Labrador Retriever
Overview and History
Labrador retrievers are one of the sweetest dogs around. They were bred to be a multi-purpose water dog and retriever, getting their start in Newfoundland. They are a very popular breed for a reason. They possess all the qualities of the best family pets: easy to train, excellent temperament, and their love for people, children, and other dogs. It’s also wonderful how much they love the water and thrive off of retrieving in the water. These are the kinds of dogs that can play fetch for hours, and with some light training they’ll bring that ball back to you every time so you’ll throw it again and again.
Place of Origin
Newfoundland
Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information
Description
General
Farm Living
Guide Dog
Service and Therapy Dog
Good With Children
Best With Families
Water Dog - Enjoys swimming!
Should Not Be Left Outdoors
Registered Breed
(Links below are to the Breed Standard Page for each organization)
FCI (The World Canine Organization)
Appearance
Size, Height, and Weight
Large Breed
Height at the shoulders:
Females 21.5-23.5 in
Males 22.5-24.5 in
Weight:
Females 55-70 lb (25-31.5 kg)
Males 60-75 lb (27-34 kg)
Coat
Length: Short, Straight, dense
Light Shedding
Grooming Requirements:
Minimal Care
Coat Colors:
Black, Yellow, Chocolate
Personality
Temperament
Devoted
Happy
Lively
Fond of People
Eager to Please
Fond of Other Dogs
Affectionate
Playful
Loyal to the family
Loyal to the Pack Leader
Active
Intelligent
Spirited
Friendly
Friendliness Towards other Dogs
Friendly – this breed tends to prefer being around other dogs.
Friendliness towards other Pets
Friendly – this breed tends to be friendly with cats and other animals.
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendly – This breed tends to enjoy the presence of, and meeting, strangers.
Energy and Trainability
Energy Level
High Energy/High Exercise Needs – This breed tends to have seemingly never-ending energy and won’t be satisfied with one short walk a day.
A large yard and daily run is a necessity with this breed. Expect to provide regular stimulation to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Training Ability
Easy - This breed tends to learn commands and expectations easily. Recommended for inexperienced owners.
Additional Information
Tips for Raising Your Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are prone to becoming overweight and so you may have to be extra careful about portion control.
Labrador Retrievers are a versatile breed and are often used in various fields such as search and rescue, as therapy dogs, and they are excellent competitors in a variety of dog sports and competitions.
As with all dogs, it is important to not over exercise a puppy. They grow quickly and too much pressure on their joints can cause issues later on in life. Wait until your puppy is at least a year old before you take them on any lengthy hikes or runs.
Labrador Retriever Rescue and Adoption Organizations
The Labrador Rescue of Nova Scotia
If you are a rescue and adoption organization and would like to see your information on this page and/or on our CAN Rescue and Adoption Organizations List, please use the contact us form and provide:
- The organization name, Web Site URL, breed/page you would like your site listed, and city and province of shelter location if applicable.
Sources:
Wikipedia, CKC, AKC, The Kennel Club (UK), and the FCI
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