Labrador Retriever

If you tell people your best friend is a water-repellent creature with webbed toes and an otter-like tail, they might think more “Loch Ness Monster” and less “canine.” Yet the Labrador Retriever was made for a life on the ocean (or lake or river—they’re not picky).

The Labrador Retriever has naturally floppy ears, a wide nose, and expressive eyes. They tend to have a short, dense coat that repels water—no raincoats needed.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears Labrador Retriever ears hang close to the head, just above eye level. They can cover the eyes if pulled forward.
2. Eyes Their eyes have a kind and friendly expression, and the color depends on their coat color. Black or yellow Labradors have brown eyes, while chocolate Labs have brown or hazel eyes.
3. Nose Lab noses are black on pups with black or yellow coats, and they’re brown on chocolate-colored pups. Their nose color may fade to a lighter shade as they age.
4. Coat Length Their coat is short, straight, and thick, with a weather-resistant undercoat.
5. Coat Color Labrador Retriever colors are yellow, black, or chocolate.
6. Tail Their tails are thick and tapered; they’re often called an “otter tail.”

Don’t worry one bit about how your Lab will fit in with the rest of the family—these affable pups are likely to get along with everyone (even strangers).

The Labrador Retriever personality is naturally outgoing. These dogs love to interact with humans, and they’re usually friendly with other animals. They’ll eagerly say hello to dog siblings or even cat siblings (though the felines might be less enthused than your Lab).

Labs are people-pleasers, and they want you to be proud of them—on that note, they’ll probably be easy to train, and they’ll likely be eager for socialization, too. After all, the sooner they meet strangers, the sooner those strangers become friends.

Cheerful and animated, this pup has energy to spare. This makes Labs perfect for an active pet parent or a family always on the go (who’d like to bring along a 70-pound furry friend). Funnel all their energy into positive outlets, like outdoor activities and training.

Labrador Retrievers love having a job to do. They excel at things like dock diving, agility courses, and (as their name implies) retrieving items. In fact, their superior intelligence is why they often make great therapy or service animals.

Labrador Retrievers are relatively easy to care for and make great dogs for first-time pet parents — as long as you’re willing to give them the high-energy exercise they need and return the loyal affection they’ll give you .

Grooming

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A Labrador Retriever’s grooming needs are fairly low-maintenance, but they still require work. Bathing: Labs often only need a bath every four to six weeks with a good dog shampoo . If your Lab is lucky enough to go on big weekly adventures (like hikes and runs on the beach), you might need to bathe them weekly. Brushing: Because a Labrador has short hair, they don’t really need haircuts. However, they do shed, especially in the spring and fall, and you’ll need to brush them at least once a week. Consider a tool like the FURminator to help brush out the undercoat and remove excess fur. Dental care: Brush your Labrador’s teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste . Start early so they get used to the habit, and schedule a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. Ear care: Regularly check your Lab’s ears to make sure they’re debris-free. If you notice any swelling, odor, or redness, your pup may have an ear infection that needs a vet’s care. Your vet may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at home . Nail care: Trim your Lab’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when your dog walks, it’s time for a manicure.

Training

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Labs are smart and eager to please, making them highly trainable. You can begin basic obedience training when your Labrador Retriever puppy is between 7 weeks and 4 months old. They can learn potty training , important cues (like sit , stay , and come ), and how to walk on a leash . If you adopt a Lab when they’re older, never fear—like many dogs, adult Labs are also great learners! You can even potty train them in their senior years ; it’s never too late. Always use positive reinforcement —praise, treats , and toys —to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior. Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so that they’re used to novel interactions and become a confident and calm adult. In general, Labs are extremely friendly dogs and do well in most social interactions if you i ntroduce them slowly and safely . Their large size and high energy level might be intimidating for smaller humans and pets, so it’s important for your Lab to show just how sweet and gentle they really are. It’s also not uncommon to see these brilliant pups being trained as guide dogs for the visually impaired or as search and rescue dogs. They really are that multitalented.

