Labrador Retriever
Overview
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Labrador Retriever is excellent with children of all ages and very sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are great for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Labrador Retriever typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is high. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Labrador Retriever should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Gentle, outgoing and superb with kids and other dogs
- +Easy to train and forgiving of first-time owners
Things to consider
- –Sheds heavily and is prone to weight gain without enough exercise
- –Needs an hour or more of activity a day to stay happy
Is a Labrador Retriever right for you?
On space, a Labrador Retriever is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are great for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Labrador Retriever
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Labrador Retrievers good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Labrador Retrievers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Labrador Retriever needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Great for first-time owners. Labrador Retrievers are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Labrador Retrievers good with other dogs?
Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Labrador Retrievers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Labrador Retriever is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.