Labrador Retrievers are highly energetic dogs that love just about everybody. Intelligent and highly trainable, they were originally bred to bring back hunters’ game and fishermen’s nets. Now, Labradors make excellent working dogs: at airports, on farms, as guide dogs, and more. Bred for work, they love to please, play and be a part of a pack. Labs are great with children and suit social, family homes.
Labradors are social animals, and, like all dog breeds, socialisation is vital in their development. Labs develop strong bonds with owners and families and prefer company over long periods of isolation. They are alert, friendly animals that benefit from having people around. Labradors are energetic but well trained Labs are calm indoors and enjoy company so shouldn’t be purely “outside dogs”.
Their excitement and affection for strangers, children, cats, lizards, and especially their owners is a delightful trait, and is one of the reasons people the world over love labs. But this socialisation can become a problem. Labs that haven’t had obedience training are prone to jump on people out of excitement, pull on the lead and don’t always come back when called if they’ve found something interesting. Because of this, it is important that you train your Labrador at an early age. These intelligent creatures will get a lot out of training. They are very responsive to play and food based rewards, so they are quick to learn and eager to please.
Originally from Canada, Labs are now loved all over the world. Their medium-large size and double coat mean that Labradors handle colder climates well. In the summer months, make sure your Lab has a cool, shady place to rest, lots of water, and plenty of opportunities to swim!
Labs live for around 10-14 years. Short-coated, they are seasonal shedders. If you bathe them when necessary and brush their coats once a week, your Labrador will require little grooming.
Labs like to run around and need plenty of exercise. Healthy Labs need about 45 minutes of physical activity every day. Swimming, fetching and mucking about in the backyard are great ways to tire your Lab out.
Labradors are big eaters, so be careful not to overfeed. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, and overfeeding will exert extra pressure on their joints. A simple way to avoid overfeeding is to swap food-based rewards with play and affection. Another is to have regulated meal times with no snacking. An average adult Lab will weigh between 28 and 31 kilograms.
| Size | 54-57 cm |
| Weight | 28-31 kg |
| Coat | Short-medium, seasonal shedding |
| Colour | Chocolate, yellow or black |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Temperament | Playful, obedient, social |