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

Wesley
Baby
Wesley
M

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

Rescue Dogs Rock · New York, NY
Kratos
Baby
Kratos
S

Labrador Retriever / American Staffordshire Terrier

Mile High Labrador Retriever Mission · Broomfield, CO
Brazil
Adult
Brazil
L

Labrador Retriever / Mixed

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Catarina
Baby

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Colatina
Baby

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Flynn
Adult
Flynn
M

Labrador Retriever / Australian Cattle Dog

Golden Belt Humane Society · Great Bend, KS
Buddy
Adult
Buddy
XL

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

Redemption Road Rescue · Crystal, MN
Aussie
Young
Aussie
L

Great Dane / Labrador Retriever

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Madre
Adult
Madre
L

Labrador Retriever / Chow Chow

Broward County Animal Care And Regulation · Fort Lauderdale, FL
Barbie
Young
Barbie
M

Labrador Retriever

Last Chance Animal Rescue · Holbrook, NY
Juniper
Baby

Mixed / Labrador Retriever

Piedmont Animal Rescue · Mooresville, NC

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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.