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Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, often simply called the Lab, is one of the most popular and reliable breeds worldwide.

Labrador Retriever

Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, often simply called the Lab, is one of the most popular and reliable breeds worldwide.

Labrador Retriever

Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, often simply called the Lab, is one of the most popular and reliable breeds worldwide.

Labrador Retriever

Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, often simply called the Lab, is one of the most popular and reliable breeds worldwide.

Labrador Retriever

Other Names

Lab, Labrador

Other Names

Lab, Labrador

Other Names

Lab, Labrador

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, KC (UK), UKC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, KC (UK), UKC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, KC (UK), UKC

Country of Origin

Newfoundland and United Kingdom

Country of Origin

Newfoundland and United Kingdom

Country of Origin

Newfoundland and United Kingdom

Popularity in the UAE

Labradors are very popular and common in the UAE

Popularity in the UAE

Labradors are very popular and common in the UAE

Popularity in the UAE

Labradors are very popular and common in the UAE

Primary Use

Companion dog, hunting dog, service dog, therapy dog, search and rescue dog

Primary Use

Companion dog, hunting dog, service dog, therapy dog, search and rescue dog

Primary Use

Companion dog, hunting dog, service dog, therapy dog, search and rescue dog

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Breed History

The Labrador Retriever has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada. They originally came from the St. John’s Water Dog, a now-extinct breed known for assisting local fishermen. These dogs were ideal for pulling in fishing nets and retrieving lost fish.

By the 1820s, English noblemen visiting Newfoundland took notice of these hardworking dogs and brought some back to England. Among them, the Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, and the Earl of Home played key roles in developing and refining the breed. 

The name "Labrador" was given to distinguish them from other retrieving breeds, though ironically, they originated in Newfoundland rather than the neighboring Labrador region.

By the 20th century, Labradors had gained widespread popularity beyond hunting circles. They became highly sought after for roles in search and rescue, service work, and therapy. Their gentle nature and trainability also made them one of the top choices for guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Today, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds worldwide. 

The Labrador Retriever has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada. They originally came from the St. John’s Water Dog, a now-extinct breed known for assisting local fishermen. These dogs were ideal for pulling in fishing nets and retrieving lost fish.

By the 1820s, English noblemen visiting Newfoundland took notice of these hardworking dogs and brought some back to England. Among them, the Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, and the Earl of Home played key roles in developing and refining the breed. 

The name "Labrador" was given to distinguish them from other retrieving breeds, though ironically, they originated in Newfoundland rather than the neighboring Labrador region.

By the 20th century, Labradors had gained widespread popularity beyond hunting circles. They became highly sought after for roles in search and rescue, service work, and therapy. Their gentle nature and trainability also made them one of the top choices for guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Today, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds worldwide. 

Labrador Retriever Breed History
Labrador Retriever Breed History
Labrador Retriever Breed History

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Mast Cell Tumors

These tumors may appear as swellings or lumps on the skin and can be itchy, inflamed, or ulcerated. In some cases, MCTs spread to internal organs. (de Nardi et al., 2022)

Osteosarcoma

This condition is a highly aggressive bone cancer that often affects a Labrador's limbs, spine, or skull. The disease begins with localized pain and swelling and can cause limping or difficulty walking. (Anfinsen et al., 2011)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Labrador Retriever Personality
Labrador Retriever Personality
Labrador Retriever Personality
Labrador Retriever Personality

Personality

Labrador Retrievers are known for being friendly and affectionate. They are highly social dogs that thrive on human interaction and companionship.

Labrador Retrievers are known for being friendly and affectionate. They are highly social dogs that thrive on human interaction and companionship.

Labrador Retriever Distinct Habits
Labrador Retriever Distinct Habits
Labrador Retriever Distinct Habits
Labrador Retriever Distinct Habits

Distinct Habits

Labs love games like fetch and carrying objects around in their mouths, which is why they are called retrievers. Additionally, Labradors enjoy swimming and will jump into any body of water they can find.

Labs love games like fetch and carrying objects around in their mouths, which is why they are called retrievers. Additionally, Labradors enjoy swimming and will jump into any body of water they can find.

Labrador Retriever Suitability for Work
Labrador Retriever Suitability for Work
Labrador Retriever Suitability for Work
Labrador Retriever Suitability for Work

Suitability for Work

They are commonly used as service dogs, assisting individuals with disabilities, including blindness and mobility impairments. Labs can also work as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and hunting retrievers.

