Dog · Large Breed
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable breed originally developed as a working dog for retrieving game and assisting fishermen. Labradors are known for their affectionate nature, strong food motivation, and excellent compatibility with families, making them one of the most popular companion dogs in the world.
The Calculator
How old is your Labrador Retriever in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Labrador Retriever is approximately 18 in human years.
Field Notes
About the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, where early ancestors helped fishermen retrieve nets and fish from cold waters. The breed was later refined in the United Kingdom into the Labrador we know today, valued for its soft mouth, willingness to work, and dependable retrieving ability in the field.
Labradors are typically outgoing, social, and eager to please. They tend to do well with children and other pets when properly socialized, and their steady temperament makes them popular as family dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
Care for a Labrador should include portion control, regular veterinary checkups, dental care, and early training to encourage good manners. Because they are very food-driven and prone to weight gain, owners should monitor treats carefully and keep them on a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Labradors are energetic dogs that need daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and well behaved. Most do best with brisk walks, retrieving games, swimming, training sessions, and active play, with at least 1 to 2 hours of combined activity each day depending on age and health status.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Grooming
Labradors have a short, dense double coat that benefits from regular brushing, routine ear cleaning, and occasional bathing to manage shedding and maintain skin and coat health.
Growth Curve
Labrador Retriever weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range — 25–36 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide
Stage-based portions tuned to breed energy requirements. Use as a starting point — your veterinarian tailors the final numbers.
Formative years
Young
Follow breed-specific puppy feeding guidelines
Peak years
Adult
Follow breed-specific adult feeding guidelines
Mature years
Senior
Follow breed-specific senior feeding guidelines
Questions, Answered
On the Labrador Retriever
Yes, Labrador Retrievers are widely considered excellent family dogs because they are affectionate, social, and usually very patient with children. They do best in homes that can provide regular exercise, training, and supervision, especially during their energetic young adult stage.
Most healthy adult Labradors need substantial daily exercise, often around 1 to 2 hours split between walks, play, and mentally engaging activities. Without enough activity, they may develop boredom-related behaviors such as chewing, barking, or excessive excitement.
Yes, Labradors shed year-round and often shed more heavily during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing can help control loose hair, but owners should still expect a noticeable amount of shedding in the home.
Labradors are generally very trainable because they are intelligent, eager to please, and strongly motivated by food and praise. Consistent positive reinforcement works especially well, and early obedience training helps channel their enthusiasm into good behavior.
Labradors are commonly prone to orthopedic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as obesity if their diet and exercise are not well managed. They can also develop ear problems and certain inherited eye conditions, so routine veterinary care and preventive screening are important.
Adjacent Breeds
