NO PET MILLSGuarantee
CERTIFIED BREEDERSReputable and Licensed
HEALTH GUARANTEEVeterinary Checks
PEDIGREE REGISTRATIONFull Documentation
HEALTH INSURANCE5 Weeks
SAFEST PET TRAVELVeterinary Approved
Britain’s most loved companion dog, the Labrador Retriever, descends from fishing dogs in Newfoundland and has been around since the early 18o0s. Today, these loving and loyal pups are among the most popular breeds in various parts of the world and serve many different roles.
As a retriever gun breed, labs make excellent retriever dogs for hunters. In addition, they excel as show competitors, and many gain the job of a search and rescue dog. What’s more, their caring nature makes them one of the best therapy dogs and, of course, an excellent family pet. Loving labs are best known for their devoted, people-oriented nature, often following their owners around the house.
Learn more about Labrador Retriever Breed
Meet the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large breed, weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and standing between 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall. They have powerful, muscular bodies, broad heads, and strong jaws. Their two most distinct facial features are their floppy ears that hang close to their heads and their kind and expressive eyes with black lining. Labs will have either brown or hazel coloured eyes.
Another unique feature of the Labrador Retriever is its ‘otter tail’. It is thick and tapered to help them swim but is most known to owners as frequently wagging to express happiness. They are a generally healthy breed that typically lives for 12 and 14 years. They have very few breed-specific potential health issues but are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and common eye diseases.
Labs have sleek double coats, consisting of short, thick outer hairs and a soft, dense undercoat for additional warmth. Their coats can be one of three solid colours; chocolate, black, or yellow (from cream to fox-red). Labs can shed a lot despite their short coats, so they require brushing multiple times a week. However, they rarely need a bath or trimming.
The temperament of a Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the kindest, gentlest and most sociable dog breeds. They love to please their owners, do not show aggression and have a mild temperament, making them excellent companions for children.
Labs have a ton of energy and require frequent exercise and plenty of walks. Their level of playfulness does vary depending on their personality, but all labs thrive on physical activity. Mental stimulation is just as important as these dogs are very bright. Moreover, their intelligence and eagerness to please make it easy to train this breed, so they are a good choice for those getting a dog for the first time.
Like many dogs, Labs may bark at unfamiliar noises or sights. Still, they are not a particularly noisy or territorial breed. Instead, they are very friendly and trusting towards strangers, so this dog will more likely welcome your visitors with a wagging tail rather than a bark.
Labradors love to swim, so if you have a pond, beware! If you live close to water, whether it’s the beach, a river, or a lake, your Lab will be in its element and immensely enjoy regular trips there. Lastly, like other owner-oriented dogs, Labs don’t do well independently. You’ll know if you’re leaving them alone for too long as they will start acting up by chewing things or digging.
10 reasons to add a Labrador Retriever to your family
- They have winning personalities - There is a reason why everyone loves labs, and it’s because of their incredibly gentle and loving nature.
- They are friendly towards everyone - Labradors are not just amazing with their owners, but they love people in general. Plus, they are usually tolerant and welcoming to other animals.
- They will become best friends with your children - Introducing a lab to a small child will always result in a beautiful friendship that will blossom and deepen over the years.
- They are excellent therapy dogs - Labs are well suited to anyone suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental health problems.
- They enjoy training sessions - Labradors are always looking for something to do and want to please their owners however they can. Thus, they are always up for a training session and quickly understand things.
- They will get you exercising every day - Labs need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, so if you’ve been looking to get more active, now you will.
- They don’t need to go to the groomer - Their short coats don’t require much maintenance other than brushing a few times a week, so you’ll have no expensive groomer trips with this breed.
- They are a healthy breed - Providing you get your Lab from a good breeder like the ones on The Pedigree Paws, they will live a long and healthy life.
- They aren’t picky eaters - Labrador Retrievers are known for their big appetites and love of food. They will enjoy every brand and type of dog food you offer them, making mealtimes effortless.
- They all have unique personalities - While the breed does have typical characteristics, their specific temperaments vary. Your pup could be highly active, mellow, or super goofy.
Best homes for a Labrador Retriever
The Lab’s high energy combined with its large size means these dogs need a home with an enclosed outdoor space like a garden. Because of this, they are not well-suited to apartments or flats. However, just because they need outdoor space to release their energy, they prefer to spend most of their time indoors with their owners. Therefore, Labs need a human that will make them the centre of the family and spend quality time with them.
Labradors are known for their excellent reputation with children, to whom they are incredibly gentle. As a result, they do well in family homes and develop strong bonds with the kids they grow up around. In addition, most Labs will get on well with other pets if socialised with them as a puppy. In fact, if you get a Labrador puppy and a kitten together, they will most likely become best friends.