🐕 Dogs

Labrador Retriever

America’s easygoing, endlessly friendly family dog.

Labradors are outgoing, eager to please and famously good with children. Bred to retrieve for hunters, they love water, games of fetch and having a job to do. Their adaptable nature makes them excellent first dogs for active households.

Lifespan10–12 years
SizeLarge · 55–80 lb
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$120–200 / month
Great for
FamiliesFirst-time ownersActive lifestylesFriendlyEnergeticTrainable
Labrador Retriever

Photo: IDS.photos from Tiverton, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Does best in a home with a securely fenced yard, though apartment life works with enough daily exercise.

High-quality large-breed food measured carefully — Labs are prone to overeating. Limit treats to 10% of calories.

At least 60–90 minutes daily: walks, swimming, fetch and puzzle toys.

Weekly brushing; daily during spring and fall shedding. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Obesity
  • Ear infections
  • Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual wellness exam, vaccines and heartworm testing; hip screening for breeding dogs.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.