Labrador Retriever
Sporting Group

Height at Shoulders
Females 21.5-23.5 in, Males 22.5-24.5 in
Weight
Females 55-70 lbs, Males 65-80 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-12 yrs
History
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada before the 19th century. When exactly they came to exist is unclear, but it is known that in the early 1800's, English nobles visited Canada and brought the Labrador Retriever's ancestors back to England. These dogs were descendents of the St. John's Water Dog, a breed that was essentially a smaller Newfoundland. Once in Europe, the Labrador Retriever was refined to a friendly and hardworking gundog. Their name is the result of a bit of a mix up, as they are actually from Newfoundland, not Labrador. However, the modern day Newfoundland is from Labrador. Today, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States and serves as a therapy dog, service dog, seeing eye dog, police dog, and hunting dog.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Labrador Retrievers share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★★
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★★
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★☆☆☆
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Sweet, friendly, and helpful
Favorite activities include swimming and playing fetch
Intelligent and very eager to please, making them easy to train
Known to excessively bark and chew if not given enough exercise or mental stimulation
Prone to overeating and may not be able to recognize when they have had enough
The Most Comprehensive Dog DNA Tests On The Market
Full Breed Analysis Test Kit
$89.99
- 164 breeds
- 36 genetic markers associated with 5 of the most common health traits:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Multiple Drug Resistance 1
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Breed, Behavior, and Health Lite
$119.99
- 164 breeds
- 75 genetic markers associated with 32 of the most common health conditions including:
- Von Willebrand Disease, Type 1, 2, and 3
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
- Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Excitability
- Noise fear
Breed, Behavior, and Health PLUS
$149.99
- Our Most Popular Kit
- Combines Full Breed + Complete Health Kits
- 164 breeds
- 322 genetic markers associated with 183 health conditions including:
- 7 Types of Cancer
- 6 Forms of Ataxia
- Haemophilia A and B
- 9 Types of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Excitability
- Noise fear
Complete Health and Behavior
$109.99
- Over 322 genetic markers associated with 183 health conditions:
- 7 Types of Cancer
- 6 Forms of Ataxia
- Haemophilia A and B
- 9 Types of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Noise fear
- Excitability