Labrador Retriever

The loving, patient and gentle Labrador Retriever is the No. 1 most popular AKC-registered breed in the United States, and also ranks just behind the German Shepherd as the second most popular mixed breed.

Labradors are intelligent and very trainable – many service and rescue dogs are Labs or Lab mixes. They love an active lifestyle, and especially enjoy swimming. Since they’re so friendly, Labradors usually don’t make the best watchdogs.

Personality

Affectionate and loyal; eager to please
Great family dogs
Can be very single-minded

Size

55-80 pounds
20-25 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Family & Home Life

Great family dogs
Can live in apartments as long as they receive sufficient exercise
Enjoy the company of other dogs

Training & Exercise

Must be trained not to pull on their leash, as they have strong necks
Require regular, invigorating exercise to prevent behavioral problems

Coat

Short and straight
Black, yellow or chocolate
Shed regularly through the year

Care

Regular ear cleaning is necessary to avoid ear infections, especially after swimming
Since Labs love to eat, they are prone to obesity; be careful not to give in to their demand for food
Should not be left alone for long periods, as they will may bark and become destructive

Health

Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
May develop eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia
Tendency to become overweight
May have frequent ear infections due to their floppy ears, especially Labs that swim

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Rescue

You can search for a local rescue group on The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.‘s website.

PHOTO: Sherry Main

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.