love the water.

You can recognize a Lab by their clean-cut head and full-sized back skull. Their hanging ears usually flap over and are sensitive. One of the most recognizable features of a lab is its eyes. The trust and love you see in those soft depths is a blessing, and you should treasure them as they deserve.

Gazing into the eyes of a Labrador can be described as penetrating, loving, and intelligent.

Once you gaze into a Labrador retriever’s eyes, you will know that they are a family dog. They have a strong instinct just to be part of the pack, which means family.

Their love will shine through everything they do.

Labs can make you feel better when you are feeling sad. They will want to be included in any family outings.

When just playing at the house, they will need to be surrounded by their family.

Playing with them keeps them active and happy. Try throwing a stick in a lake or a big pond and watch them jump into the water to retrieve the stick. Labs typically love to play fetch and enjoy a great game of tug too.

Labs can be a bit too rambunctious for small children, but they’ll be a great friend for older kids.

A Labrador retriever breed profile wouldn’t be complete without discussing the breed’s distinctive facial features.

They have a thick nose, broad muzzle, powerful jaws, and a strong neck. It goes well with their muscular body.

RELATED ARTICLE: Adopting a Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle

Labs are covered in a double coat. The first coat is their undercoat, a soft downy hair that insulates them and keeps them warm in the winter and frigid water.

Their second coat is made of short, water-resistant fur, allowing the water just to run and drip off of them – not bogging them down when they swim.

Because of this double coat, labs require more grooming than most short-haired breeds.

Make sure to brush their fur often, as this will make them happy and much more comfortable. Brushing a lab’s fur will also keep their coat shiny and tangle-free and keep the amount of shedding down in your house.

The tail is another unique feature that needs to be addressed in a Labrador Retriever breed profile because it is a straight “otter-like” tail.

It is covered in a coat just like the rest of their body, making their tail whip-like if you ever get hit by it during their excitement to see you.

Their tails can even knock you down if you are not expecting it.

As with any dog, a lab wears its feelings on its tail. If he is happy, his tail will wag. If he is sad, then his tail will sag. Make sure to keep your lab happy.

The last telling physical feature of a Labrador is its feet. If you look between their toes, you will notice a membrane of flesh that connects the toes, making them webbed. This aids the dog in propelling himself while swimming.

Make sure to keep a lab’s nails trimmed to prevent any problems with his feet.

Living Arrangements for Labs

Although you can raise Labrador retrievers in an apartment, they require much space to run and play.

Small apartments would not be a good environment for a dog the size of a Labrador.

A lab that is fenced in can become bored and will likely become destructive. Because of this, it is better to allow them to roam, romp and play to their heart’s content.

Labs will thrive best when living in the suburbs or even the country with a big backyard and lots of room to explore and play.

They are fantastic dogs if you’re single, have a young family, or are getting into your golden years and want a companion.

A Labrador Retriever will grow with you and your family for many years of enjoyment and companionship.

Whether you’re looking for a friendly companion or a working dog to take out hunting or fishing or even for walks, the Labrador retriever is willing, ready, and happy to wear all of these hats.

He’ll go out with you for your morning walk, curl up while you read your newspaper, play with the kids when they get home from school, and go out and retrieve your kills from hunting.

A lab can even bring in the fishing nets for a fisher.

These dogs are hard workers and just want to please you and be part of the family.

Labrador Retriever Registration

Registrations for Labrador Retrievers are constantly pouring in, and the American Kennel Club registers more than 100,000 new Labradors each year.

This number doesn’t even begin to come close to how many are registered all over the world.

Every year that passes, organizations that register dogs see more and more Labrador retrievers.

Because it is one of the most common, the Labrador is also among the most abandoned breed of dog in the world.

People get busy and forget that Labradors are active sporting dogs.

When they grow bored, they develop destructive behavior that often leads them to be taken to shelters, where 98% of them are killed after three days.

What Else You Need to Know About Labrador Retrievers

We’re not done with our Labrador retriever breed profile just yet. These dogs have many characteristics, and all of them are good if you’re looking for a well-rounded family-friendly dog.

We’ve already discussed that they are stable, good-natured, and hard-working.

They are always seeking to help their pack (family) and just want to please you. Labs will stick by your side no matter what.

RELATED READ: Do Your Kids Know How to Be Around Dogs?

A Labrador’s patience is outstanding for either learning new tricks, being taught obedience, or even having young children play on or around them.

Their good nature makes them great companions for couples with small children. They are very loyal to people they consider to be family.

Labrador Retrievers are social dogs. They want to be a family member, so they do not do well with long periods of isolation. They want to be wherever their family is and will not enjoy being outside on their own for extended periods of time.

