Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

5
Friendly Outgoing Active Gentle

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.

Labrador Retriever Quick Facts

Size
55–80 lbs, 21–25 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

Is the Labrador Retriever right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Labrador Retrievers

Bowser
Adult
Bowser
L

Mastiff / Labrador Retriever

The Animal Foundation · Las Vegas, NV
Gunner
Senior 8
Gunner
XL

Mixed / Labrador Retriever

Eleventh Hour Rescue · Rockaway, NJ
Daniel
Young
Daniel
M

Labrador Retriever / American Pit Bull Terrier

Snarr Northeast Animal Rescue · Brewster, NY
Willie
Baby
Willie
S

Rottweiler / Labrador Retriever

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Millie
Adult
Millie
L

Labrador Retriever

Operation Pets Alive · The Woodlands, TX
Grizzly
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Rottweiler

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Dodo
Adult
Dodo
M

Labrador Retriever

San Antonio Animal Care Services · San Antonio, TX
Troy
Adult
Troy
L

Labrador Retriever / American Pit Bull Terrier

Harbor Animal Care And Control Center · San Pedro, CA
Honeysuckle
Young

Golden Retriever / Labrador Retriever

Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue · Robbinsdale, MN
Otis
Baby
Otis
M

Labrador Retriever

Piedmont Animal Rescue · Mooresville, NC
Liam
Adult
Liam
L

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Mile High Labrador Retriever Mission · Broomfield, CO

Related Breeds

Siberian Husky

102 pets available

4

About the Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky was developed over thousands of years by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads over vast frozen distances in extreme cold. These athletic, medium-sized dogs stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a graceful, effortless gait that reflects their incredible stamina. Their thick double coat comes in virtually every color from pure white to black, often with striking facial markings, and their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each (heterochromia). Temperament & Personality Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous — pack-oriented dogs that love people and make terrible guard dogs because they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are playful and gentle with children and generally good with other dogs, though their high prey drive makes them a risk around cats and small animals. Huskies are intelligent but famously independent, preferring to make their own decisions rather than follow commands — a trait that requires patience and humor from their owners. Pros Friendly, social, and gentle with children and strangers alikeNaturally clean with little doggy odor — self-grooming like a catOutstanding endurance athlete for running, hiking, and winter sportsHealthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years Cons Extreme shedding — blows the entire undercoat twice yearly in massive quantitiesLegendary escape artists — can jump fences, dig under them, and open latchesStrong prey drive makes them dangerous around cats, rabbits, and small animalsNot suited for hot climates and requires air conditioning in warm regions The Siberian Husky's adventurous spirit and stunning beauty are irresistible — find Huskies seeking forever homes on Puplister.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Dog

13 pets available

1

About the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions. Temperament & Personality Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animalsLow exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needsMinimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation Cons Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional groomingBrachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intoleranceProne to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental diseaseCan be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu Dog

4 pets available

About the Shiba Inu The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings). Temperament & Personality Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs. Pros Naturally clean and almost cat-like — easy to housetrain and self-groomingCompact, manageable size for apartments with adequate exerciseLoyal and devoted to their family once trust is establishedHealthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years Cons Extremely independent and stubborn — not recommended for first-time ownersStrong prey drive and unreliable recall make off-leash freedom riskyCan be possessive of food, toys, and territory (resource guarding)Prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.

Pug
Pug Dog

28 pets available

1

About the Pug The Pug is one of the oldest toy breeds, originating in China around 400 BC as prized companions of Buddhist monks and later Chinese emperors. These compact, square-proportioned dogs weigh 14 to 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall, with a distinctively wrinkled face, large round eyes, and a tightly curled tail. Their smooth, short double coat comes in fawn (with a black mask) or solid black — and despite its short length, it sheds prolifically. Temperament & Personality Pugs live to love and be loved — they are charming, mischievous, and remarkably attuned to their owners' emotions, making them outstanding companion dogs. They get along wonderfully with children, other dogs, and even cats, possessing a sociable nature that makes them the life of any gathering. Pugs are playful without being hyperactive, and their clownish antics provide endless entertainment for their families. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with everyone — people, children, and other petsLow exercise requirements — perfectly content with moderate daily walksCompact size and calm demeanor make them ideal apartment companionsSturdy build for a toy breed — less fragile than many other small dogs Cons Brachycephalic syndrome causes chronic breathing difficulties and severe heat intoleranceProne to obesity, which compounds respiratory and joint problemsEye issues including proptosis, corneal ulcers, and dry eye due to prominent eyesSheds heavily year-round despite the short coat length Pugs bring joy wherever they go — find your wrinkly-faced soulmate waiting on Puplister.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is known for being friendly, outgoing, active and gentle.
How many Labrador Retrievers are available for adoption?
There are currently 303 Labrador Retrievers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Labrador Retriever from Puplister?
To adopt a Labrador Retriever, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.