Labrador

Everything you need to know about Labradors

Life Expectancytypically 10+ years
SheddingShort length with heavy shedding
SizeLarge

Labradors are generally active dogs. One difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever is that a Labrador coat is short and dense, while a Golden Retriever’s is longer and wavy.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Labradors, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Labrador a forever home? Here are some Labrador facts that might help you decide.

Labrador crossbreeds

One popular Labrador crossbreed is the Labradoodle. This is a mix between a Labrador and a Poodle and Labradoodle colours include silver, cream, black and chocolate. Labradoodle size is typically large.

Caring for Labradors

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Labrador Retriever.

Caring for your chosen breed

Health issues

Before you give any type of Labrador a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issues for L...

How much food does a Labrador need?

The amount of food a Labrador needs depends on their: 

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.  

You can use the information on dog food packets as a g...

How much exercise does a Labrador need?

Labradors are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play.

L...

How much grooming does a Labrador need?

Although Labradors have short fur, they do shed so you'll need to groom your Labrador occasionally.

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a tim...

What size crate do you need for a Labrador?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

Labrador behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Labradors, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

Training your chosen breed

What’s the temperament of a Labrador?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So, every Labrador temperament is different.

As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop th...

Are Labradors easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...

Are Labradors good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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