Last updated: 22
Quick answer
Labrador Retrievers, one of the UK's most popular, beloved family dogs known for being endlessly loyal, friendly and always eager to please. Labradors require plenty of activity, with more than two hours exercise a day, carefully measured meals to monitor weight gain and lots of training from puppyhood to adult life at home.
Our world of breeds guides cover what Labradors are like to have at home, some of the most important things to plan for when bringing one home, a look into their diet and feeding guides and some of the questions owners ask the most.
Why Owners Love the Labrador Retriever
Starting in Newfoundland where it's ancestor, the St. John's water dog, helped the fishermen haul nets and fetch fish from icy waters, Labrador Retrievers were brought to Britain in the 1800s and has developed into the gundog we know today. It's soft mouth, love of people and steady nature is what makes it one of the UK's most popular dog breeds ever since.
Friendly with everyone
A well-socialised Labrador will typically greet everybody; adults, children and other dogs with a wagging tail and little suspicion.
Eager to please
Smart, food-motivated and keen to work with and be around you, this breed is highly trainable - which is why they're so regularly chosen as assistance/guide dogs.
Three classic colours
Labradors typically come in black, yellow and chocolate brown. Field lines are usually lighter and more energetic in nature whereas show lines are usually more stockier and calm.
Born to retrieve and swim
Fetching, swimming and carrying all come naturally to Labradors, it's fun for all when those instincts are put to work with fetch games and water play to ensure they are getting enough enrichment and engaging playtime.
The bottom line: Labrador Retrievers are not for a low energy household, give them plenty of exercise, training and a carefully portioned diet and you'll find a loyal companion who fits right into the family.
Labrador Retriever at a Glance
| Size | Large. Height approx. 56–57cm males / 54–56cm females; weight typically 25–36kg |
|---|---|
| Exercise | More than 2 hours a day |
| Home size | Larger homes, not recommend for apartments or flats |
| Garden | Large, secure garden |
| Coat | Short, dense, water-resistant double coat |
| Grooming | Once a week, more often during moulting season |
| Shedding | Yes, heavily in spring and autumn |
| Lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Town or country | Either can work, as long as they get enough daily exercise |
What to Plan for Before Getting a Labrador
What to carefully consider before adding a Labrador to your family
That appetite needs managing
They love their food and are often incredibly food driven, whilst this can be optimal for reward based training it means they require extra care to weigh meals and count treats within their diet to ensure they stay a healthy weight. Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that approximately 1/4 of Labradors carry a gene variant (POMC) which is linked to feeling hungrier!
They need a lot of exercise
The Royal Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise per day for a Labrador Retriever. Without enough exercise and enrichment, bored or under-stimulated dogs are more likely to turn to chewing or digging.
Puppyhood lasts a while
Known for being a little boisterous, mouthy and chewy from puppyhood into adolescence, firm training that starts early and continues into adulthood can make a big difference in the nature or habits of the adult your Labrador grows up to be.
Expect hair everywhere
With a double coat, Labs are prone to shedding year round and more heavily twice per year. This can be kept well managed with a weekly brush but do expect to keep your hoover handy throughout the year!
Health screening matters
Before you commit to a puppy, ask the breeder to show you the parents’ health test results. These should include hip and elbow scores and an eye test certificate (from the BVA/Kennel Club health schemes), as well as DNA test results for inherited conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can cause blindness, and exercise-induced collapse (EIC), which can make dogs collapse after intense exercise.
Common misconception: Easy going, doesn't mean low maintenance! Labrador Retrievers need a commitment to serious exercise, training and an active lifestyle to stay happy and healthy at home.
Puppy or Adult: Which Is Right for a New Owner?
Either can work. Puppies need time, patience and a real effort for early socialisation alongside firm training to channel and maintain all their bouncy energy and chewing. Adult Labradors, often rescued, mean you see its temperament, energy level and training from day one. For all ages, consistent routines from their first day at home will make the biggest difference - and that goes for all dog breeds!
Is a Labrador Right for Your Home?
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Not ideal
Homes where they'd be left alone for long hours
Labradors are people dogs and extended periods on their own can cause anxiety and lead to boredom, barking and destructive chewing.
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Can work well
First-time owners
Their forgiving, trainable nature suits newcomers and first time dog owners. As long as you're ready to commit to the daily exercise, enrichment and consistent training.
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Best fit
Active families who love the outdoors
If you already love the outdoors, long walks and trips to the beach, your life is a Labradors dream! And they will thrive in your home and as part of the family.
