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

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

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

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

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.



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




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.




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.




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



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



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



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.



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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA