Labrador Retriever — Complete Breed Guide
Sporting · from Canada · AKC rank #2 (2025)
Key facts
| Breed group | Sporting |
| Origin | Canada |
| Weight | 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) |
| Height | 55–62 cm |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Coat | short dense double |
| AKC popularity rank (2025) | #2 of 202 recognized breeds |
Trait ratings
Our editorial 1–5 scoring, based on breed-standard temperament data.
Monthly cost
Expect roughly $100–$200 per month (estimate: food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance). Larger breeds and heavy groomers sit at the higher end. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Labrador Retriever coat colors and varieties
Officially the Labrador Retriever wears a short dense double coat, but ask around and you'll hear plenty of variety names — black, s yellow, english, red colored s are the ones buyers ask about most. These are variations within one breed, not separate breeds, and they don't change the trait scores on this page.
A reputable breeder talks health testing before coat color. Treat color-first marketing as a red flag.
Labrador Retriever puppies: what to expect
Puppyhood is the expensive, exhausting, wonderful part. Plan for a first vet visit within days of bringing yours home, a vaccine series over the first few months, and training that starts the day it arrives — not at six months.
The first year costs more than the monthly estimate above suggests: vaccines, spay/neuter, a crate, and chewed shoes add up. Socialize early and widely; the temperament scores on this page assume a well-socialized dog.
Common Labrador Retriever mixes
Designer mixes get a lot of searches, so here's an honest map: a mix inherits unpredictably from both parents — no guarantees on size, coat, or temperament. If a mix catches your eye, read both parent profiles where they exist and judge the dog in front of you.
- Labrador Retriever × Pitbull — judge the individual dog, not the label.
Health issues to know
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- obesity
- progressive retinal atrophy
- ear infections
- Families with children
- First-time owners (easy to train)
- Active owners (running, hiking, sports)
- You can't commit to 1+ hour of daily exercise
- You live in a small apartment with no yard access
- Anyone in the home has dog allergies
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Labrador Retriever live?
Typically 10–12 years. Larger individuals and lines with known health issues tend toward the lower end.
How much does a Labrador Retriever cost per month?
Roughly $100–$200 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming and insurance — an estimate that varies by location.
Is the Labrador Retriever good for apartments?
It scores 2/5 for apartment suitability. Not ideal — it needs space and struggles in small homes.
Is the Labrador Retriever good with kids?
It scores 5/5 for kid-friendliness. Excellent family choice, with normal supervision.
Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?
Shedding scores 4/5. Yes — heavy, year-round shedding.
What is the 5-minute rule for Labradors?
It is a puppy exercise guideline: about 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day — so a 4-month-old gets roughly 20 minutes. The idea is to protect growing joints in a breed already prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. It is a rule of thumb, not veterinary law; your vet’s advice wins.
What are the pros and cons of a Labrador?
Pros: the friendliest all-rounder in our dataset — 5/5 for both trainability and kid-friendliness, and AKC’s #2 breed in 2025. Cons: heavy shedding (4/5), 5/5 exercise needs that last well into adulthood, and legendary food obsession leading to obesity. A Lab is easy to love and hard to keep fit.
What is the calmest type of Labrador?
The English (show) type is generally calmer and stockier than the American (field) type, which is bred hotter for hunting. That said, ‘calm Labrador’ is relative — even show lines score 5/5 for exercise need as young dogs. Calm arrives with age, usually around 3–4 years.
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Health information is for general guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog. Cost figures are rough estimates and vary by location.