If left unattended for long periods, you may find that a lab can rival Houdini in how they can escape going exploring. They have a natural curiosity and willingness to learn, so they will explore and learn what they can.

Your dog should have their tags on at all times, and even having them microchipped is recommended.

Dog tags will help other people identify your dog and allow them to call you should your dog become lost.

A lab may also become destructive if left alone for too long. If bored, a lab will likely find its own entertainment. This may mean chewing up your belongings or tearing a hole in the wall.

You can usually prevent destructive behavior like this with interaction and lots of exercise.

 

What to Feed Labrador Retrievers

Labs love their dog food or any kind of food. If it’s within nose reach, it may disappear very quickly.

Having a measured amount of food available to them can keep them trim, so with proper meals and exercise, your dog can stay fit, trim, and healthy.

Just make sure not to feed them table scraps. If you get into that habit, your Lab will expect you to do that every time.

Many different brands of dog food will have specially formulated food for your breed.  Look for food that is high in protein and low in fillers.

Calories for Labrador Retrievers

• Typical adult Labs: 1,590 kcal
• Senior Labs: 1,140 kcal
• Active/sporting/working Labs: 1,900 kcal

Best Food for Labs

Picking the best food for Labs is important if you want to optimize their health and cater to Labrador’s specific needs. Focusing on good dog food with healthy ingredients should be the main focus of every owner with a Labrador Retriever at home.

Here are quick picks for the best food for Labs:

1. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food, Hi Prairie Canine Formula
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula
3. ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult dry dog food
4. Natural Balance Dry Dog Food Limited Ingredient Diet
5. Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs

You can find more information on the general best dog food brands in this review.

 

Best-known Labrador Retriever Facts

Labrador Retrievers are known mostly for their ability and joy in retrieving items; balls, fishing nets, toys, and even a downed bird while hunting.

Obviously, this is where their name comes from.

These dogs were bred to retrieve objects. They enjoy a good round of catch and will even retrieve rocks, should you throw them.

Any job you can think of that requires intelligence and determination is a great job for a Labrador Retriever.

In this Labrador retriever breed profile, you’ve already learned that labs are commonly used for hunting and other canine sports. These dogs are hardworking and enjoy having a job.

They are great partners for hunters, fishers, and search and rescue workers. Labs also enjoy being therapy dogs, eye-seeing dogs, and drug-finding dogs.

Labs can be a game-changer for weight loss.

Everyone needs that special push when it is hard to put on the sneakers and go for a run. Or even just going to the park and playing fetch.

Being active is something that labs have to offer their family. Nothing will motivate you more than your canine companion whining at the door to go outside and burn some energy.

Labrador Retrievers Love Water

Labrador Retrievers are known for their level of activity and their love of water.

If there’s a body of water, no matter how small or big, you will find your lab trying to play in it. It may not even be a body of water big enough for swimming, either. They will even enjoy playing in the mud puddle leftover from the rain.

With their waterproof coat, water will slick off of a Labrador. This also works for when they roll in the dirt or mud. Some of the dirt will sink into their coat, but you’ll be able to wipe the majority right off.

Labrador Retrievers Love to Taste Things

We couldn’t write a Labrador retriever breed profile without mentioning their love for food. Labs are known for their appetites.

They will and do eat anything and everything in sight, even if it’s not food.

They are counter surfers and scroungers. If there is food within the range of their nose, they will get it and eat it.

Veterinarians around the world have removed lots of items from the digestive systems of Labrador retrievers. They have found some weird things in there, such as hand towels, toys, and even Christmas decorations.

These non-food items cause intestinal blockage and, if not removed, can lead to the death of your dog.

The best cure for this is to keep your dog under supervision, fed properly, and supervised so they don’t get into trouble with unsafe items when they become bored. Keep their diet strictly to dog food.

Also, make sure not to feed them food from the table, because then they will try to eat your food before you do.

RELATED: Foods Dogs Should Not Eat: 10 Human Foods That Are Dangerous to Dogs

Labrador Retrievers Are Not Good Guard Dogs (too social)

What Labrador Retrievers are not known for is being a guard dog. Their friendly nature is more prone to walking up to a stranger wagging their tail and looking for a pat instead of being aggressive and scaring them off.

If this is what you’re looking for, then you’re looking in the wrong direction.

However, they will bark at unusual noises.

 

Labrador Retriever History

In the 1800s, the Labrador retriever, although at that time was not known by this name, originated from Newfoundland, Canada. At the time, fishers would use two breeds of dogs to help them in their day-to-day work.

