🐕 Dog breed

Labrador Retriever: breed facts, care and health

Cheerful, playful and food-motivated. Easy to train and a great first dog — weight is the biggest risk.

✍️ CanlıDostum Editorial Team📅 October 22, 2026⏱️ 3 min read

⚡ At a glance

  • Adult weight: Male 29–36 kg (65–80 lb) · Female 25–32 kg (55–70 lb)
  • Life expectancy: 11–13 years
  • Activity: High · 1–2 hours a day
  • Best suited to: Families, active owners, first-time dog owners

Key facts

OriginCanada (Newfoundland), England
HeightMale 57–62 cm (22.5–24.5 in) · Female 55–60 cm (21.5–23.5 in)
Adult weightMale 29–36 kg (65–80 lb) · Female 25–32 kg (55–70 lb)
Life expectancy11–13 years
Activity needsHigh · 1–2 hours a day
CoatShort, dense double coat; seasonal shedding
Best suited toFamilies, active owners, first-time dog owners

Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.

Temperament

Labradors are social, energetic and get on with people of all ages. Their love of food makes training easy but weight control hard. They love fetch and water.

Daily exercise

1–2 hours of activity a day: brisk walks, fetch, swimming. Mental work like scent games matters as much as exercise.

🏃Log walks and play with the activity tracker and see weekly totals.
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Feeding

Some Labradors carry a POMC gene change that increases appetite, making the breed very prone to obesity. Count treats in daily calories.

Example: a neutered adult Labrador Retriever at an ideal weight of 30 kg (66 lb) needs roughly 1440 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.

Common health problems

  • Obesity
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): hind-leg weakness after intense exercise; genetic test available
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  • Ear infections
🚨Not every Labrador Retriever will have these problems; the list shows conditions seen more often in the breed. If you notice symptoms, or are getting a puppy or kitten, ask about the parents' health screening and plan regular check-ups with your vet.

Care tips

  • Brush 1–2 times a week, more when shedding
  • Dry ears after swimming
  • Check nails monthly
  • Weigh every 2–4 weeks
🪪Microchip your pet and keep your contact details up to date — in many countries it is required by law.

Frequently asked questions

Labrador or Golden Retriever?

Both are gentle family dogs. Labradors have a shorter, easier coat; Goldens have a longer one. Both are high-energy.

Why is my Labrador always hungry?

Some Labradors have a POMC gene change that increases appetite, so portion control is very important.

How much should a Labrador weigh?

Usually 29–36 kg (65–80 lb) for males and 25–32 kg (55–70 lb) for females. Ribs should be easy to feel.

⚠️This page is for general information and is based on FCI and AKC breed standards and general veterinary sources such as WSAVA, the AVMA and the Merck Veterinary Manual. It does not replace an examination or advice from a veterinarian.

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