A short, close and dense outer coat with a firm feel and no feathering, over a soft undercoat that keeps out wet and cold. The thick, rounded 'otter' tail, broad at the base and tapering to the tip, is one of the breed's signature features, and the paws are well webbed for swimming.142
Coloursblackyellow (light cream to fox red)chocolate / liver14
Personality what they are like
An even-tempered, sociable dog that tends to greet everyone as a friend. Labradors are bright, willing learners that enjoy having a job to do, and the breed standards stress a kind, outgoing nature with neither aggression nor timidity. Playful and energetic, they usually settle well at home once their exercise needs are met.1452
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Walks, runs, hikes, fetch and especially swimming suit them well, along with training games that use the brain. Dogs from field lines generally want more activity than those from show lines.352
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low effort. A weekly brush is usually enough, with extra brushing during the seasonal moults when the undercoat sheds heavily. The coat is naturally water resistant, so baths are only needed occasionally.35
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to town or country homes as long as there is daily outdoor exercise. A secure garden and access to safe water for swimming are big bonuses. Labs do best living indoors as part of the family.53
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced dog food in measured portions. Labradors are famously food-motivated and gain weight easily, so treats should be counted in the daily allowance. Puppies benefit from a food formulated for large-breed growth.52
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and happiest with plenty of company. They usually get along well with children, visitors, other dogs and household pets. Reward-based training, often with food or a retrieve as the reward, works very well.54
The story where it all began
The breed's roots lie on the coast of Newfoundland, where fishermen worked with the St. John's water dog, a hardy black swimmer that hauled in nets and lines. In the early 1800s British sportsmen, including the Earl of Malmesbury, the Dukes of Buccleuch and the Earls of Home, imported these dogs and bred them as shooting retrievers. By the 1880s the three families were cooperating to keep the line going, and the dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned are counted among the ancestors of today's Labradors. It was the Earl of Malmesbury who gave the breed its name. The Kennel Club recognised the Labrador in 1903, the first breed club followed in 1916 and the Yellow Labrador Club in 1925, while the AKC registered its first Lab in 1917. Early fame came from success at field trials, and the breed later became a favourite family pet as well as a leading guide, assistance, detection and search-and-rescue dog.2136
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The Labrador was America's most popular breed on the AKC list for 31 years in a row, until the French Bulldog took first place in 2022. In 2025 it ranked second.7
2
Despite the name, the breed was developed in Britain from Newfoundland dogs, not in the Labrador region of Canada.2
3
The first recorded yellow Labrador, Ben of Hyde, was born in 1899, while chocolate (liver) puppies were noted at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892.2
4
Labs have webbed paws and a thick 'otter' tail that works like a rudder when they swim.2
5
An estimated 60-70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors.2
6
A Labrador named Adjutant, from England, lived for 27 years and 98 days, making him one of the longest-lived dogs on record.8
7
Endal, a British assistance Labrador, was named 'Dog of the Millennium' and was the first dog to ride the London Eye.2
8
Two Labradors, Lucky and Flo, helped Malaysian authorities sniff out nearly 2 million counterfeit DVDs in 2007.2
9
The Labrador's ancestor, the St. John's water dog, also contributed to the Golden, Flat-Coated, Curly-Coated and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and the Newfoundland.6
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name 'Labrador Retriever' comes from the Labrador region of Newfoundland, Canada, where the breed originated, and 'Retriever' refers to their ability to retrieve game for hunters.9
Famous ones stars of the breed
Endal A Labrador Retriever known as the most decorated service dog in the world, who assisted his disabled owner and once saved his life by pulling him into the recovery position and covering him with a blanket after a car accident.9
Marley The mischievous Labrador Retriever from the bestselling memoir and film 'Marley & Me,' which chronicled his life with the Grogan family.9
Buddy The Labrador Retriever who played the role of 'Buddy' in the 1997 film 'Air Bud,' famous for his basketball-playing abilities.9
Sully A Labrador Retriever who served as a service dog for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and later became a therapy dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.9
I wake up to the smell of toast and the sound of my human's laugh. After a quick breakfast, we head to the park for a game of fetch, my favorite! I splash through every puddle and greet every dog with a wagging tail. Back home, I curl up on the couch for a nap, my head resting on a warm lap. In the afternoon, we practice a new trick, and I get a treat for being so clever. Dinner is followed by a gentle evening walk, where I sniff every bush and tree. As the stars come out, I snuggle into my bed, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 122, Group 8 Retrievers, Flushing dogs, Water dogs; Section 1 Retrievers (with working trial). Country of origin Great Britain; current standard published 16.06.2022.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Listed as 'Retriever (Labrador)' in the Gundog group; first recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903.3
AKC
Sporting Group; first AKC registration in 1917. Current standard approved 12 Feb 1994, effective 31 Mar 1994.4
Popularity 2nd most popular breed in the United States (AKC registrations), after the French Bulldog7
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Labrador Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Labrador Retriever tip
Labradors are famously food-driven, so keep treats to under 10% of daily calories and use them for training rather than free-feeding. Low-fat, single-ingredient chews are a good choice to avoid weight gain and tummy upsets.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Labrador Retriever, and at what times?
Feed your adult Labrador two measured meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Times can be morning and evening, but follow your vet's advice for your dog's routine. Labradors gain weight easily, so count treats in the daily allowance.5210
What should a Labrador Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food in measured portions is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.5211
How often should I bathe a Labrador Retriever?
Baths are only needed occasionally, about every 70 days or at least every three months, unless your Lab gets into something messy. Their water-resistant coat stays clean naturally.3512Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Labrador Retriever need brushing?
A weekly brush is usually enough, but during heavy shedding seasons you may want to brush daily to manage loose fur. Their short double coat benefits from extra brushing when the undercoat blows.3512Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Labrador Retriever's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.12Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need?
Labradors need high exercise, more than two hours daily according to the Royal Kennel Club, while Furry Diary suggests about 90 minutes. Walks, runs, fetch, and swimming are great ways to keep them happy and healthy.352Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Labrador Retriever's teeth and ears?
Brush your Lab's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently and never push anything into the ear canal.12Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Labrador Retriever live?
A Labrador Retriever typically lives 10 to 13 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life.523
Is a Labrador Retriever good with children and other pets?
Yes, Labradors are famously good with children and other pets. They are sociable, kind, and outgoing, making them wonderful family companions.1452
Can a Labrador Retriever be left alone?
Labradors are very people-oriented and happiest with company, so they may struggle with long periods alone. With proper exercise and training, they can manage short absences, but it's best to avoid leaving them for too long.54
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Curly-coated Retriever
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