Bringing Your Labrador Home
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Puppy-proof your home
They will chew almost anything, so make sure to put away shoes, cables, food and keep any bins out of reach.
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Book a vet check
Your first visit should be booked, arrange vaccinations, parasite treatment and we always recommend a general health check too. Make sure their microchip details are up to date with the correct information.
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Start gentle socialisation
Once approved by the vet, introduce them slowly and positively to new people, places, sounds and dogs to get them used to experiencing new things and environments.
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Set a routine and start training
It's always great to start early, house-training, recall and activities such as loose-lead walking can go smoothly with a tasty reward like our fan favourite Mini Chicken Training Bones.
When to think twice: We all want every dog to have their best life, if you can't commit to more than two hours of exercise daily, regular training and portion controlling, a Labrador may not be the right fit for you.
Feeding Your Labrador
Labrador Retrievers thrive on fresh, high-quality ingredient diets that keep them lean and full of lots of energy. As they are prone to weight gain; feeding by weight, life stage and activity is very important and will take pressure off their joints too. Most adults do best on two meals per day. Check out our Fresh Menu range, or our hypoallergenic range for sensitive tummies.
How Much Should You Feed an Adult Labrador?
- Puppies: Approximately 4% off their body weight
- Adults: Under 15kg approximately 2-3% of their body weight. Above 15kg approximately 2-2.5% of their body weight.
For example, a 30kg Labrador fed at 2% needs about 600g of food a day (30kg × 2% = 600g).
| Adult weight | Daily food at 2% | Daily food at 2.5% |
|---|---|---|
| 25kg | 500g | 625g |
| 30kg | 600g | 750g |
| 35kg | 700g | 875g |
| 40kg | 800g | 1,000g |
Please note: these are guidelines for healthy, active, non-neutered dogs. Needs can vary by up to 50% depending on age, activity and metabolism, so use your dog's body condition as the real guide, and remember to count treats in their daily total.
What Toys Are Best for a Labrador?
- Fetch/retrieve toys and floating toys are great of high-energy fetch and water play.
- Durable chew toys and long-lasting natural chews to satisfy their chew motivated nature.
- Particularly speedy eaters can benefit from a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat to slow them down and keep their minds busy.
- Labradors love to show off, soft toys which they can carry will be parading around the home when you have company.
Good to know: To add enrichment without any extra calories, serve part of their food in a puzzle mat.
Labrador Retriever FAQs
How much exercise does a Labrador need?
The Royal Kennel Club recommends more than two hours a day for adult Labradors, ideally a mix of walks, off-lead running, retrieve games and swimming. Puppies need shorter, gentler sessions while their joints develop.
Are Labradors good family dogs?
Yes. Their friendly, gentle and patient nature makes them one of the most popular family dogs in the UK, as long as the family can meet their exercise and training needs.
Are Labradors good with children?
A well-socialised Labrador is usually wonderful with children. Young Labs can be bouncy and may knock over small children, so always supervise and teach children how to behave around dogs.
Can a Labrador live in a flat?
It's not ideal. The Royal Kennel Club suggests a large house and garden for this breed. A Lab can adapt to smaller homes, but only with plenty of daily exercise and time outdoors.
Do Labradors shed?
Yes, quite a lot. Their double coat sheds year-round and heavily in spring and autumn.
Are Labradors hypoallergenic?
No. Labradors shed heavily, so they're not a good choice for people with dog allergies.
How much grooming does a Labrador need?
A brush once a week is usually enough, with more frequent brushing during moulting season. Check and clean their ears regularly, especially after swimming.
Are Labradors easy to train?
Generally, yes. They're clever, food-motivated and eager to please, so they respond well to reward-based training. Start early and keep sessions short and fun.
Why is my Labrador always hungry?
Many Labradors are naturally food-driven, and some carry a POMC gene variant linked to feeling hungrier. Stick to measured meals, count treats and speak to your vet if you notice sudden changes in appetite.
When do Labradors calm down?
Every dog is different, but many Labradors start to settle at around two to three years old. Plenty of exercise and training helps them get there sooner.
How long do Labradors live?
The Royal Kennel Club lists a lifespan of over 10 years, and many Labradors live to around 12 or beyond with good care and a healthy weight.
What health problems are common in Labradors?
Labradors can be prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, ear infections and inherited eye conditions such as PRA. Choosing a health-tested breeder and keeping your dog lean both make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Labrador Retrievers when given daily adventures, plenty of training and a carefully portioned diet will be one of the most loyal and loving family members you could ask for. Our fresh menus can be a great fit to kick start a healthy natural diet for them.
Explore the Fresh Menu range
