Labrador Retriever

Average Height

55 - 62cm

Average Weight

25 - 36kg

Expected Lifespan

10 - 14 years

Few dogs are as universally loved as the Labrador Retriever. With their friendly faces, wagging tails, and endlessly kind nature, Labradors have earned their reputation as one of the best family dogs in the world. Always eager to please and quick to make friends, this breed brings warmth, loyalty, and joy into every home they enter.

Originally bred in Newfoundland as working dogs for fishermen, Labradors were prized for their strength, intelligence, and natural love of water. They helped retrieve fishing nets and lost lines, which later shaped their role as exceptional retrievers. Today, those same traits make Labradors incredibly versatile, excelling not only as family companions but also as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue heroes.

Labradors are energetic and playful, especially in their younger years, and they thrive in homes where they can enjoy daily exercise and outdoor activities. Walks, games of fetch, swimming, and interactive play all help keep them physically fit and mentally satisfied. Without enough activity, their enthusiasm can turn into restlessness, so an active routine is essential for this breed.

Despite their energy, Labradors are gentle, patient, and deeply affectionate. They form strong bonds with their families and are famously good with children, often tolerating little hands and endless hugs with remarkable calm. Labradors are social by nature and generally get along well with other dogs and household pets, making them an excellent choice for busy, social homes.

Bringing a Labrador Retriever into your family means welcoming a loyal companion who offers unconditional love, endless enthusiasm, and a heart full of devotion. Whether as a playful best friend, a trusted helper, or a comforting presence, the Labrador is a breed that truly earns its place as a family favourite.

The Labrador Retriever Anatomy

Head

Broad and well-defined with a clean-cut skull and moderate stop. Muzzle is powerful and of medium length. Nose is wide with well-developed nostrils. Eyes are medium-sized, expressive, and friendly, typically brown or hazel. Ears are medium-sized, set well back, and hang close to the head.

Body

Strong, well-balanced, and athletic with a level topline. Chest is deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. Neck is powerful and clean, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. Forelegs are straight and strong; hindquarters are muscular with good angulation, providing power and drive.

The tail is a defining feature of the breed — thick at the base and tapering toward the tip, commonly referred to as an “otter tail.” It is carried level with the back and acts as a rudder when swimming.

The coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant, consisting of a straight outer coat with a soft, insulating undercoat. This double coat provides excellent protection against cold and wet conditions.

Paws are strong and compact with well-arched toes, often slightly webbed to aid in swimming.

The Labrador Retriever Coat and Colours

  • Black
  • Yellow (ranging from pale cream to fox red)
  • Chocolate

Some Labrador Retriever Traits

Friendliness
Trainability
Energy
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Sensitivity

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