What You Should Know Before Adopting a Lab Retriever

All dogs are good dogs, but not all dogs are the same. While breed stereotypes are often overly broad and not necessarily accurate, there are certain realities to adopting specific breeds, like their genetics, their health, and their activity levels.

That's why it pays to be prepared. Know what you're getting into when you adopt a new pup, and you'll be able to proactively address potential problems, catch issues before they become emergencies, and have the best time with a loving friend you possibly can.

Adopting a Labrador Retriever is an exciting step to building a long-lived friendship with a loyal and loving canine companion. So do yourself a service and lay the groundwork for the best life you can lead together.

What is the History of the Labrador Retriever?

The labrador is a classic breed, but it's not as old of a breed as you might think. They're a relatively modern invention, created when St. John's Water Dogs were crossbred with British hunting dogs, as much by accident as intentionally. This started around the 1830s, so only about 200 years ago. Yes, 200 years is a long time, but when there are breeds like the Akita (10,000 years old), Afghan Hound (8,000 years old), and Poodle (2,000 years old) around, you can see why I say they're new.

Even back in the 1830s, when they started to appear, they weren't a common or distinct breed, and many writers of the time even confused them with newfies. They didn't even gain the name labrador retriever until the 1870s.

The labrador retriever was officially recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1903, and the American Kennel Club registered its first in 1917.

Like many other dog breeds, the labrador was bred with a specific purpose in mind, though there was a little less intentionality behind it than there has been in other breeds. They were originally meant to be sporting and hunting dogs – the "retrievers" for when a hunter brought down game – but their energetic and friendly demeanors meant they were very widely kept just as companion dogs. Labs are also fantastic as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and other modern purposes, including as rescue dogs.

Today, the labrador retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, second only to the French Bulldog, which they only lost to as recently as 2022.

Looking into a labrador for your very own? There are a ton of them out there, all of them ready and willing to be a loving companion. I can all but guarantee you'll find one at your local shelter without issue, so don't forget: Adopt, don't shop!

Primary Breed Characteristics of Labrador Retrievers

What is it about the labrador that makes for such a great, iconic dog? Let's talk about their physical characteristics, temperament, and overall health.

The Physical Characteristics

Labrador retrievers are firmly in the middle of the mid-sized dog category. They average a little under two feet tall at the shoulder, with females being only about an inch shorter on average than males. They weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. They're actually quite similar in size and shape to something like a pitador and many other mid-sized dogs as well.

As far as officially registered variations go, Labs come in three colors: yellow (which can range from almost white to yellow to a fox-like red), chocolate (formerly called "liver," a medium to dark brown), and black. These aren't distinct sub-breeds, just colorations, and one set of labrador parents can have a single litter that has all three colors among its puppies.

They have short double coats, so there's plenty of shedding to be seen, though they aren't quite as bad as some other breeds with it.

Visually, they have broad and happy faces, floppy ears, and thick, otter-like tails. They stand tall and proud and almost always have a goofy grin on their faces; they're just so happy to see you, whoever you may be.

Health and Wellness

Labs tend to live somewhere a little over a decade, with the average being 11-13 years. They do have a few health conditions to watch out for, but they aren't a brachycephalic breed or otherwise hindered by their size or shape. Overall, they're generally healthy dogs.

That said, it's always worth knowing the main risks your breed experiences so you know what to watch out for as they grow and age.

• Ear infections. Because of their broad, droopy ears, moisture and earwax can get trapped in their ears, leading to ear infections. This is especially a risk when they go swimming.

• Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia. This is a condition where a valve in the heart doesn't function properly. This can be asymptomatic, or it can be severe, but it can often be caught during routine physicals. Many labs with TVD live long and healthy lives, while others might need surgery.

• Joint Dysplasia. Both hip and elbow dysplasia can occur as inherited conditions. They basically just mean the hip or elbow joints don't fit right together, and the rubbing can cause arthritis over time. It's often manageable but can require surgery to correct later in life.

• Exercise-Induced Collapse. EIC, as it's called, is another inherited disease. It begins in the hind limbs and progresses over time. Dogs experiencing EIC lose strength in their hind legs and can collapse, and they often develop a fever when it happens. EIC is a genetic mutation and can be tested for, and treatment requires careful management throughout their lives.

• Hemangiosarcoma. This is an aggressive form of cancer coming from blood-related sources like the spleen, liver, or heart. It's quite dangerous because blood-filled tumors can rupture and cause dangerous internal bleeding.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is an age-related blindness, which generally develops in labs between the ages of 3 and 9 and gets worse over time. It's not treatable currently, but even blind dogs can live fine lives, and it doesn't have other associated issues or risks.

