Labrador Retrievers: Facts, Size, Weight, Character, Temperament

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Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our brand new series, Dog Breed of the Month. First up, we look at the high-spirited, loveable Labrador Retriever.

"The Labrador certainly seems to be man's best friend in this country, and has reigned for decades as 'top dog' for good reason," Bill Lambert, Senior Health and Welfare Manager for The Kennel Club, tells Country Living.

Are you looking for a loyal companion? Here's everything you need to know about Labrador Retrievers, including need-to-know facts, size, life expectancy, origin and temperament.

Are Labrador Retrievers good pets?

Labrador Retrievers are energetic, beautiful and rewarding pets that will enrich their owners' lives in an instant. They make excellent companion dogs, as well as brilliant assistance dogs, too.

"Labradors are also incredibly versatile; they are as suited to being a four-legged family companion as they are to working as a guide dog or assistance dog," Bill tells CL.

Other things to know about Labrador Retrievers include...

They work well in a household with other pets
They do well in a family but with those living alone also
Labradors love to cuddle their owners
They have webbed toes which means they're great swimmers
The dogs love to be around large groups of people (they adore attention!)
Labradors are among the world's most versatile workers and can do almost anything
Though they are famously laid-back, this breed has heaps of energy that will keep their owners on their toes

Is a Labrador Retriever a good family dog?

Labrador Retrievers are easy-going and rewarding pets with a slow temperament and a big heart — perfect for families.

"As a firm family favourite, they generally have a fantastic and steady temperament – they are loving and full of personality, great with kids, intelligent and eager to please making them easy to train," Bill tells us.

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Are Labrador Retrievers aggressive?

No, Labrador Retrievers are not aggressive dogs. They are generally famous for having a patient, friendly and lovable personality — and are brilliant to consider if you have children.

Bill adds: "They're instinctively friendly and get on with anyone they meet, including people and other dogs! Really, as a breed, they are known as an affectionate and loyal all-rounder."

Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?

Just like many other dog breeds, Labradors bark for a variety of reasons — whether this is to get the attention of their owner, alert someone they love or to greet another pup. You may find that Labradors do bark more than other breeds, but this is only down to their active personality.

If they aren't mentally stimulated, these dogs can get bored pretty quickly — and they'll be sure to let you know. If you are considering adopting a Labrador Retriever, remember that they love plenty of social interaction.

What health problems do Labrador Retrievers have?

Some problems Labrador Retrievers may encounter include:

Joint problems, such as hip or elbow dysplasia
Weight problems (read our guide on how to help an overweight pup)
Ear infections
Heart disease
Bloat (here's our easy-to-read guide on what to do if your dog has bloat)

If your dog does encounter any of these problems, remember to always head to your vet to seek expert advice

What is the difference between a Labrador and a Labrador Retriever?

There is no difference between a Labrador, Labrador Retriever or a Lab dog. They are all the same breed, however some people refer to them by their shortened names. Labrador Retriever is the full name, which simply comes from the fact that the clever pups are able to retrieve objects.

Need some more help finding the right pup to adopt? Take a look at our expert-approved guides below:

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