Dog breed · Sporting / gundog
Labrador Retriever
Friendly, eager to please, food-motivated
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–36 kg (55–79 lb)
- Height
- 55–62 cm (22–24 in)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Origin
- Canada and the United Kingdom
The coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Labrador Retrievers right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Labrador Retrievers weigh 25–36 kg (55–79 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador has been one of the most popular dogs in the English-speaking world for decades, and it is easy to see why: they are sociable, adaptable and gentle with children. Bred to retrieve game from cold water, they have a dense, water-resistant double coat and a strong love of carrying things in their mouths.
Labradors mature slowly and stay puppyish until two or three years old. Without enough exercise and something to do, they can become destructive. A 2018 study found that many carry a POMC gene variant that makes them feel hungrier, which is why weight control matters so much for this breed.
Health to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Obesity — Labradors often carry a gene linked to constant hunger
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections
Care in short
- At least an hour of exercise a day, including swimming or fetch
- Weigh food rather than scooping — Labradors put on weight easily
- Brush weekly, daily during the spring and autumn moult
- Start training early; they learn fast with food rewards
Kit for a Labrador Retriever
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Similar breeds
| Trait | Labrador Retriever |  Golden RetrieverCompare |
 Bernese Mountain DogCompare |
Cocker SpanielCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25–36 kg (55–79 lb) | 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) | 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) | 12–15 kg (26–33 lb) |
| Energy | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Labrador Retriever get?
Adults usually weigh 25–36 kg (55–79 lb) and stand 55–62 cm (22–24 in) tall.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
Typically 10–12 years.
Are Labrador Retrievers good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed?
Quite a lot — expect hair on furniture.
What health problems are Labrador Retrievers prone to?
Hip and elbow dysplasia; Obesity — Labradors often carry a gene linked to constant hunger; Exercise-induced collapse; Progressive retinal atrophy; Ear infections.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts