Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

4
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

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Available Labrador Retrievers

Maggie
Adult
Maggie
M

Labrador Retriever

MSPCA Cape Cod Animal Care And Adoption Center · Centerville, MA
Mac
Young
Mac
L

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

Stanislaus County Animal Services · Modesto, CA
Red
Adult
Red
L

Labrador Retriever

San Antonio Animal Care Services · San Antonio, TX
Chloe
Young
Chloe
M

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

Humane Society Of Broward County · Fort Lauderdale, FL
Buddy
Adult
Buddy
M

Labrador Retriever

Harris County Pets · Houston, TX
Duke
Adult
Duke
L

Vizsla / Labrador Retriever

Loudoun County Animal Care & Control · Waterford, VA
Brody
Young
Brody
L

Labrador Retriever

The Animal Foundation · Las Vegas, NV
Louie
Young
Louie
M

Labrador Retriever

Animal Rescue League Of Boston - Cape Cod Branch · Brewster, MA
Woodie
Adult
Woodie
M

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Loved At Last Dog Rescue · Langley, CA
Viteliote
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Beagle

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Sweet Potato
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Beagle

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Denise
Young
Denise
M

Labrador Retriever

Animal Rescue League Of Boston - Cape Cod Branch · Brewster, MA

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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 295 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.