Labrador Retriever picture
Labrador Retriever

Labrador, Lab

Overview

The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized, short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever should be evaluated as a working gun dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. The short, “otter” tail is another distinctive feature of this breed. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks.

Size Medium
Height Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm) Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Weight Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg) Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Lifespan 10-12 years
Colors Black Chocolate Yellow
Origin Canada United States
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. They will be in their glory if you give them a job to do. Gain weight easily, do not over feed.

Trainability

Easy Training: The Labrador Retriever is known to listen to commands and obey its owner. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

Low Maintenance: Labs are easy-care dogs who don’t need lots of fancy grooming, but there are a few important things to know about their care.

Shedding

Moderate and Seasonal Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Vocalization/Barking

Occassional

Labrador Retriever Pictures