LargeGreat Britain / Canada (Newfoundland)

Labrador Retriever

"The quintessential family companion: A friendly powerhouse defined by its gentle nature, keen intelligence, and an inexhaustible passion for water and retrieving."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 59 cm

Age10-13 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 56-62cmHead Height: ~76cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight30-36 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€80+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Highly energetic and athletic; requires significant daily physical exercise like fetching, swimming, or long walks.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Exceptional 'will to please' and high intelligence make them very easy to train and eager to learn tasks.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Extremely patient, gentle, and great with children; widely considered one of the best family breeds.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Very outgoing and friendly towards strangers and other dogs; typically lacks any guard or aggressive instincts.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Their even-tempered nature and eagerness to cooperate make them perfect for first-time dog owners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Adaptable to indoor living but requires dedicated daily outdoor activities due to its size and energy levels.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The short, dense coat is low-maintenance and only requires weekly brushing to stay healthy.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Has a thick undercoat and sheds consistently throughout the year, with heavy shedding during seasonal changes.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Defined by an extraordinary eagerness to please, the Labrador is a paragon of patience and kindness. Its outgoing temperament makes it an ideal match for families and first-time owners alike. While inherently gentle, they possess a youthful exuberance that requires consistent guidance. Their high intelligence thrives on task-oriented training, and their legendary appetite serves as an excellent motivator, though it demands a watchful eye on their caloric intake to maintain health.

Living & Exercise

This breed is a natural athlete that flourishes in an active environment. A home with a fenced yard and proximity to trails or water is ideal for their energetic lifestyle. While adaptable, they are not suited for sedentary living; they crave daily physical challenges and mental stimulation. As deeply social creatures, they require constant human interaction and don't tolerate long periods of solitude well, preferring to be at the heart of family activities.

Health & Grooming

Generally hardy, Labradors are genetically predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye conditions. Their biggest health challenge is often obesity, as they frequently lack a 'fullness' switch. Maintenance is straightforward: their weather-resistant double coat needs regular brushing to manage shedding. Special care should be given to their floppy ears, especially after swimming, to prevent moisture-related infections, ensuring they stay as healthy as they are happy.

History

The breed actually originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where it served as a tireless companion to fishermen, retrieving nets from the frigid Atlantic. Imported to England in the 1800s, British aristocrats refined the St. John’s water dog into the specialized retriever we adore today. While its roots are firmly planted in rugged work and hunting, the Labrador has seamlessly transitioned into the world’s most beloved family pet and versatile service animal.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.