Overview:
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Size: Medium to Large
- Maintenance Level: Medium
- Shed Level: High
- Temperament: Affectionate, Friendly, Energetic
- Friendliness: High
- Barking Tendency: Moderate
- Coat Colors: Black, Yellow, Chocolate
Best For:
- Families looking for a friendly and active pet
- Individuals or families with an outdoor-oriented lifestyle
Appearance:
- Muscular build, strong tail, wide skull and nose
- Height: 21–25 inches
- Weight: 24–36 kilograms, females typically lighter
Temperament:
- Highly sociable and friendly with people, children, and other dogs
- Known for their intelligence and trainability
- Enjoys being part of family activities
Care Guide:
- Grooming: Regular brushing due to double coat, sheds a lot
- Training: Early socialisation and consistent training recommended
- Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet suitable for medium to large breeds
- Exercise: High energy levels, needs daily exercise like walking, swimming, playing fetch
- Ideal Environment: Best in a home with space for movement; enjoys water activities
Health:
- Ear Infections: Prone due to floppy ears; regular cleaning advised
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Joint issues common in the breed; regular vet check-ups recommended
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia: Heart condition; regular monitoring and vet care required
- Exercise-Induced Collapse: Inherited condition; avoid over-exertion
- Hemangiosarcoma: Cancer risk; regular health screenings advisable
Diet & Nutrition:
- Balanced diet with grain to avoid Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Avoid grain-free diets with peas, legumes, or lentils
- Follow feeding guidelines for large breeds to maintain healthy weight
Behaviour & Training Tips:
- Personality: Affectionate, enjoys companionship, good with children
- Behaviour: Enthusiastic and playful; requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Training: Responds well to positive reinforcement; early training and socialisation essential
Grooming Guide:
- Requires regular brushing to manage shedding
- Occasional bathing recommended; more frequent during shedding seasons
Additional Information:
- Labradors need space and regular exercise
- Prone to certain health issues; pet insurance can be beneficial
- Ideal for active families who can provide attention and physical activities
- Good Family Dog: Yes, known for their friendly and gentle nature
- Intelligence: Highly intelligent, easy to train
- Exercise Needs: High; requires regular exercise to stay healthy
- Compatibility with Children: Excellent, but supervision is advised due to their size and energy
Curious to know more? Check out our Labrador Retriever!