Labrador Retriever breed guide

Loyalty meets gentleness in the cuddly form of the Labrador retriever!

Read our guide to find out more about the much-loved Labrador breed…

Please note: When referring to the Labrador breed, we’ll use the terms ‘Labrador’, ‘Labrador retriever’, and ‘Lab’ throughout this breed guide.

Labrador breed history

The Labrador breed is believed to have originated in Newfoundland during the 16^th or 17^th century. At that time, Newfoundland was famous for its fishing industry, where dogs worked to retrieve nets and lines for fishermen, as well as to pull carts full of fish! 

Initially, a small Newfoundland dog – known as the St John’s dog – was the retriever of choice for fishermen. However, well-established trading routes between the UK and Canada meant that traders began taking their dogs with them to Newfoundland as they travelled. When hunting dogs were crossed with the smaller Newfoundland, that began the development of the Labrador breed we know and love today.

Eventually, when some of these crossbred dogs were brought back to the UK, their retrieving skills caught the attention of the gentry, who appreciated their sporting talent. As of the 1800s, the Earl of Malmsbury gave the Labrador their name, and helped to establish the Labrador as a pedigree breed.

Ever since, the Labrador has fulfilled many roles, including as a guide dog, drug detection dog, and, of course, as a beloved companion to families all over the world!  

Common characteristics of the Labrador breed

The following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Labradors, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Labrador’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a Labrador retriever

Labradors usually reach 55-60cm in height (at the shoulder).

Average weight for a Labrador retriever

On average, Labradors tend to weigh about 25-35kg.

Average lifespan for a Labrador retriever

Generally, most Labradors live for around 10-14 years.

Typical Labrador appearance

There’s a lot of personality, charm, and energy packed into the sturdy yet compact frame of the beautiful Labrador breed!

Labradors usually have a fairly broad skull, a medium-length jawline, and a wide nose. Their expressive brown or hazel eyes make it near-impossible to deny a Labrador’s request for snacks, and they have medium-sized, folded ears set back against their head.

While their build is usually on the slightly chunkier side, compared to other gundogs like pointers, a Labrador’s body shape should still be athletic in appearance. Labradors also have powerful legs, round paws, and an otter-like tail that’s ‘pawfect’ for wagging!

The Labrador’s coat is short yet dense, with a weather-resistant undercoat that requires grooming a couple of times a week – especially if they’re moulting.

A Lab’s coat can range in shade, though their coats tend to be found in the following colours:

• Yellow (a light cream or golden colour).
• Black.
• Chocolate.
• Fox red (a bright orange-brown colour).

Typical Labrador temperament

Famous for their kind and gentle nature, Labradors are devoted to their pack – whether they’re part of a large family or have one pet parent!

Due to the deep connection Labs often share with their human family they are known to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Labs are highly intelligent dogs who are excellent to train, especially if you find the right reward to keep their attention on you. But because they’re so clever, it’s important to make sure your Labrador is able to enjoy plenty of mental stimulation, to keep their mind occupied and prevent unwanted behaviours.

Thanks to their history as a working dog, and being part of the ‘gundog’ group, Labradors have lots of energy and enjoy staying active. So, your Lab will need at least an hour or two of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. This also means your Labrador will adore being involved in all your adventures, whether that’s camping, pet-friendly holidays, or exploring new destinations!

Additionally, Labradors are well-known for their love of water. So, you’ll need to keep them on a lead until you’ve checked it’s safe for them to swim – in case their enthusiasm takes over and they dive into trouble.

Top tip: It’s worth preparing plenty of towels and paw-cleaning supplies if you’re venturing somewhere muddy, since your Labrador is likely to want to roll in every puddle they can find!

Labrador health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, Labradors are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Labrador:

• Obesity.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (‘PRA’ can progress to total blindness).

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Lab may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns.

Fun facts about Labrador retrievers

Fact 1 – Labradors have webbed feet that are perfectly designed for swimming!

Fact 2 – The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds with pet parents in both the UK and USA.

Fact 3 – Sometimes, Labrador puppies from the same litter can have completely different coat colours.  

Fact 4 – Armstrong the Labrador was the world’s first diabetic detection dog. 

Fact 5 – Queen Elizabeth II was an active member and patron of the Labrador Retriever Club.