Labrador Retriever
The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Active / Friendly / Outgoing [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Canada [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 2 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Labrador Retriever is an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day. A Lab who doesn't get enough exercise is likely to engage in hyperactive and/or destructive behavior to release pent-up energy. The breed's favorite activities are retrieving and swimming. [1]
Grooming
The Lab has a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds. Give occasional baths to keep them clean. As with all breeds, the Lab's nails should be trimmed regularly and his teeth brushed frequently. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Labs are healthy dogs overall, and a responsible breeder screens breeding stock for conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, hereditary myopathy (muscle weakness), and eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise induced collapse (EIC) can occur in some young adult Labs; a DNA test allows breeders to identify carriers and plan breedings to avoid producing the disease. Like other large, deep-chested dogs, Labs can develop a life-threatening stomach condition called bloat. Owners should educate themselves about the symptoms that indicate this is occurring, and what to do if so. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, D Locus (Dilute) - DNA Test, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Labrador Retriever in 1917. [1]
- It ranked No. 2 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 1 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Lab.” [1]
- The AKC lists Canada as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Best Family Dogs, Best Dog Breeds for Kids, Smartest Breeds of Dogs” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-13 years.
How big does a Labrador Retriever get?
AKC breed information lists height 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) and weight 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Labrador Retriever?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Labrador Retriever, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.