Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is the world's most popular family dog: kind, sociable and patient. Labradors make the best guide and therapy dogs.
Breed at a glance
- Weight
- 25–36 kg
- Height at withers
- 54–57 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Energy
- Shedding
- With kids
- Apartment-friendly
- Trainability
Temperament
A Labrador loves everyone: kids, guests, other dogs. As a guard dog it's useless. It's extremely food-motivated, which makes training easy — it'll do anything for a treat. It stays a puppy until two or three: jumping up and picking up anything it finds.
Care and exercise
It needs an hour to an hour and a half of activity a day, ideally with swimming — Labradors adore water. The short, dense coat sheds noticeably; brush once or twice a week. Above all, watch the portions: a Labrador is always hungry and gains weight fast.
Health
The most common issues are obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia and ear infections after swimming. Weigh your dog monthly and dry its ears after water. Ask the breeder for the parents' joint and hereditary eye tests.
This is a general description: an individual pet's temperament and health depend on its parents, upbringing and care. Ask your vet about your own pet's health.
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