• Obesity. Because of their voracious appetites, labs are prone to obesity, are very much not picky about what they eat, and may eat things they aren't supposed to.

• Foreign Body Ingestion. Labs will eat anything you put in front of them. Whether that's their dinner, your dinner, or a sock you dropped while carrying the laundry, it doesn't make much difference to them. Unfortunately, many lab owners confront the terrible experience of an emergency surgery to remove that sock.

Remember that while some of these issues are very serious, they aren't guaranteed. Many labs live long and healthy lives and never experience any of these problems. As long as you're proactive with taking them to the vet for routine check-ups, you know what symptoms to watch for, and you can take appropriate action if you see them, you can handle anything that comes their way.

Mentality and Personality

If you had to describe a lab in one word, it would be "friendly." If you had to add a few more, "food-motivated" might be right up there.

Labs are a breed that lives large. They're the life of the party, gentle friends who are happy to meet new people and do great with other dogs, cats, butterflies, birds, children, passing rodents, and anything else. The internet abounds with adorable videos of these loving pups playing host to butterflies, even spending extra care to be careful not to hurt their fragile flying friends.

It's worth mentioning that labs don't really make good guard dogs without a lot of specific training. They're too friendly; an intruder is more likely to be greeted with tail-wagging than growling.

Fortunately, the combination of being highly food-motivated and extremely eager to please means that labradors are incredibly receptive to training. It's not uncommon to meet a lab that knows a list of tricks a mile long and is more than happy to demonstrate them for you. That's also why they make great service dogs; they can be trained to do complex tasks to assist their humans, as well.

The downside to all of this is that labrador retrievers are also extremely energetic pups, and they will run you wild looking to play. They're also prone to not really looking where they're going when they're excited and can run into things, including other dogs, people, or obstacles. Be prepared for a very energetic dog if you adopt a lab.

Tips for Caring for a Labrador Retriever

Caring for a lab isn't too difficult as long as you know what you're getting into and are prepared for the challenges. Don't worry, there aren't too many of them, and they aren't that difficult to overcome.

Know the health issues.

I listed the health issues above so you can do a little research and learn the signs and symptoms. Fortunately, most of those health issues are genetic, so your vet will be able to test for them and can warn you about what might be coming – and assuage your fears about what might not. Other issues, like ear infections, are just something you need to watch for. In particular, if your pup goes swimming or gets involved in anything wet – including a bath – learn how to get water out of their ears safely.

Also, bear in mind that if you have any plans to breed your lab, you should avoid doing so if they have any of the genetic mutations making them prone to breed health issues. Properly spaying/neutering your lab is also fine.

Make sure to keep your living space clear.

Since labs will eat anything and everything, it's critical that you make sure they can't get into things that will hurt them. That means keeping the laundry put away, keeping the chocolate out of reach, and keeping food well-supervised. They can and will eat things they absolutely shouldn't, so keep that watchful eye on them and be proactive in training them to behave.

Similarly, when you take them on walks, make sure to keep a very close eye on them. They'll be running here, there, and everywhere you let them, sniffing everything. More importantly, though, if they catch wind of anything they think smells delicious, they're going to go to town on it in the blink of an eye. That means stray food, another dog's droppings, roadkill, random rocks, and anything else. There's a reason one of the first commands many people teach labs is "leave it."

Be prepared for the exercise requirements.

Most labrador retrievers need at least an hour of exercise every day. You'll also probably want to invest in more cognitively challenging methods of play, like puzzle feeders, to wear them out more in between exercise sessions. Labs are also great with agility courses, tracking games, and scent work to engage both their bodies and their minds.

Moreover, make sure you have the time to dedicate to your pup. While a lab might not have full separation anxiety, when you leave them alone while you go to work, they're more likely to get into trouble than many other breeds.

Beyond all of this, all of the usual dog adoption rules apply. Make sure to get them high-quality food, and feed them slowly to make sure they don't over-eat and vomit. Take care of their fur (weekly brushing is enough) and trim their nails as necessary. Have regular vet appointments scheduled to keep tabs on their health.

Adopting a labrador retriever is one of the best decisions you can make when you want to be a pet parent and pick up a dog. The fact that they're so popular means that every vet has a great grasp on their unique quirks. Their loving personalities make them a great fit with all kinds of different families, including ones with other pets, children, and disparate situations.

A lab will love you for their entire life, and you'll love having them. So check out your local shelters and find one today! You'll be glad you did. And if you have any questions about labrador retrievers, be sure to let me know in the comments section!