What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Pointer?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Pointer is 45–75 lbs, 23–28 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 45–75 lbs, 23–28 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–17 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Pointer?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Pointer is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Pointer?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Pointer has a lifespan of 12–17 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Pointer — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Pointer

The Pointer — also called the English Pointer — was developed in England in the 17th century, likely from crosses of Spanish Pointers, Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds. These elegant, athletic dogs stand 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh 45 to 75 pounds, built with a lean, muscular frame designed for speed and endurance in the field. Their short, smooth coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange — either solid or combined with white in striking patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Pointers are energetic, even-tempered, and intensely driven in the field, yet remarkably calm and affectionate at home once adequately exercised. They are friendly with everyone — children, strangers, and other dogs — making them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions. Their strong pointing instinct often appears naturally in puppyhood, and they thrive when given a purposeful outlet for their energy and intelligence.

Pros

Outstanding stamina and speed for active owners who run, bike, or hunt
Exceptionally friendly and gentle with children and other pets
Short coat requires minimal grooming — just occasional brushing
Highly trainable for field work, agility, and competitive obedience

Cons

Extremely high energy — requires 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
Can become destructive and anxious without sufficient physical outlets
Strong prey drive makes them unreliable around small animals
Prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions

An active lifestyle deserves an equally active companion — find your Pointer on Puplister today.

Labrador Retriever vs Pointer