


At a glance
1 to 2 hours of exercise a day
Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years
Large, between 25kg and 36kg
Easy-going, loyal, affectionate
1 to 2 hours of exercise a day
Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years
Large, between 25kg and 36kg
Easy-going, loyal, affectionate
Labrador Retrievers are the UK's most popular breed, and here’s why...
With many positive characteristics, Labradors have been well known throughout the years for their good temper, agility and stamina, intelligence and strong will to please. Known for being one of the most kind-natured breeds, they are often a favourite with families and those who live an active lifestyle.
Buying or rehoming a Labrador
Getting a new dog, whether you buy or adopt, is a huge commitment and there’s lots of preparation you need to do to be ready. Some things to consider are:
- Prepping your home
- Figuring out what to feed them, and buying the food
- Buying the essentials, such as leads and collars
- Prepping your family, especially any young children
- Securing your garden
- Understanding grooming routines and techniques
- Knowing how much exercise they’ll need
- Considering pet insurance
Fun fact
Labradors have a double coat to protect them from icy water. A bit like otters, they are almost waterproof.
What's it like to own a Labrador Retriever
Video duration: 0:35
Top 5 health conditions in Labrador Retrievers
We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions for Labrador Retrievers, based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims
Condition | Number of claims | Average paid out |
---|---|---|
816 | £1,137 | |
463 | £564 | |
455 | £1,346 | |
452 | £116 | |
378 | £1,181 |
Common health issues and problems in Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are overall considered a healthy breed, with a usual lifespan of over 10 years.
Some health conditions in Labradors can be down to their genetic history, and commonalities within the breed.
Click on the hotspots to find out more about the most common health issues affecting Labradors, as provided by our in-house vet team (October 2022).

Are you looking for insurance for your Labrador?
Labrador temperament and family friendliness
Labradors are typically the most family-friendly breed, due to their calm temperament and kind nature. They have a soft mouth, and are devoted companions, meaning they usually have great relationships with all members of the family, young to old.
If you have a busy household with young children, every member of the family can get involved in training and making kids aware of how to safely interact with the dog. With these basic skills and knowledge, relationships with a Labrador can thrive and lifetime bonds can form.
Family friendly
- Intelligent
- Faithful
- Great with children
- Easily trained








Grooming your Labrador Retriever
Overall Labradors don’t require a lot of grooming due to their low maintenance coat. However, it’s wise to introduce your Labrador to grooming from a young age so that they’re used to the different tools and techniques when you need to use them in the future.