Labrador Retriever characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Very High | 11% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Very High | 9% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Labrador Retriever right for you?
The Labrador Retriever is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Labrador Retriever demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Labrador Retriever demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Labrador Retriever to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Labrador Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It prefers company and copes only with short periods alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Labrador Retriever
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Labrador Retriever genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Adaptability: Very high — the Labrador Retriever adapts to changes of home and routine better than almost any breed here. Only 9% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Labrador Retriever drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Trainability: Very high — the Labrador Retriever is among the most trainable breeds we score. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: High — the Labrador Retriever sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Labrador Retriever actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Labrador Retriever fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Very high trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Labrador Retriever is ranked in
The Labrador Retriever earns a place on 10 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Families with children
- First-time owners
- Active lifestyles
- Service dog work
Things to consider
- Sheds considerably
- Can be overweight easily
- High exercise needs when young
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Labrador Retriever good with children?
- Yes — the Labrador Retriever is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Labrador Retriever shed a lot?
- The Labrador Retriever has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Labrador Retriever need?
- With high energy, the Labrador Retriever needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Labrador Retriever live?
- The Labrador Retriever typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
- The Labrador Retriever is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Labrador Retriever easy to train?
- The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Labrador Retriever be left alone during the day?
- The Labrador Retriever prefers company and copes only with short periods alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.