Dog breed – Labrador
Labrador
Fluffy, loving and intelligent, Labradors are a great companion for people of all ages.
Labradors at a glance
Fluffy, loving and intelligent
At least two hours of exercise a day
Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years
Large - between 25-35kg
Labrador temperament and personality
Labradors are known to be incredibly friendly, gentle and patient dogs that are quick to learn and easy to train. They’re also very playful and inquisitive, making them a great fit for families with young children.
Labradors are famously reliable, intelligent and loyal, which is why they’re a top guide dog choice for people with a visual impairment.
Labrador training and exercise
Labradors tend to be quite easy to train, as they’re quick to learn new habits. Labradors love their food, so some owners choose to train them with a food-based reward system, while others find that their labradors respond better overall without food as a reward.
If you’ve never trained a dog before or you’re having a hard time training your Labrador, consider joining a dog or puppy training class for some extra support.
Labradors need a lot of exercise as they’re larger and energetic dogs. They should get at least two hours of exercise a day, whether that's walking, running or playing.
Common Labrador health conditions
There are a few health issues that are common in Labradors:
- elbow dysplasia
- hip dysplasia
- obesity
- progressive retinal atrophy
- diabetes
- hypertension
- heart problems
While some of these conditions are genetic or age-related, you can reduce the likelihood of certain illnesses by feeding your Labrador a healthy diet, taking them for regular vet check-ups and giving them exercise.
Labrador feeding and nutrition
Like many dogs, Labradors need a well-balanced diet that consists of protein, carbohydrates, fats and minerals.
Labrador grooming
Labradors can be groomed by a professional to keep their coats in good condition.
Brushing your Labrador’s coat once a week keeps them looking fresh, though try to avoid cutting their fur. Labradors do tend to shed regularly, so brushing can also help keep this in control.
You can bathe your Labrador every four to six weeks, but feel free to occasionally bathe them when you need to if they get dirty.
Things to know before you buy or adopt a Labrador
If you’re thinking of buying or adopting a Labrador, there are some important things to keep in mind.
- Labradors are large and energetic animals that need regular grooming and lots of exercise.
- Leaving your Labrador alone for long periods can be stressful for them, as they love human company.
- Labradors are prone to certain illnesses (as listed above) which is why it’s useful to get pet insurance to give you one less thing to worry about if your dog becomes ill or injured.
On top of these important points, it’s crucial to get your home ready for your new pooch if you’re buying or adopting a Labrador soon. You can do this by:
- buying a comfy bed that’s spacious enough for your Labrador
- getting a stock of food ready (along with food and water bowls)
- talking with your children and getting them ready for your new dog
- buying a selection of toys to keep your Labrador entertained indoors
- researching pet insurance and what your Labrador needs
- buying a lead to take them for walks
- getting them microchipped and vaccinated
When does a Labrador stop growing?
It usually takes around a year for a Labrador to reach its full size.
Are Labradors good around children?
Yes, Labradors are great pets if you have children or young family members. This dog breed is playful and trusting, but keep in mind that they are large animals that can get too excited, which can be overwhelming for small children.