Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

2
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

Larry
Baby
Larry
S

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Levi
Young
Levi
L

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Mallie
Young
Mallie
M

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Melody
Adult
Melody
M

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Remi
Adult
Remi
M

Labrador Retriever / Poodle

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Ruger
Young
Ruger
M

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Dog Star Rescue · Canton, CT
Drake
Young
Drake
S

Pembroke Welsh Corgi / Labrador Retriever

Lost Paws Rescue Of Texas · Carrollton, TX
Memphis
Young

Labrador Retriever

San Antonio Animal Care Services · San Antonio, TX
Darling
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue · Washington, DC
Holly Hobby
Adult

Bulldog / Labrador Retriever

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption · Kennesaw, GA
Jimmy
Young
Jimmy
M

Labrador Retriever

Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center · Tallahassee, FL
Miles
Baby
Miles
S

Labrador Retriever

San Antonio Animal Care Services · San Antonio, TX

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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 492 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.