🐶 Dog · size Large
Labrador Retriever
Large dog breed with unique character.
Photo · Andreaze (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Weight
25–36 kg
Size
Large
Lifespan
8–12 ans
Energy
Élevé
Origin
<br/>
Coat
Black, chocolate (liver-chocolate), or yellow (cream to fox red) in accordance with breed standard
Maintenance
Moyen
Training
Moyen
The Labrador, less commonly called Labrador Retriever or Retriever of Labrador, is a dog breed originating from Canada. It is a medium-sized dog with a round and robust appearance, generally yellow, chocolate or black in color; there are diluted colors of these three standard coats. Descended from the Saint John's Dog, the breed was imported and developed in the United Kingdom and Canada.
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Between 2015 and 2020, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in Canada, according to the Canadian Kennel Club. Very docile, playful, intelligent and of an imposing appearance, the Labrador is officially approved as a water dog and retriever dog. However, its exceptional character makes it a highly sought-after partner as a companion dog and working dog — notably guide dog for the blind, or detection dog for drugs or explosives by law enforcement and customs.
Compatibility
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Modéré
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Large size (25–36 kg): plan for space, exercise, and food budget.
- 2Life expectancy: 8 to 12 years on average, depending on care and diet.
- 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of activity daily for balance.
- 4Moderate maintenance — weekly brushing is sufficient.
- 5Documented predispositions: obesity, digestive sensitivity. Veterinary follow-up recommended.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Labrador Retriever
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Labrador Retriever
Character
Daily temperament
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard describes the Labrador as a friendly, faithful, intelligent, ardent and docile dog. The Labrador shows no aggression and is not overly fearful. The Société Centrale Canine describes it as sweet, attentive, devoted and playful. Very patient even with children, however, one must be wary of its playful and expansive character with the youngest, as it may hurt them unintentionally. Training should be done gently and preferably through play. It has the retriever instinct and loves water. The Labrador is capable of understanding up to a hundred different words.
Physical
Breed standard
The Labrador is a medium-sized dog with a good-natured and robust appearance. The body is strongly structured and rounded in appearance, but should not be too fat. The ideal height is 56 to 57 cm at the withers for males and 54 to 56 cm for females. The chest is well lowered and the ribs well developed. The loin and hindquarters are broad and powerful. The tail of medium length is very thick at the base and tapers gradually toward the end. Completely covered with short, thick, dense hair forming no fringe, the tail has a rounded appearance known as the "otter tail". The head is round with a straight muzzle ending in a wide nose, the jaws are powerful. Medium-sized eyes are brown or hazel in color. Attached rather at the back, the ears neither large nor heavy fall against the head. The coat is short and dense, without waviness or fringing and the undercoat is waterproof. The coat is entirely black, yellow or brown (liver-chocolate). Yellow ranges from light cream to red. A small white spot on the chest is allowed.
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According to a study published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, there is a relationship between the color of the dog's coat and life expectancy: chocolate Labradors have a life expectancy 10% lower on average, and encounter more health problems throughout their lives: the prevalence of external ear infections is twice as high and that of pyotraumatic dermatitis is four times higher.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Labrador Retriever of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of labrador retriever (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a labrador retriever ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 8–12 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
23 à 44 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
30years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +6 per year for a grand dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
A Labrador can be expected to live 10 to 12 years. It is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to health and well-being include hereditary disorders and obesity (most lack all or part of the appetite-regulating POMC gene). A study by the Royal Veterinary College and one conducted by the University of Sydney concluded that chocolate-colored Labradors have a shor
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ter average life expectancy than other Labrador colors (approximately 10%) and are more likely to suffer from certain health problems. Labradors are somewhat subject to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in large dogs. Eye diseases may include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia. They can suffer from exercise-induced collapse, which causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse and disorientation after brief exercise sessions, or obesity, which in some cases may be partly due to the absence of all or part of the proopiomelanocortin gene. The Labrador Retriever is subject to high appetite and has a marked predisposition to overweight, which requires special attention to its diet and physical activity level. In addition to regular exercise, it needs frequent mental stimulation to prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors. Two main lineages can be distinguished: the so-called "working" lineage, more active and fine, and the "beauty" lineage, more massive and generally calmer.
Documented predispositions
obésité · sensibilité digestive — adjust diet and veterinary checks.
🐾 Products suited to this breedAlert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a labrador retriever ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
335 g
per day · 1272 kcal
168 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Maintenance
Daily care
The Labrador needs to exercise regularly to avoid getting fat, as it is a voracious dog that tends to gain weight fairly quickly. According to Temple Grandin, it also tends to chew many objects that present themselves to it, more than other dog breeds, a peculiarity that seems linked to its appetite and voracity: "[...] in creating the Labrador, we created a compulsive eater". Temple Grandin, however, ignores the reasons for this characteristic trait of Labradors. The Labrador is a rustic dog whose maintenance is not very demanding. It is advisable to strip it during shedding periods. Its dense and waterproof coat allows it to withstand bad weather and swim without difficulty.
Appears in
Labrador Retriever in our rankings
Dogs most preferred by the French
The official LOF ranking of the most registrations in France.
See the rankingThe best swimming dog breeds
Water dogs and retrievers — swimming in otter mode.
See the rankingAffordable dog breeds
Dogs with gentle prices and reasonable upkeep costs.
See the rankingThe most intelligent dog breeds
Quick comprehension, memory, desire to cooperate: canine geniuses.
See the rankingThe best animals for children
Gentle, sturdy, and easy to handle companions.
See the rankingFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Labrador Retriever
Is the Labrador Retriever suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Labrador Retriever?+
What is the life expectancy of a Labrador Retriever?+
Is the Labrador Retriever good with children?+
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Labrador Retriever.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.