The Newfoundland dog, also known as the St. John’s Newfoundland, is a large breed dog with a waterproof coat, and the lesser Newfoundland is now called Labrador retrievers. Unfortunately, the breed died out in Canada for a time.

Labrador Retrievers were bred to haul nets, retrieve ropes, and gather fish in the Atlantic Ocean.

Where they originated from before Canada, no one is certain. Experts believe that they could be the descendants of some dogs from Portuguese fishers who would fish the banks of Newfoundland and Labrador.

These dogs were known as “Cani Di Castro Laboreiro.” Much the same as the dogs in the 1800s, they would help the fishermen by bringing in the nets full of fish, retrieving lines that were out in the water, and delivering messages between boats.

Later on, in the 1800s, some visitors from England were so smitten with these hard-working and lovable dogs that they transported some back to England with them.

The Earl of Malmesbury became so besotted with the breed that he took several homes for himself to begin breeding. He would use the dogs when he went hunting in the swamplands that surrounded his estates.

The Earl’s son took on the responsibility of breeding the dogs, and he is the one who named them Labradors. It is believed to have been derived from the Spanish word “Labrador,” which means “laborer.”

Labrador retrievers were re-introduced back into North America in the 20^th century. The American sportsmen enjoyed their ability to be adaptable and flexible.

In 1903, The England Kennel Club named the breed to be an official breed of their club.

During 1917, The American Kennel Club recognized and certified the Labrador Retriever.

In 1991, they became the most popular breed in America and continued to stay the most popular breed.

In 1997, a chocolate lab named Buddy became the first Labrador retriever to call the white house his home.

 

Labrador Retriever’s Personality and Temperament

As previously mentioned in this Labrador retriever breed profile, these dogs typically have a very mellow temperament.

A lab gets many of his personality and temperament traits from his parents and how they were bred.

What dogs are bred together, depending on their temperaments, and how they are socialized when they are first born has a lot to do with how they will develop later on in their adult life.

Make sure that you find a reputable breeder who knows what they are doing when breeding. DO NOT get your puppy from a puppy mill or pet store because you don’t know how the pup has been treated.

Feeling bad for dogs like this is not a reason to adopt one. They will likely end up with behavior issues and medical conditions somewhere down the road due to improper breeding.

Try and find a breeder who breeds a specific type of lab. If you want an agile lab, find a breeder specializing in labs with strength in agility.

If you want a lab that is bred to retrieve things, find a breeder who specializes in that type of lab. Always pick out a breeder specializing in the particular type of Labrador retriever you want to join your family.

Common Traits of Labrador Retrievers

Most Labrador Retrievers will have a lot of the same characteristics. These include being well-rounded, good-natured, kind, outgoing, eager to please, and their love of all things human and animal.

These dogs are ideal for active families since they consider themselves part of the family and want to be involved in everything. They are perfect for taking out on walking and hiking trails.

Breeding Traits of Labrador Retrievers

Breeders can breed some personality traits into these dogs. A lot of this depends on what the parents and even the grandparents did. Many of those traits would be transferred into the pups if they were bred to be active trackers or retrievers.

If the parents are bred as companion dogs, their pups may not be as ideal for agility competitors as a puppy from parents who compete in agility.

Labs bred to exercise regularly will not suit those who want a dog to lounge around with them all day long. At the same time, a breeder who is more laid back will breed more content dogs to lay back and relax.

Although excessive energy is a trait of most labs, so they will likely still be excited to get out and go for that walk, run, or even just play fetch.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Train a Hyperactive Dog to Calm Down

Like most medium to big dogs, Labs will go through what seems like forever in their puppy stage, but once they reach 2-3 years, they will begin to mellow out more and more. They will be more apt to lounge with you as long as their energy has been spent.

Most Labrador retrievers are destructive and hyper during their puppy stage, but they are also patient enough that they are very trainable if you work with them.

Labrador Retrievers Are Easily Bored

No matter how old your Labrador retriever is, he will still get bored easily. This is when he may become destructive or inquisitive and explore, as mentioned earlier in this Labrador retriever breed profile.

If given the opportunity, your lab may wander the neighborhood to check out new smells or to see if there are any threats to be handed out. Ensure that he has a collar with ID tags on or even a microchip implanted to let everyone know where your dog belongs.

With their non-aggressive behavior, they are welcomed by most humans and even other animals when they go out to visit, but you don’t want them getting lost.

The way to keep your dog home and non-destructive is to keep him well exercised and mentally stimulated. Find ways to keep him entertained. If he can get what he needs from home, he won’t try to wander.

