Labrador Retriever: Your Guide to the Breed
Your Labrador Retriever guide:
Weight: Male 29-36 kg, female 25-31 kg (working lines can be smaller)
Height at the withers: Male 58cm, female 55cm
Energy level: Average
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Tendency to drool: Low
Tendency to snore: Slight
Tendency to bark: Slight
Tendency to dig:: Slight
Social needs:: Medium
Designed for:: Water retrieving
Colours: Black, yellow or liver
Health problems: Obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye conditions
The Labrador is a friendly, active and cooperative dog, incredibly loyal to its family. They love to join in with whatever you're doing! It's important to remember that Labradors need lots of exercise and stimulation every day to thrive, and they certainly have a healthy appetite!
Caring for your Labrador's coat
Labradors have a relatively easy-care, short coat that repels dirt. Colours range from light to black, including yellow and liver. They moult 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 often if needed, is usually sufficient. Their coat contains natural oils that help protect them from cold water and the sun.
Nail clipping
Your dog's nails will also need regular care. Clip them as needed, but aim for roughly once a month – it’s better to trim a little and often than to cut too much infrequently. Get your dog used to having their nails clipped from a young age. In our nail clipping course, we share our top tips for success!
Weight management
Because Labradors are naturally food-motivated and often want to eat more than they need, it’s your job as an owner to help them maintain a healthy weight. You can do this by learning about weight management and by understanding how to assess your dog's body condition – you can learn more in this video.
Limping
As a larger breed, Labradors are somewhat prone to limb mobility issues. You can find out more about the different types of lameness and what to do if your dog is limping in our guide to limping.
Digestive upset
Food-loving Labradors might occasionally eat things that aren't suitable for dogs, leading to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. While these are common reasons for vet visits, you can often manage mild cases at home. Find out when it's safe to treat your dog yourself here.
