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Bright, bouncy, and beaming with joy, the Labrador Retriever temperament is this breed’s crowning glory. Often coming out as top dog when it comes to the most popular canine, they’re a loyal, loving companion with an insatiable appetite for life.
Called Labs for short, these people-oriented pups absolutely adore everyone – even the postman – and will often greet strangers with a big smile and lots of tail wags. They’re affectionate, gentle, and have a strong desire to please, making them an ideal pet for families with children.
Don’t expect your Labrador to guard your house though. Their warm, welcoming nature means intruders are more likely to be licked to death than anything else, especially if they have a snack in their pocket. That’s because Labs are serious foodies – but they’re not the fussy types. Labradors are known to eat everything and anything in sight, including non-edible items like socks, shoes, and stones. To protect your footwear, and their tummies, it’s essential they get enough nutrition, physical and mental stimulation, and early training to teach them what’s on and off the menu.
It doesn’t take much to train a Labrador though. This is a highly intelligent breed that loves having a job to do, making them amazing therapy dogs, guide dogs, or search and rescue dogs.
While Labradors might be sweet and even-tempered, they’re extremely exuberant with boundless energy to burn. Looking for a calm, laid-back couch potato? The Lab isn’t for you! They love to play, work, keep busy, and are always up for an adventure, whether that’s long games of fetch, joining you on a hike, or splashing about in (muddy) puddles and streams.
However, because Labradors thrive on activity, they can easily become bored if they’re under-stimulated. This can lead to destructive behaviours such as chewing through furniture or digging holes. They need lots of exercise and engaging games to keep them happy and healthy, and more so if they’re a working Labrador.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a fun-loving furry friend, the Labrador Retriever could be the breed for you.
Technically there’s only one type of Labrador, however the breed is often separated into two types; the English Labrador and the American Labrador (or the show Labrador vs the working Labrador). The English Lab (or show Lab) is commonly seen in the show ring. They’re stockier, have a broader head, and are considered more calm and controlled. The American Lab (or working Lab) is associated with field events, so they’re lighter-bodied, slightly taller, and can be more energetic. Interestingly, black Labradors are the most common colour used in hunting and field trials. Both the English and American types share the same lovable Labrador characteristics though, being high energy, affectionate, and eager to please.
Happy and friendly
High energy
Outgoing and social
Loves all people, including strangers
Even-tempered and gentle
Loyal and eager to please owners
Very people-oriented
Thrives on human companionship
Energetic and playful
Upbeat and enthusiastic
Always down for activities
Keen and quick to learn
Highly intelligent and trainable
Great with children and animals
Forms strong bonds with humans
Can be very bouncy and boisterous as a pup
Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendly with everyone | Needs lots of daily physical and mental exercise |
| Highly adaptable to different lifestyles | Mouthy and likes to chew |
| Very good with children and other animals | Not a good watchdog or guard dog |
| Highly intelligent and trainable | Sheds a lot throughout the year |
| Eager to please | Prone to some serious health issues |
Absolutely! The Labrador is often considered the perfect family dog, and it’s not hard to see why. They love everyone and everything and have an infectious zest for life, which is sure to always put a smile on your face. Labradors are exuberant dogs, thriving on the commotion that busy family life brings. However, they’re very high energy and were built for action, so they suit active families who enjoy the outdoors and can dedicate time to exercise and training.
Yes, Labradors love children and all the noise and bounciness they bring! They were born to play, so they make a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike. They’re big, energetic dogs with lots of enthusiasm though. Their wagging tails are surprisingly strong, and they’re known to jump up at people, so care needs to be taken around little ones who can easily be knocked over.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, the happy-go-lucky Labrador is known to be easy breezy with dogs, cats, and other animals if they’ve been trained and socialised well. They can make feathery friends too with birds and ducks, but just be mindful this breed was bred to retrieve fowl, so early training and socialisation is key.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Labrador Retriever is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Labrador Retriever properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
A lot! When fully grown, these active guys and gals need up to 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day. They’re lively, energetic dogs who make the perfect canine companion for outdoor adventures.
Think daily walks where they can romp about in the park, as well as hiking, swimming, and of course, lots of retrieving games. Long games of fetch with a ball or a stick will also keep these doggos happy. (You might want to invest in a ball thrower to make life easier for you!)
