Labrador Retriever
LAB-ruh-dor rih-TREE-vur
Friendly, Active, Outgoing, Trusting. Originally bred for retrieving fish and nets for fishermen; later, game bird retrieval.
An adult Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs (male) or 55-70 lbs (female), needs 1,090-2,070 calories daily, and lives 11-13 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is obesity. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Labrador Retriever needs 1,090 to 2,070 calories per day. An average male (72 lbs / 32.9 kg) needs around 1,630 kcal; a female (62 lbs / 28.4 kg) roughly 1,460 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Labrador Retriever. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Labrador Retriever typically lives 11-13 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are obesity and hip dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Needs 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Labs are built for stamina; long hikes, swimming, retrieving, and field work suit them perfectly. A well-exercised Lab is calm indoors; an under-exercised Lab is a wrecking ball. As a sporting breed, the Labrador Retriever was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Labrador Retriever is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense, water-resistant double coat coat. Origin: Newfoundland, Canada (refined in England).
America's most popular breed for 31 consecutive years (1991-2022) before being overtaken by the French Bulldog. The POMC gene mutation that causes insatiable hunger is the same gene that makes Labs such eager workers; their food motivation makes them exceptionally trainable. English (show) Labs tend to be stockier and calmer; American (field) Labs are leaner and higher-energy.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Labrador Retrievers. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
The Labrador Retriever responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for Labrador Retriever owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Labrador Retriever range from 1090 to 2070 kcal. A 72-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 65-80 lbs (29.5–36.3 kg). Females run lighter at 55-70 lbs (24.9–31.8 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
If you own a Labrador Retriever, obesity is the condition your vet will likely screen for first. Weight management is the single most impactful thing you can do for this breed's long-term health. Measure every meal, limit treats to under 10% of daily calories, and weigh your dog monthly. Other conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Budget 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily for a Labrador Retriever. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Labrador Retriever will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026