Labrador Retriever
Lab
Labrador Retriever: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Labrador Retriever: a good fit for you
Labrador Retriever: could work, with compromises
Labrador Retriever: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Labrador Retriever is a British retriever whose roots are popularly traced to the coast of Newfoundland.[1] Today the Royal Kennel Club credits its popularity to its versatility as a family companion, service dog, guide dog and working gundog.[2] Its standard describes a good-tempered, adaptable and biddable dog with a strong will to please and a keen love of water.[1]
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–36 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
Labrador Retriever: origin and history
It is popularly thought that the breed originated on the coast of Newfoundland, where fishermen were seen using a dog of similar appearance to retrieve fish.[1] Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury introduced it to Britain in the late 1800s, and it found early fame in field trials.[1] The Earl, one of the breed’s early patrons, also gave it its name.[2]
The Kennel Club in England recognised the Labrador in 1903, and the American Kennel Club registered its first dog of the breed in 1917.[3] Its breed club was formed in 1916, and the FCI standard notes that, comparatively speaking, the Labrador is not a very old breed.[1] The FCI accepted it on a definitive basis on 24 December 1954.[4] It belongs to FCI Group 8 (Retrievers – Flushing Dogs – Water Dogs), Section 1 (Retrievers), with working trial.[1]
Fact sheet
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needshigh
- Trainabilityvery high
- Grooming needslow
- Sheddinghigh
- Barkinglow
- Good with kidsvery high
- Good with other dogsvery high
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlylow
- Copes with being alonelow
- Watchdog instinctvery low
- Good for first-time ownersvery high
- Affectionvery high
Labrador Retriever: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (5 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Plan for off-lead running or games, not just walks on the lead. Until the dog is fully grown, keep walks short and avoid jumping to protect the growing joints.
How long does it live?
10–12 years is the typical life expectancy. That is shorter than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). As with most large breeds, life is shorter than for small dogs. Breed-typical health risks: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, weight gain, eye disease, ear infections.
How big does it get?
54–57 cm at the withers and 25–36 kg. Size class: large.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 with children. Its size and energy can knock over small children, so supervise play. With other dogs it rates 5 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Yes, a lot: 4 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round. Brush once or twice a week.
Male or female?
56–57 cm at the withers for males and 54–56 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Weight: about 29–36 kg for males and about 25–32 kg for females. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Biggest difference: grooming needs (low vs. moderate).
| Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 25–36 kg | 25–34 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short | Long |
| Grooming needs | Low | Moderate |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want an easy-care coat
- want a quiet dog
- want to do dog sports such as agility or obedience
- want a cuddly companion
Labrador Retriever: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs about 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 10–12 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Sheds heavily
- 4 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round.
- Needs space
- 2 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disease, ear infections. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
- Prone to weight gain
- These dogs love food. Weigh out meals and count treats; extra weight strains the joints.
Labrador Retriever: puppy price and monthly costs
£800 – £2,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £116 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £800 – £2,000 [6] | from £116 [7] |
| United States | $600 – $2,800 [8] | $116 [9] |
| Canada | from CA$1,200 [10] | CA$367 [11] |
| Australia | A$3,500–5,000 [12] | A$210 [13] |
| New Zealand | NZ$1,500–2,500 [14] | NZ$100 [15] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia [21]
- A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
- Elbow dysplasia [21]
- A malformed elbow joint that can cause lameness.
- Weight gain [22]
- Loves food. Keep an eye on portions and exercise.
- Eye disease [21]
- Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.
- Ear infections [22]
- Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.
Health tests for the parent dogs
11 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, and DNA tests (EIC).
- Required of club members who breed in Canada (Labrador Retriever Club of Canada): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and eye exam.
- Required for breeding in Australia (Dogs Australia): hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED).
- Required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, and DNA tests (EIC, prcd-PRA).
| Test | United Kingdom [2] | United States [23] | Canada [24] | Australia [25] | New Zealand [26] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | Required | Recommended [27] | Required |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended [28] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: CNMCentronuclear myopathy | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: EICExercise-induced collapse | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | Required |
| DNA test: HNPKHereditary nasal parakeratosis | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: MCDMacular corneal dystrophy | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: prcd-PRAProgressive retinal atrophy | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | Required |
| DNA test: SD2Skeletal dysplasia (dwarfism) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: STGDStargardt disease (retinal degeneration) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended [29] | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
Australia and New Zealand: ● means a litter is only registered if the parents have the test.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and eye exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for EIC and prcd-PRA, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [30] [31] [32] [26]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [33] [34] [35]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [36] [37] [38] [39]
Similar breeds
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Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 122: Labrador Retriever (2026)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Labrador Retriever | Breeds A to Z
- American Kennel Club: Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Labrador Retriever (FCI nomenclature)
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Official breed standard: Labrador Retriever (1994)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Labrador Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- Spot Pet Insurance: What is the Cost of a Labrador Retriever in 2025? (2026)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Labrador Retriever Club of Manitoba (CKC-registered provincial breed club): FAQ
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Knose (pet insurer): Get Flexible Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers (2026)
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Pet-n-Sur: Understanding dog prices: what does it really cost to get a dog? (2025)
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- The Kennel Club: Breed Health and Conservation Plan: Labrador Retriever (2020)
- Scientific Reports (Pegram C. et al., Royal Veterinary College VetCompass): Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK (2021)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: Labrador Retriever
- Labrador Retriever Club of Canada: Code of Ethics (2026)
- Dogs Australia (Australian National Kennel Council Ltd): Regulations Part 6: The Register and Registration (Section 8 Breeding, incl. breed-specific Litter Registration Limitations 8.8-8.18) (2026)
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- National Labrador Retriever Breed Council (Australia): Health Testing: The Need for Clinical Eye Testing in Labrador Retrievers
- National Labrador Retriever Breed Council (Australia): Heart Testing: Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia and Labrador Retrievers (article by Sylvia Power) (2022)
- National Labrador Retriever Breed Council (Australia): DNA Testing (council position on DNA testing)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.