Read time: 8 mins
09 Dec 2019
If there was a competition to find the most family-friendly dogs, Labradors would certainly have a place on the podium. They love human company – which explains why they make such faithful service dogs – and are eager to please. So if you want to laze on the sofa or go out for a run in the park, that's what they want to do, too.
Labradors, often simply referred to as Labs, trace their roots to Newfoundland, Canada, where they were initially known as St. John's dogs. In the 19th century, they made their journey across the Atlantic to England, where their breeding and development continued.
Originally bred for fishing assistance, Labradors served as invaluable companions to fishermen. Their exceptional swimming abilities and strong work ethic made them adept at retrieving fishing nets and hauling in catches from the chilly waters.
Labradors fall under the Gundog Group as classified by The Kennel Club UK guidelines.
This distinctive group is comprised of breeds that were initially developed for hunting and retrieving game for hunters. Labradors, with their exceptional intelligence and retrieving instincts, perfectly align with the characteristics expected from dogs within the Gundog Group. Despite their sporting origins, Labradors have seamlessly transitioned into beloved family pets, showcasing their versatility and adaptability across different environments.
The ideal owner for a Labrador is someone who appreciates an active lifestyle and desires a loyal, family-friendly companion. Labradors thrive in environments where they receive ample attention, love, and opportunities for physical exercise.
Among the factors that make Labradors one of the most beloved dog breeds is their size, a characteristic that embodies both strength and gentleness.
Male Labradors are estimated to reach 22-23 inches tall, whilst female Labradors grow to around 21-22 inches tall.
Male Labradors weigh somewhere between 65 and 86 pounds, whilst females Labradors will reach a weight of 55-75 pounds. That’s a lot of lovely Labrador to go around.
According to The Labrador Site, the age at which Labradors stop growing varies from puppy to puppy but typically you can expect them to be fully grown by their first birthday.
The ultimate floofs, a Labrador's coat is more than just a layer of fur, it's a testament to their versatility and adaptability.
Yes, Labradors do shed.
While they have a short, dense coat that helps protect them from cold water, it does shed regularly. Regular grooming can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
No, Labradors are not hypoallergenic.
Their shedding can trigger allergies in some individuals. It's important for potential owners to consider this aspect if allergies are a concern. However, it's important to note that no dog breed can truly be described as hypoallergenic, some breeds are simply less like to cause allergy symptoms than others.
Regular brushing helps keep a Labrador's coat in good condition. Bathing should be done as needed, and attention should be given to ears, eyes, and nails to ensure overall well-being.
Labradors have a short, dense double coat that sheds regularly. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and minimises shedding. Use a slicker brush or grooming mitt to reach through the dense topcoat and capture loose hair in the soft undercoat.
Labs are generally low-maintenance when it comes to bathing. Aim for a bath every 2-3 months or when they get particularly dirty. Use a dog-friendly shampoo to maintain their coat's natural oils and prevent skin irritation.
From their affectionate nature to their eagerness to please, Labradors embody a remarkable blend of charm, intelligence, and gentle spirit.
Yes, labradors are good family dogs.
Labradors are renowned for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family dogs. They get along well with children and are known for their patience.
Yes, Labradors are easy to train.
Labradors are not only intelligent but also highly trainable. Their eagerness to please and friendly disposition make them quick learners, making training sessions enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.
While Labradors are not known to be excessive barkers, individual personalities may vary. Proper training and socialisation can help manage their barking tendencies.
Yes, Labradors are highly intelligent dogs.
Their ability to understand and execute commands, coupled with their problem-solving skills, makes them stand out among other breeds.
Labradors, like many dogs, may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They thrive on human companionship and are happiest when surrounded by their family.
Yes, Labradors are natural swimmers.
Their love for water and webbed feet make them exceptional swimmers, a trait inherited from their Newfoundland ancestry.
Another key way to make sure that your Labrador’s health stays in top top condition is to develop a regular exercise schedule for them. As we know this breed is prone to obesity, high-quality exercise is important to keep those extra pounds at bay.
One hour of continuous exercise per day is recommended for a Labrador. This can vary based on age and energy-level so adjust where appropriate. Your pooch is an extremely clever cookie and will be sure to tell you if they’re tired or if they’re still raring to go.
Keeping pups happy and healthy is always at the forefront of pet parent minds. Part of this comes down to having a good understanding of what health conditions certain breeds may be prone to, so that you can make lifestyle choices to help prevent them from occurring.
Labrador Retrievers, while generally healthy, can be prone to specific conditions:
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition affecting the hip joints; can be managed with exercise, a balanced diet, and weight control.
Elbow Dysplasia: A developmental condition impacting the elbow joint; can be prevented with proper weight management and controlled exercise during puppyhood.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye condition which can lead to blindness; early detection and management through regular veterinary check-ups is necessary.
Obesity: Labradors are prone to weight gain; this can be prevented with portion control, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Ear Infections: Floppy ears can make Labradors susceptible to ear infections; these can be prevented with regular cleaning and inspection.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will help to ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances. A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2022, the average cost of purchasing a Labrador Retriever is £1,271. This price can vary depending on things like lineage, colour and whether or not the breeder is Kennel Club registered.
As well as the cost to purchase a Labrador, it’s important to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life. Such as:
• Vaccines, flea & worming treatments (including initial and yearly booster vaccines)
• Neutering or spaying
• Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, washes, toys, poo bags)
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare and boarding
Because of their natural tendency to be greedy, it is extra important to manage portion control when it comes to feeding your Labrador.
When you sign up to Butternut Box, we ask you a few questions about your dog, such as their breed, age, weight and activity level. This helps our super-clever algorithm to work out exactly how much food your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight. It even takes into account treats, so you can continue to reward your precious pup.
To get an exact price and plan, click the Build Your Box button.
Despite their similar appearance, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have a few distinct differences that makes them unique in their own ways.
One of these differences is their coat. Whilst both breeds have a double coat (an undercoat and a top coat) the maintenance may vary slightly. Golden Retriever coats are often longer and thicker, meaning that they require more regular grooming to keep shedding under control, as well as enhancing the beauty of those golden locks. However, that’s not to say that Labs don’t also require regular grooming. As a relatively high-shedding dog, the slightly shorter Labrador coat will still require regular maintenance.
In terms of colours, the Golden Retriever comes in one colour variety… you may have guessed it but we’ll tell you anyway, it’s golden. Labradors, on the other, can come in three different colours: black, brown and yellow.
These two gentle giants share many of the same traits when it comes to temperament. Known as two of the friendliest, most chilled out breeds, the humble Golden Retriever and Labrador are the perfect addition to a family home.