You also need to provide plenty of mental stimulation to fulfil the Labrador’s exercise needs. These are smart cookies who love having a job to do, such as fetching the morning paper or getting laundry out of the basket! Make sure their brains get a good workout each day with interactive puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games in the house, and trick training.
Their working heritage means Labs are naturally athletic, so they do well in canine sports such as dock diving, agility, tracking, and obedience training, which are great outlets for their abundant energy. They’re known to get carried away and overdo it though, exhausting themselves out, so owners need to stop exercising and play sessions at the right time.
If they don’t get the exercise they need, you might see some unwanted behavioural issues, such as destroying furniture, digging up the garden, or scratching at doors. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of activities – a walk around the block won’t do.
Originally bred to help fishermen haul nets, fetch ropes, and retrieve fish, or help hunters retrieve fowl from water, Labrador Retrievers have a natural affinity with swimming. This is something to bear in mind when you’re out and about. They could jump into a stream that isn’t safe, or get into trouble by walking on thin ice.
Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent and extremely willing dogs, making them super easy to train and ideal breed for both novice and experienced owners. Their working background combined with a courageous nature and athletic build has made the Labrador an effective search and rescue dog. Their steady, even temper and gentle disposition is also one of the reasons why they’re a popular guide dog for the blind.
They can be quite rambunctious though, so training a Labrador puppy is essential to ensure they don’t grow into rude, rowdy dogs. With lots of tempting treats and paw-sitivity, training your Lab will be a joy.
Unleash your pup’s potential with these Labrador training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats. Labs are very food motivated, so be mindful of how many treats you give them during training sessions.
2. Avoid harsh corrections. Labradors are sensitive dogs and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Use a cheerful, upbeat tone of voice, and a reward-based approach to training.
3. Puppy proof your home. Their love of food, combined with the need to have something in their mouth, can land them in all sorts of trouble if they eat something they shouldn’t. Make sure cables, medications, and cleaning supplies are out of sight, and teach them the ‘leave it’ command so they know what’s off the menu.
4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the lovable Labrador. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Redirect their mouthing. Channel their chewing and mouthiness with plenty of ‘indestructible toys’, soft plushies to carry around, and long-lasting dog chews. Not only will this save your sofa from potential harm, but it’s a great way to keep them engaged and stimulated.
6. Teach them the ‘drop’ command. Labs were bred to retrieve fish, so they love carrying things around in their mouths. Make sure they learn this command so you’re able to get back your socks or slippers without any fuss! Offer them a tempting treat, such as these Duck & Rosemary Probiotic Meaty Treats, in exchange for their ‘prized possession’, reinforcing the command at the same time.
7. Be consistent. Labrador Retrievers are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.
8. Get them used to a lead. Labradors grow into big dogs who often don’t know their own strength, so it’s important they know how to walk nicely on a lead without pulling. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. Due to their strength, you should also invest in a harness. The best harness for a Labrador is one that’s secure and heavy duty, allowing you to safely take your pooch on fun outdoor adventures.
9. Teach bite inhibition. Labradors are known to get quite mouthy and boisterous during play. When they’re a pup, teach them bite inhibition early on by redirecting playful nips onto a toy instead.
10. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Labrador be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
The Labrador has a short, smooth, double coat that’s water-repellent and fairly low-maintenance on the grooming front. However, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn, so be prepared to find hair just about everywhere.
You can sometimes get long-haired Labradors, although it’s pretty rare. Cutely named ‘Fluffy Labradors’, it’s the result of a genetic anomaly.
Here are some Labrador grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round.
Brush once a week to remove dried dirt and keep their coat nice and clean. The best brush for a Labrador is a wire slicker brush or a bristle brush.
Use a deshedding tool to thin out the undercoat and stay on top of loose hairs, and brush more frequently during shedding seasons.
Check their skin when grooming for signs of inflammation, redness, or lumps and bumps.
Labs love water and mud, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.)
Clean their ears regularly, especially after swimming or bathing, to reduce the risk of infection.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
There are three accepted Labrador colours; yellow, chocolate, and black. Some breeders might advertise a dog as being a white, golden, or fox red Labrador, however these are just different hues of the yellow Labrador.Silver Labradors are chocolate Labs with a recessive gene that turns their fur into a paler colour, while charcoal Labradors are a dilution of the black gene. Always check with the breeder though to ensure they’re full purebred Labs and not the result of crossbreeding.
Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Labrador Retriever lifespan is between 10 and 14 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a number of health issues.
Healthy Labrador Retrievers should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Labrador puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Labrador hip dysplasia can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.
Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.
Osteochrondrosis Disseceans (OCD). This is when the cartilage in the joints doesn’t grow properly, usually affecting the elbows or shoulders. It causes stiffness and leads to dogs not being able to bend their joints, which can be painful. OCD can be attributed to puppies being fed too much ‘growth formula’ dog food, or foods that are super high-protein.
Acute Moist Dermatitis (or Hot Spots). This skin condition is caused by a bacterial infection, and causes the skin to become red and inflamed. Treatment includes medicated dog-shampoo, frequent grooming, and antibiotics.
Lumps and Bumps. Not exactly a technical term, but Labradors are prone to develop masses on their body. Warts, cysts, abscesses, lipomas, and tumours are common examples. Take your pooch to the vet if you spot any, as they might not always be benign.
Ear Infections. Labs are prone to ear infections due to poor ventilation of the ears and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid – the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. Most Labradors also love water and swimming, but trapped water in the ear can lead to infection. Frequent cleaning can help prevent infection.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Limber Tail Syndrome. Common in Labradors and other retrievers, this painful condition (also known as cold tail or swimmer’s tail) causes a limber tail, making it go limp and sore. It tends to disappear on its own after a few days of rest though.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD). This is a congenital heart defect that Labs are prone to. Affected puppies are born with a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart that allows blood to leak back into the right atrium. The condition can be mild or severe, with some dogs living with no symptoms, while others may die from it. Heart medications can be administered to manage TVD, or surgery can be performed to replace the valve. Dogs with a familial history of TVD should not be bred.
Myopathy. This condition affects the nervous system and muscles, with signs showing as early as six weeks old. It causes stiffness, weakness, and lethargy, and some puppies may collapse after exercise. Over time, the muscles become atrophied and puppies struggle to stand or walk. There’s no treatment, but it can be stabilised with rest and keeping the puppy warm.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines.
Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This heart condition can be brought on by certain ingredients in grain-free diets that contain peas, legumes, and lentils. DCM causes the heart to become dilated and unable to function properly. Labs with mild cases may be asymptomatic, but dogs with severe cases may experience a rapid heart, difficulty breathing, lethargy, weight loss, and sometimes death. If caught early, it can be reversed.
Anal Gland Issues. Most dogs express their anal sacs naturally each time they defecate, but some dogs are predisposed to anal sac disease, including Labradors. When a Labrador’s anal glands become full, impacted, or infected, it can lead to abscesses, ruptures, or sometimes cancer. You’ll likely notice a distinct fishy smell from their butt, as well as scooting along the ground and excessive licking of the rear end. Make sure they get enough walks and opportunities to defecate, or book regular appointments with the vet to have their sacs expressed manually.
Epilepsy. Epileptic seizures last between one to three minutes, and can cause your dog to collapse, leg paddle, vocalise and urinate. Epilepsy usually makes itself known before the age of 5 and dogs are typically managed on daily anti-seizure medicine.
Feeding your Labrador a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Lab will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
As these dogs are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed adult Labs twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly.
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Labrador’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.
Regular exercise
These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Protect their joints
Being an active breed that’s prone to joint problems, you might want to consider feeding your Labrador our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. (Labrador Retrievers are fully grown by the age of one, but it may take 18 months to fill out their chest.)
Monitor weight
A healthy Labrador male weight is anywhere between 29–36 kg, while a female Lab weighs between 25–32 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. These pooches can easily pack on the pounds, which puts extra pressure on their joints and internal organs and reduces their quality of life. Owners should check their dog’s body condition score regularly and aim for a score of 4 out of 9. For greedy Labs, try this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management.
Prevent bloat
These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated.
