Dogs

Labrador Retriever

Steady, food-motivated and hard-wearing, the Labrador Retriever remains the most-registered dog in much of the English-speaking world for good reason.

Available Labrador Retrievers

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Labrador Retriever overview

Labradors come in distinct working and show types. Working lines are leaner with a faster recovery and more drive; show lines are blockier with a heavier coat. Colour — black, yellow or chocolate — has no bearing on temperament, whatever a listing claims.

Temperament

Outgoing, resilient and quick to forgive. Labradors are exceptionally trainable but genuinely greedy, which makes weight management a lifelong job.

Grooming

Short dense double coat; weekly brushing, heavier during seasonal sheds.

Health considerations

Hip and elbow scores, eye certification, and DNA testing for EIC, PRA and CNM should be published for both parents.

Is a Labrador Retriever right for you?

Excellent for first-time owners who can commit to daily exercise and portion control. Poor fit for very quiet homes with no outdoor routine.

Labrador Retriever breeders

Programmes currently raising this breed.

Health-tested Golden Retrievers raised on 20 acres

Charlottesville, Virginia · Breeding since 2009 · 4.8★ (51)

British-type Labradors bred for steady family homes

Brunswick, Maine · Breeding since 2008 · 4.9★ (46)

Labrador Retriever FAQs

Are English and American Labradors different breeds?
No. They are the same breed with different type: show-bred (often called English) dogs are heavier and calmer, working-bred (American) dogs are lighter and higher drive.

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