Labrador Retriever At-a-Glance

Ah, the trusty Labrador retriever! This breed is like the Swiss Army knife of the dog world – they can do it all! Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada to retrieve fish that had escaped fishing nets, labs are now known for their friendly personalities, intelligence, and love of fetch (seriously, they’ll play for hours).

Characteristics Ratings

We rate 19 characteristics for each breed, divided into three categories:
Highest Rated – Characteristics for which this breed is rated 4 or 5 stars (on a 5 star scale).
Neutral Rated – Characteristics that rated 3 stars.
Lowest Rated – Characteristics that rated only 1 or 2 stars.

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Highest Rated

• Good Family Dog
• Kid Friendly
• Good With Other Dogs
• Low Drooling
• Friendly to Strangers
• Likes to Play
• Handles Change Easily
• Easy to Train
• High Energy Level
• High Intelligence

Neutral Rated

• Protective Nature
• Low Amount of Barking
• Good for Novice Owners
• Tolerates Cold Climate
• Tolerates Hot Climate
• Good General Health

Lowest Rated

• Low Shedding
• Suitable for Small Yards/Apartments
• Tolerates Being Left Alone

General Overview

There are many reasons why the Labrador has been the most popular breed in the United States for 29 years in a row.

If you’re looking for a dog that will fit right in with your family, the Labrador is close to the top of the list.  These pups are known for being friendly, loyal, and great with kids (and adults, too!). They’ll happily play fetch with your little ones, snuggle up with you on the couch, and even join in on family outings. Just be prepared for a lot of slobber – these dogs LOVE giving kisses.

Labs are known for their friendly and patient personalities, making them great companions for kids of all ages. They are also very energetic and playful, which means they’ll keep up with your little ones and keep them entertained for hours.

Labs are also great with strangers, as they are affectionate towards all people and are not typically aggressive or protective. However, their friendly and affectionate nature also means they do not make good guard dogs.

You should also note that Labs have a strong prey drive, so it’s important to introduce them properly to other pets. If you do, you’ll find that your Lab may just become your cat’s best friend!

Labrador retrievers are heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes. They have a double coat, which means you can expect to find quite a bit of hair around your home. As for drooling, labs are not typically heavy droolers. So, while you’ll be picking up a lot of hair, drooling won’t be a problem.

Since Labs are very social animals and tend to prefer being around people, they don’t tolerate being left alone for long periods. A few hours may be fine, but beyond that, they can develop separation anxiety.

Labs are very high-energy dogs. They were originally bred for hunting and retrieving, which means they have a lot of energy and stamina. They require lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. As a result, they are a poor choice if you live in an apartment or a house with a small yard.

Labs are an intelligent breed and are considered easy to train. They are highly motivated by food and praise, which makes it easy to teach new commands and tricks. Their friendly and people-pleasing personalities make training a positive and enjoyable experience for both the dog and the owner.

Overall, labrador retrievers are considered to be a healthy dog breed and have a lifespan of around 11-13 years. However, like all large dog breeds, labs are susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, and obesity. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these conditions.