They are commonly used as service dogs, assisting individuals with disabilities, including blindness and mobility impairments. Labs can also work as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and hunting retrievers.

Lifespan

Generally, the average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 11 to 12 years.

Labs can live for as short as 10 years to as long as 15 years. The oldest Labrador Retriever, Adjutant, was 27 years old.

Labs can live for as short as 10 years to as long as 15 years. The oldest Labrador Retriever, Adjutant, was 27 years old.

Training and Care

Labrador Retriever Training and Care
Labrador Retriever Training and Care
Labrador Retriever Training and Care

Trainability

Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They also respond well to positive reinforcement, so make use of treats and praise.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They also respond well to positive reinforcement, so make use of treats and praise.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They also respond well to positive reinforcement, so make use of treats and praise.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Labrador Retrievers can adapt to warm climates. However, extreme temperatures should still be avoided.

Precautions

Labs can exercise in hot weather, just let them stay exposed to the sun for far too long. Provide water, shade, and paw pads.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Labrador Retrievers can adapt to warm climates. However, extreme temperatures should still be avoided.

Precautions

Labs can exercise in hot weather, just let them stay exposed to the sun for far too long. Provide water, shade, and paw pads.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Labrador Retrievers can adapt to warm climates. However, extreme temperatures should still be avoided.

Precautions

Labs can exercise in hot weather, just let them stay exposed to the sun for far too long. Provide water, shade, and paw pads.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

These dogs need a diet consisting of high-quality protein, fats, and other nutrients to aid in muscle development, coat health, and energy levels.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

These dogs need a diet consisting of high-quality protein, fats, and other nutrients to aid in muscle development, coat health, and energy levels.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

These dogs need a diet consisting of high-quality protein, fats, and other nutrients to aid in muscle development, coat health, and energy levels.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Labrador Retriever Diet and Nutrition
Labrador Retriever Diet and Nutrition
Labrador Retriever Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

Labrador Retrievers are best suited for active families, singles, and individuals who can provide plenty of exercise and engagement. They thrive in homes where they receive attention, training, and companionship.

Labrador Retrievers are best suited for active families, singles, and individuals who can provide plenty of exercise and engagement. They thrive in homes where they receive attention, training, and companionship.

Labs are excellent family dogs and are known for their gentle and patient nature with children. They also get along well with other dogs and pets.

Labs are excellent family dogs and are known for their gentle and patient nature with children. They also get along well with other dogs and pets.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Yes, Labradors are a great choice for first-time dog owners because they are intelligent, trainable, and friendly. However, they do need adequate exercise and training.

Yes, Labradors are a great choice for first-time dog owners because they are intelligent, trainable, and friendly. However, they do need adequate exercise and training.

Physical Characteristics

Labrador Retriever Physical Characteristics
Labrador Retriever Physical Characteristics
Labrador Retriever Physical Characteristics

Head

Labrador Retrievers have a broad, well-proportioned head with a wide and deep muzzle. 

Labrador Retrievers have a broad, well-proportioned head with a wide and deep muzzle. 

Eyes

Labs have medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes that express intelligence and warmth. Eye colors range from brown to hazel, with darker shades being more common.

Labs have medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes that express intelligence and warmth. Eye colors range from brown to hazel, with darker shades being more common.

Ears

Their ears are medium-sized, slightly pendant-shaped, and set slightly above eye level.

Their ears are medium-sized, slightly pendant-shaped, and set slightly above eye level.

Body

Labradors have a strong, athletic build with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a straight topline.

Labradors have a strong, athletic build with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a straight topline.

Limbs

Their front legs are straight and well-boned, while their hind legs are muscular and strong, allowing for speed and agility.

Their front legs are straight and well-boned, while their hind legs are muscular and strong, allowing for speed and agility.

Tail

Labs have a straight and thick tail that tapers toward the tip.

Labs have a straight and thick tail that tapers toward the tip.

Coat

Labradors have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant, helping them stay warm in cold water. Coat colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.

Labradors have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant, helping them stay warm in cold water. Coat colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.

Size

Approximately, males are 56-63 cm (22-25 inches) tall while females are 53-60 cm (21-24 inches) tall.

Approximately, males are 56-63 cm (22-25 inches) tall while females are 53-60 cm (21-24 inches) tall.

Weight

Males and females weigh approximately 29-36 kg (65-80 lb) and 25-32 kg (55-70 lb), respectively.

Males and females weigh approximately 29-36 kg (65-80 lb) and 25-32 kg (55-70 lb), respectively.

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA