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Labrador Retriever
Paw Prints 🐾
Karen S.
Labrador Retriever Parent
Dec 2024
Labs are very loyal dogs. They can also be high energy particularly when young. They are born to fetch and love their toys.
Find Labrador Retriever Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Labrador Retriever puppies available.
Find Labrador Retriever BreedersGet to Know Labrador Retrievers
- Natural Swimmers: Labradors are natural swimmers, often excelling in water-related activities and sports. Their webbed paws and otter-like tail make them particularly adept at swimming, and they have a strong affinity for water.
- Friendly and Outgoing: Labradors are famously friendly and outgoing, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their gentle nature and adaptability make them excellent family pets.
- Royal Roots: Labrador Retrievers were originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, and were later refined in England. Their hunting and retrieving abilities caught the attention of British nobility, who played a key role in establishing the breed as we know it today.
- Highly Versatile: Labradors are highly versatile and have been used in a variety of roles throughout history, including as guide dogs for the blind, search-and-rescue dogs, and therapy animals. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for numerous tasks.
- Impact on Modern Breeding: The Labrador Retriever has significantly influenced modern dog breeding practices. Their desirable traits, such as intelligence, temperament, and physical abilities, have made them a key breed in developing other popular breeds and hybrid dogs.
Breed History
Labrador Retriever Summary
Weight55-80 lbs
Lifespan10-12 years
ExerciseHigh
TemperamentFriendly
Outgoing
High-spirited
TrainabilityEasy
GroomingLow
What to ask your breeder?
It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.
Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Labrador Retriever Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. |
| Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) | Exercise Induced Collapse - DNA based test from an approved Lab. |
| D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test | DNA based D LOCUS results from an approved Lab. |
| Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) | (Optional but recommended) DNA Based CNM Test. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional but recommended) Advanced Cardiac Exam. Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd) Test | (Optional but recommended) DNA based PRA-prcd test from a licensed Lab. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Labrador Retriever Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
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