Diet

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There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Labrador Retriever, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards . Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage ( puppy , adult , or senior ), and consider a large-breed diet , especially for your growing Lab puppy. Royal Canin even makes breed-specific food just for Labrador puppies , adults , and seniors . Because Labs are so active and always on the go, they may also benefit from a high-protein dog food . Ask your vet if this is a smart idea for your pup. Labrador Retrievers are large dogs with deep chests—this makes them susceptible to a life-threatening condition called bloat (more on that later). Bloat can be triggered during mealtimes, so take these precautions when feeding your dog: Feed your Lab using a slow feeder bowl , snuffle mat, or puzzle toy to slow their gobbling. Avoid elevating your dog’s food bowls; this can increase the chances of bloat. Don’t let your pup exercise for an hour before or after eating. Feed your dog at least two meals per day instead of one big breakfast or dinner. Remember that calories from treats count, too. While treats are important for motivating your dog during training, don’t offer your Lab too many snacks. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Exercise

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Labs are high-energy dogs who love to have a good time, and who can blame them? They’re active, sporty souls who love nothing more than running , hiking, and swimming—and as their pet parent, it’s your job to make sure they expend all that energy. You’ll need to take them on runs around the neighborhood in addition to regular walks and hikes. At least one hour of exercise every day is ideal, but you could (and should!) do more if you have the time and energy yourself. Labs absolutely love the water—they were, after all, bred to be water dogs—so, pet parents should prioritize water-based outings as often as possible. Because Labs are natural swimmers, dock diving is a fun exercise that will keep them entertained. Before you choose a spot to splash, just make sure that the water’s safe for your pup .

Environment

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A Lab’s ideal home has less to do with type of house or yard and more with the question: Are you there? As long as their favorite person is home and showing them lots of love, they’ll probably be happy. That’s not to say that being near them is enough. On the contrary, if you don’t have a large yard to play in, you’ll need to take them to the park or dog park for at least an hour every day to meet their exercise needs. Even if you live somewhere with lots of land, a Lab will only be truly happy if you, too, love the great outdoors. These canines want to get out of the house—and not just a couple of times a year. They love adventure, and they’ll bond best with a pet parent who shares their passion for exploring. Your Labrador Retriever will probably do well with other pets and kids if everyone is socialized to get along well. Having guests over for dinner? Your sunny Lab will likely steal the show with their cheery personality and clever smarts.

The average Labrador Retriever lifespan is 11–13 years. Here are a few health issues to be aware of:

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Labrador Retrievers are prone to a life-threatening condition called bloat that occurs when the stomach gets distended with air and/or food. A serious complication of bloat is GDV when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs. Symptoms include abdominal distension, restlessness, and dry heaving. If you notice these signs, go to the vet immediately.
2. Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align well and become looser than normal. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements , physical therapy, pain meds, or (in severe cases) surgery.
3. Exercise induced collapse (EIC): EIC is a genetic condition that results in weakness and collapse after heavy exercise. There’s no cure, but the symptoms can often be managed by helping your dog to take it a little easier when they play.
4. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is the degeneration of the eye’s retina that leads to blindness. There is no treatment, but dogs often adjust well to vision loss and live full, happy lives.

Oddly enough, Labrador Retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland, Canada—not in Labrador.

According to the Labrador Retriever Club, they’re descendants of the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog, but they share that pup’s hunting heritage: The Labrador Retriever dog breed first became popular as pups who could help fishermen retrieve fish and ducks. Their soft mouth and gentle jaws made Labs perfect for this task.

Eventually, these canines crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and the English continued to refine the breed in the second half of the 19th century.

The popularity of the Labrador has only grown since then. Today, modern Labs are among themost popular dogs in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club, which recognized the breed in 1917.

Expect to payanywhere from $1,000–$2,500 forLabrador Retriever puppies.If you choose this route,pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt a Labrador Retriever, as there are many waiting patiently for their forever homes. Check out a Labrador Retriever rescue likeLabs4Rescue, keep an eye out at your local shelter, or searchChewy’s databaseof adoptable pets in your area.