Labrador Retriever Breed Guide
About the breed Labrador Retriever
Weight: Males 29-36 kg, females 25-31 kg (working Labradors may be smaller)
Height at the withers: Males 58 cm, females 55 cm
Energy level: Average
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Tendency to drool: Low
Tendency to snore: Low
Tendency to bark: Low
Tendency to dig: Low
Social needs:: Medium
Bred for: Water retrieving
Colours: Black, yellow, or liver brown
Common health issues: Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions
The Labrador is a friendly, active, and eager-to-please dog. They're incredibly loyal to their families and love to join in with whatever you're doing. It's important to remember that Labradors need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day to thrive. They also have a big love for both food and water!
Grooming a Labrador
Labradors have a fairly low-maintenance, short-haired coat that repels dirt. Their coats come in black, yellow, or liver brown. They shed more heavily at certain times of the year, so you'll need to brush them more regularly then. A bath and shampoo about once a month, or more if needed, is generally sufficient. Their coat has a natural oil that helps protect them from things like cold water and the sun.
Nail trimming
Naturally, your Labrador's nails need regular care too. They should be trimmed as needed, but it's best not to let them get too long – trimming them about once a month is a good guideline. It's better to trim a little and often than to leave it for a long time and then have to do a lot at once. Get your dog used to having their nails trimmed from a young age. Our app course on nail trimming offers our best tips on how to do it!
Weight management
Because Labradors are enthusiastic eaters who often want more food than they actually need, it's down to you as their owner to help them maintain a healthy weight. You can learn about weight management in our app, and also how to assess if your dog is at a good weight.
Lameness
As a larger breed, Labradors are a little more prone to lameness issues. You can learn more about the different types of lameness and what to do if your dog is limping in our general lameness course.
Stomach upsets
Food-loving Labradors sometimes eat things they shouldn't, which can lead to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. While vomiting and diarrhoea are common reasons for vet visits, in many cases you can manage these issues at home. Find out more about when you can treat your dog yourself at home in the Lassie app.
