Always happy, always hungry: The Labrador Retriever

By Lauren Rey

The Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever – Fast Facts

Breed Group – Sporting
Temperament – Friendly, social, and tolerant
Energy level – High
Height – 22 to 24 inches
Weight – 55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy – 11 to 13 years

The lovable Labrador – always happy, always hungry, and always the life of the party! This sweet-natured, family favourite often tops the list when it comes to the most popular dog breeds, both at home and abroad. When they’re not busy being everyone’s best friend, Labs also dutifully serve as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs.

With a kind heart and a zest for life, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful companions. Here’s an in-depth look at owning this special breed.

History of the Labrador Retriever

The origin story of the Labrador Retriever is one that is complex, spanning multiple centuries and continents. Around the 17^th century, various dogs were brought to Newfoundland by fishermen from Portugal, Spain, and France. Nearly two centuries later, descendants of these dogs were bred for working roles alongside fishermen. They were called St. John’s Water Dogs; they excelled in swimming, diving, and retrieving.

Around the 19^th century, St. John’s Water Dogs began arriving in Europe where it is believed they were selectively bred, and possibly mixed with other breeds, for the purpose of hunting. They were renowned for their retrieving capabilities and ease of movement in the water. Quickly gaining favour with duck hunters. This semi-new breed was given the name of Labrador Retriever and once again spread throughout Europe and North America.

Today, the Labrador Retriever is more popular than ever, both as the quintessential family dog and in working roles. They are one of the most common breeds used as service dogs. Labs also serve in various roles within police and search and rescue operations. One of the most famous working dogs, a black Lab named Jake, heroically served in numerous search and rescue operations, including the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Jake was just one of many Labradors that have answered the call to save lives – their love, loyalty, and spirit are unmatched!

Labrador Retriever traits and characteristics

There are several unique attributes that help define the Labrador breed. Here’s what you can expect from a purebred Labrador Retriever.

Labrador Retriever size and appearance

The Labrador is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy, athletic build. Males of the breed can weigh 65 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 50 to 70 pounds and standing 22 to 23 inches tall.

Labradors come in three colours – black, yellow, and chocolate. Their eyes are typically shades of brown or hazel. They possess short, dense, double coats that offer protection from wind and water, and thick, rounded, otter-like tails to aid in swimming. Labs are known for their soft, floppy ears and expressive eyes, giving them a kind, gentle appearance.

Key traits of a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, loyal, and even-tempered dogs. They are also intelligent, obedient, and active which often helps them excel in training and service roles. If you’re looking for an all-purpose, easygoing dog that is happy to join you everywhere, from hiking to hanging out at coffee shops, the Labrador will be your new best friend.

Labs are right at home in the water. They love to swim and of course, retrieve things – which is what they were originally bred for. They excel at canine aqua sports like dock diving and water retrieving. They’re also just as happy to play a game of fetch on land or go for a run. Overall, this high-energy breed needs to move!

Because they’re such an active, playful breed, training and exercise are key to a well-behaved Labrador Retriever. If not properly trained or given an outlet for their energy, Labs may look to entertain themselves which can lead to destructive behaviour like digging and chewing. Unfortunately, Labs are also one of the top breeds reported missing, they’ve been known to dig under a fence or dart off after a squirrel. You can protect your Labrador Retriever with a microchip and a 24Petwatch Lifetime Protection Membership with access to lost pet recovery specialists and the largest microchip data registry in North America.

Labrador Retriever health and lifespan

The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Like all purebred dogs, Labs can be predisposed to certain conditions such as:

Allergies
Ear infections
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV (a gastric torsion commonly known as bloat)
Heart conditions
Cancer
Eye disorders
Centronuclear myopathy (a neuromuscular disorder)
Laryngeal paralysis (dysfunctional larynx)
Obesity

The hungry, hungry Labrador

Labradors are very food-driven, some might even call them food-obsessed. They always seem to be hungry, no matter how much they just ate. Ask any lab owner, and they’ll tell you their dog is a bottomless pit! Scientists suspect that a Labrador’s unrelenting appetite may be caused by a genetic variant in the breed that regulates feelings of hunger and satiety.

Unfortunately, their food obsession comes at a price. Labradors are at a higher risk for obesity, toxic ingestions (like chocolate), and foreign body obstructions (from eating things like socks). Labs are known to eat anything and everything. If it’s in their reach, they may try to eat it! Labrador owners will want to use extra caution with food, trash, and foreign objects lying around.

Due to their size, body type, and tendency to eat too fast, Labrador Retrievers are also at an increased risk for developing gastric dilation and volvulus, GDV, or more commonly known as bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes overextended with gas, causing it to twist or flip. Lab owners are urged to take extra daily precautions and learn the signs of bloat.

