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