 

Labrador Retriever’s General Health and Common Ailments

As a general rule, Labrador retrievers are a healthy lot, but there are three main health issues that you should be aware of. If you purchase your dog from a responsible breeder, your puppy has probably already been pre-screened for these conditions. If not, you should have the dog checked out by your veterinarian.

The three main health issues to note in a Labrador retriever breed profile are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and retinal atrophy (or cataracts). Make sure to ask about the health certificates for these three issues before acquiring your new dog.

The Labrador Retriever Club requires hip and elbow certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OAF) and a checkup at the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) before a lab can be entered into the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). Look for these certificates when looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Another Common Issue in Labs is Obesity

The next main health issue that plagues Labrador retrieves is obesity. Sadly, this is common in almost every breed nowadays.

Recent statistics show that more than 50% of the domesticated dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. This condition is most common in middle-aged and older labs.

Since they have such a love for food, this can easily happen. Keeping your lab well exercised and on a moderate diet will help keep him healthy and at a proper weight.  Keeping your lab at an appropriate weight has been known to add two extra years to your dog’s life.

An obese Labrador retriever is more likely to be stricken with other health and joint issues. Since their weight puts a strain on their body, they are prone to heart disease, osteochondrosis (orthopedic problems), and diabetes.

Other Ailments Common for Labrador Retrievers

Other common ailments include epilepsy, allergic skin disease, ear infections, and even cancer. Cancer can be prevalent in this breed, especially once they reach middle-age or older. Although, it is not unheard of to be in puppies.

Like any athlete, Labrador retrievers are prone to athletic injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ALC) tears. They can also have an exercise-induced collapse caused by muscle abnormalities. This will cause a decrease in the dog’s strength, stamina, and movement.

 

How to Groom a Labrador Retriever

This Labrador retriever breed profile has explained that labs have a double coat consisting of a soft, insulating undercoat and a top coat which is short with coarse hair to help protect their skin.

Thanks to this double coat, labs require more grooming than most short-haired breeds.

RELATED: The Best Dog Brush

One thing that definitely needs to be noted is that Labradors are heavy shedders. You should brush them 1-2 times per week and even more often during the change of the season. This will help to keep the hair off of your clothes, furniture, and floor.

When brushing out your Labrador retriever, you should use a rubber curry brush, a metal shedding blade, or a wire slicker. After your dog is done playing in the water, dirt, or mud, wash him down to remove any left behind particles, which can get embedded in the coat and cause skin irritation.

This is another good time to run a brush through your dog’s coat to get out the grains of sand that can cause sores on his body.

Ears

After their swim, you’ll want to check for moisture in your lab’s ears. Since their ears hang down, there is no chance for them to air dry properly.

This can cause ear infections in your Labrador retriever. If you have issues with your dog’s ears or suffer from regular ear infections, talk to your veterinarian about using an ear cleaner.

Nails

You should trim nails every two weeks or as needed. Depending on where your dog is running or being active, his nails can wear themselves down. Nails should never be long enough that you hear them click as your pet walks through your house. Long nails can cause issues for your dog when he walks.

If you let his claws get too long, they will start to curl and embed themselves into your dog’s food. This will cause swelling and will make it very painful for your dog to walk. Long nails also have the potential of getting caught and tearing off, causing extreme pain and a trip to the vet.

Teeth

Brushing your lab’s teeth regularly can maintain good oral health. Allowing him to chew on bones, rawhides, antlers, and specific dental hygiene dog treats and chews will also help maintain his oral health. Staying busy with bones and chews can also help prevent your dog chewing on your furniture or other belongings.

 

How to Train a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers enjoy being outdoors and having their brain and senses stimulated.  They also have excessive patience, so they are easy to train as long as you work with them and keep them stimulated.

They also require consistency when you are training them. This will help them through their puppy stage and teach them what they can and cannot do. Training will help your dog be more obedient.

Exercising Labs

There are many activities that your Labrador Retriever will enjoy.

As long as they are part of the family, they’ll enjoy every minute of it.

But if you really want to treat them, take them to the water and let them enjoy some water sports, whether that is just retrieving the ball that you throw in the lake, take them swimming, or even boating.

If you are more adventurous, you can even try taking them out on a surfboard with you.

Other activities that they will enjoy include hunting, jogging, hiking, long walks, or just throwing the ball in the backyard.

Exercising with your dog a couple of times a day will help keep their energy level down and make them a pleasure when in your home.  It will also help to keep their destructive tendencies down.

If you’re up for something a bit different than the regular activities, then give these a try; agility training, tracking, and flyball are all a bit harder to do so that they will stimulate your dog even more.