Protect their skin & coat
For dogs suffering from itchy, inflamed skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Care for their ears
Labs have adorable droopy ears that are prone to infection, so make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after swims or baths, and clean their ears regularly.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Labrador Retriever’s dream home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Owner | Active individuals, couples, and families who have a lot of time to play, exercise, and train their pooch. They also suit households where someone will be home with them, either a human or a furry friend. |
| Outdoor Space | A medium to large secure back garden is preferable, with regular access to large outdoor space. |
| Adaptability | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments, as long as they get their daily exercise and mental stimulation. |
| Multi-Pet Home | They can coexist nicely with dogs, cats, and other animals if socialised and trained well. |
The unconditional love of a Labrador is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
The price of a Labrador can cost anywhere between £700 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Labrador Retriever is around £100–£150.
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Labrador costs between £40 to £100 per month per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Labrador Retriever should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Labrador Retriever even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most popular family dogs!
Ever wondered the difference between a Golden Retriever vs Labrador, or thought a Golden Retriever is a Labrador? They’re two separate breeds with clear differences in appearance. Labs are generally bigger and stockier than Goldens, with shorter coats that come in black, brown, and yellow. Golden Retrievers have a long, glorious coat that needs frequent grooming. However, they’re both intelligent, energetic breeds with loving, affectionate personalities.
You might come across dogs being advertised as Miniature Labradors, Toy Labradors or Micro Labradors, however no such breed exists. Those claiming to have mini Lab puppies could be breeding dogs that have dwarfism, or it could just be a marketing tactic to charge more.
Labs are named after the Labrador region of Newfoundland, Canada, which is where they originated.
All chocolate Labradors can be traced back to eight bloodlines.
Labradors are natural born swimmers thanks to their webbed toes.
They’re life savers! A Labrador named Endal was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for bravery after its disabled owner fell unconscious. Endal put them into a recovery position, placed a blanket over them, retrieved their mobile phone, and went to seek help. What a good boy!
National Labrador Day is celebrated on January 8th every year, so make sure to show all the Labs in your life some extra love.
Ever wondered how fast a Labrador can run? Their average running speed is 20 miles per hour (mph), however with dedicated training and exercise, some Labs can reach 30mph.
A Dudley Labrador is a yellow Lab that’s born without pigment in their nose, eye rims, and toe beans, giving these areas a pinkish colour.
Labradors have ‘soft mouths’, which basically means they’re incredibly gentle when carrying something. It goes back to their hunting and working days where they were trained to retrieve fowl without causing damage, or when they worked with fishermen performing a variety of tasks. As such, they can carry an egg for miles without cracking it!
The film Marley and Me actually used 22 different Labradors to play the role of the main canine character.
Ever wondered when Labradors stop growing? They reach full size between 12-18 months, however it takes these guys and gals a bit longer to mature than other breeds. They’ll still behave like a puppy until the age of around four.
You can get adorable Labrador cross breeds. The Staffy Labrador cross is called a Labrastaff, the German Shepherd Labrador cross is called a Sheprador, and the Springer Spaniel Labrador cross is called a Springador.
Hailing from the coastal Labrador region of Newfoundland, Canada, these dogs are thought to originate from the St John’s Water dog, an ancestor of the giant Newfoundland breed.
Prized for their strong swimming abilities and willingness to work, they were used by local fishermen in the 17th century to haul nets, move ropes, and retrieve stray fish. Their dense, weather-resistant coat and natural athleticism was the perfect match for icy Canadian waters. After a long day grafting, they’d spend the evening back at the fishermen’s homes with their families, proving themselves from the get go to be hardworking, loving companions.
By the 19th century, they’d caught the attention of British noblemen, and in 1830, the second Earl of Malmesbury was the first to ship several Labradors back to England. The dogs were used in fowl hunts, where they’d dive into waters to retrieve ducks and birds.
It was the third Earl of Malmesbury that referred to the dogs as Labradors though, as he played a pivotal role in developing and refining the breed. In fact, the Malmesbury family and other English dog enthusiasts could be credited to saving the breed, as in Newfoundland, these basically disappeared due to dog ownership restrictions and tax laws.
The breed continued to thrive in England, where they were loved not just for their retrieving skills, but for their friendly, affectionate, happy nature. Recognised as a breed in 1903 when the Kennel Club was established, these bright and cheerful dogs have continued to warm hearts and homes all around the world, serving as devoted family pets as well as incredibly talented service dogs.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Labrador Retriever.
1. Research the breed. Labradors are friendly and loving, but they’re high energy, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Labrador puppies, and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Labrador Retrievers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Labrador, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Labs in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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