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Labrador Retriever
Sporting breed from Newfoundland, Canada
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large, athletic dog with a short, dense coat. It is known for its friendly, outgoing, and energetic temperament, as well as being intelligent, gentle, and eager to please. These traits make it a popular choice for many households, though individual behavior can vary. The breed is classified in the Sporting group. Its size and lifespan are estimated: males and females typically weigh between 29 and 36 kg and stand 57 to 62 cm tall, with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The breed's recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Labrador Retriever at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginNewfoundland, Canada
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight29–36 kilogram
Female weight29–36 kilogram
Male height57–62 centimetre
Female height57–62 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada. It is believed to have descended from the St. John's Water Dog, a breed used by local fishermen to retrieve nets and escaped fish. This early history is not fully documented, and many details remain uncertain. Later, the breed was further developed and standardized in England during the 1800s, where English nobles refined it for waterfowl retrieving. The exact timeline and specific breeding practices are not fully recorded, so the breed's early development involves some uncertainty. Today, the Labrador Retriever is consistently one of the most popular breeds worldwide, though its exact historical path includes gaps in knowledge.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
29–36 kilogramAdult weight57–62 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShort, DenseCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyoutgoingenergeticintelligentgentleeager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Higher shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Labrador Retriever-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 5
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 5
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
- Higher shedding can require frequent coat and home maintenance.Supported by sheddingScore: 4
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Growth chart
Labrador Retriever puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight29–36 kilogramAdult female weight29–36 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retrievers are large dogs. Estimated adult weight for both males and females ranges from 29 to 36 kg, and height from 57 to 62 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of a Labrador Retriever?
The breed is described as friendly, outgoing, energetic, intelligent, gentle, and eager to please. However, not every individual will display all these traits consistently. Temperament can vary based on upbringing, training, and genetics.
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need?
Labrador Retrievers have a high energy level (energy score of 4 out of 5). They typically require regular, vigorous exercise to stay healthy and content. Activities like running, swimming, or retrieving games are often suitable.
What are the grooming needs of a Labrador Retriever?
Grooming needs are relatively low (score of 2 out of 5), but shedding is high (score of 4 out of 5). Their short, dense coat requires occasional brushing to manage loose hair. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding around the home.
Is a Labrador Retriever suitable for families with children?
The breed scores high for child suitability (5 out of 5), suggesting they are often good with children. However, individual dogs may differ, and supervision and proper introduction are always recommended.
Can a Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated high (5 out of 5), but this depends on the dog's exercise needs being met. With sufficient daily activity, they can adapt to apartment living, though a house with a yard may be more typical.
Where did the Labrador Retriever originate?
The breed originated in Newfoundland, Canada, from the St. John's Water Dog used by fishermen. It was later developed and standardized in England during the 1800s for waterfowl retrieving. Exact historical details are not fully documented.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.