Symptoms of bloat:

Swollen or distended abdomen
Abdominal pain
Unproductive retching/dry heaving
Drooling
Pacing/restlessness
Lethargy

If you suspect your Labrador may be experiencing bloat, seek emergency veterinary care immediately!

Tips to help prevent bloat:

Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one big meal
Don’t allow your dog to gorge on food or water, use a slow feeder if necessary
Never allow unfettered access to food (make sure their food bags/bins are out of reach)
No exercise for a minimum of one hour before or two hours after meals
Talk to your veterinarian about a gastropexy, a preventative procedure for high-risk dogs

While nothing is 100% foolproof when it comes to bloat, following some of these tips may help reduce your Lab’s risk of developing the condition.

While not every Lab will be impacted by one of these conditions, pet insurance is always a good thing to have to help with veterinary expenses. Especially in the event of an accident or emergency. Protect your Labrador Retriever with a pet insurance plan.

Living with a Labrador Retriever

Being the social, high-energy dogs they are, Labrador Retrievers are best suited to spacious home with ownes that have an active, social lifestyle. Labs love to run, play, and swim but they're also just as happy to be by your side at the campsite or coffee shop. They love attention and affection.

Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise, usually a minimum of an hour a day. Walks, hikes, and games of fetch are all great ways to exercise your Lab. If you have a pool, you may find it difficult to keep your Lab out of it! While Labradors love to swim and are usually great at it, they should still be supervised and water safety precautions should be taken. In addition to physical exercise, Labs need mental stimulation like puzzle toys or nose work games.

Life with a Labrador Retriever also means dealing with dog hair. Labs can be moderate to heavy shedders and need frequent brushing. Labs also love to chew things, they’ll need durable toys like Kongs and you’ll want to be extra cautious about leaving destructible items in their reach.

Top things to consider before owning a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are wonderful companions, but as with all breeds, these dogs are not suited for everyone. This breed can be challenging for certain lifestyles so it’s important to make sure you are prepared before bringing one home. Here are the top things to consider if you’re thinking about owning a Labrador Retriever:

Labrador Retrievers are an 11 to 13-year commitment to daily walks and exercise
Labs don’t do well pent up all day; they need time to run, play, and socialize
Training and obedience work is very important for a well-behaved Labrador
Labs love the water! If you have access to a safe place for them to swim, they’ll be all the happier
Labradors are very food motivated, they’ll beg for extra snacks and even nose through the trash if given the opportunity, keeping things out of reach and training are very important

In general, Labrador Retrievers are an easygoing breed. They tend to love everyone, are gentle with children, and will do fine with all types of owners as long as they get enough exercise and attention. They will need a watchful eye as they tend to eat things they shouldn’t, and pet insurance is highly recommended due to some of their health risks.

Labrador Retriever FAQs

Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs?

Labradors Retrievers make excellent family dogs. They are typically gentle and patient with children of all ages and love to play. They’re also very affectionate and attentive. In general, they are known as the quintessential family dog.

Are Labrador Retrievers high maintenance?

Labradors Retrievers may be considered high maintenance to some due to their energy levels. Especially if you are bringing home a Labrador puppy. These energetic, social dogs thrive on activity and attention. Those wanting a more independent, calm, “couch-potato” style dog may find the Lab to be a lot to handle.

What’s the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever?

Similar in appearance and both hailing from the retriever family of dogs, the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever are commonly mistaken for each other, but these two breeds come from different backgrounds.

Labradors originated in Newfoundland while Goldens got their start in Scotland. They also differ in coat type. Labrador Retrievers have short coats that come in black, yellow, or chocolate, while Golden Retrievers tend to have softer, longer coats in shades of gold. Both breeds are known for their friendly, gentle temperament but Labs are considered more active while Goldens are usually a bit calmer.

Do Labradors bark a lot?

Labradors, especially if well-trained, are not known to be excessive barkers. They may bark to alert their owners of something, when looking for attention, or during play but they don’t tend to bark excessively or without reason. If a Lab is not getting enough exercise or attention or hasn’t had proper training, they may bark more than usual.

Can a Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?

It’s not impossible to live with a Labrador in an apartment, but it’s also not ideal. Labs need room to run and may become destructive when bored. An ideal home for a Labrador Retriever would include a yard, but, if an owner is committed to providing plenty of daily exercise and enrichment, they could make it work. Lots of walks, trips to the park, and puzzle toys can help keep your Labrador happy in an apartment setting.

Ready for a Labrador Retriever?

Owning a Labrador Retriever comes with a lot of responsibility but also a lot of rewards. These fun-loving dogs will keep you on your toes and provide lots of laughs. Just make sure you have the time, energy, and space for this special breed.