Facebook Pixel
logo

Home

/

Dog Breeds

/

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Origin

🇨🇦

Canada

Size

Large Breed

Ideal Space

House with backyard

Ideal Weather

10º-25ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹4,900

Basic Lifestyle

₹7,650

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Athletic

Loyal

Playful

Intelligent

Energetic

Labrador Retriever

Quick Information

The Labrador Retriever dog popularly called Labrador is one of the most loved dog breeds, known for its friendly and outgoing personality. According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers were the most popular dog breed in the USA from 1991 until 2023 when French Bulldogs claimed the top spot. 


These dogs are originally from Canada and bred for the purpose of hunting, their versatility makes them excellent service dogs, and family pets. Their muscular build and dense coat help them adapt to various climates. 

 

Characteristics

Barking

Quiet

Loud

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Compatibility with other dogs

Aggressive

Friendly

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

Coat Variants of Labrador Retriever

There are 3 common coats in Lab Retrievers that include chocolate, yellow, and black. However, you can also find slight variations in shade within these color categories.

 
Black Labrador Retriever

Black Labrador Retriever

Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Yellow Labrador Retriever

Yellow Labrador Retriever

Featured

Labrador Retriever PUPPIES FOR YOU

right arrow
puppie_image
puppie_image
right arrow

Uttar Pradesh

Male2 Months old

Labrador
right arrow
puppie_image
puppie_image
right arrow

Maharashtra

Female1 Months old

Roxy
right arrow
puppie_image
puppie_image
puppie_image
puppie_image
right arrow

Karnataka

Female1 Months old

Bubnlluuss
about image

Nutrition

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500

Calories per day

Puppies1500 kcal

Adults1800 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Carbohydrates

Fats

Vitamins

Minerals

Fibre

List of foods

Chicken

Dry Dog Food

Fresh Meat

Fresh Fish

Fruits

Vegetables

  • Labradors eating an AAFCO diet should provide all the necessary nutrients. Given their highly energetic nature, the food should contain high-protein content such as chicken, meat, and fish.
  • Also, the fat-soluble content of healthy fatty acids helps Labs obtain a sparkling coat and clear, healthy skin. It energizes and mobilizes activity levels.
  • Homemade foods can also work well if they are appropriately balanced to provide the specific breed’s nutritional requirements.
 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Selecting Good Quality Food

  • Choose a high-quality dry food for your labradors, and consider brands that list meat and chicken as their primary ingredients, such as chicken or fish. 
  • Labs have an active lifestyle, so including high protein content in their diet is essential. Healthy fat from fish oil and chicken helps them maintain their energy level and the quality of their coat.
  • Additionally, you can feed them vegetables and fruits in the right proportion. This provides antioxidants and other essential nutrients in your dog’s diet.
 

Never feed these foods to Labrador Retriever

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Alcohol

Coffee / Tea

Grapes

Salt

Onions

Garlic

Avocados

  • Certain food items, such as artificial additives like soy, corn, and other allergens, can cause severe damage to your dog. 
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners, flavours and colors as they cause obesity, dental issues, and other problems. 
  • Do not give chocolates, garlic, onion, resins, and grapes as they are fatal to lab dogs.


Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.

 
about image

Health

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,950

Common Health Issues

Blastomycosis

Lyme disease

Panosteitis

Leptospirosis

Canine Influenza

Well being

Exercise

Agility Training

Bonding

Games

Socialization

Energy Level

High

Exercise routine

60 - 90 minutes

Recognising Stress

Changes in appetite

Excessive Barking

Pacing

Reluctance to move

Excessive Panting

Increased laziness

Medical Care

Some common health issues found in Labrador Retrievers as recognised by the Labrador Retriever Club are as follows -


  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  • Centronuclear Myopathy(CNM)
  • Panosteitis
  • Exercise-Induced Collapse(EIC)
  • Hemangiosarcoma (HAS)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Bloat
 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-7 Weeks

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

9-10 Weeks

DHPP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis

12-13 Weeks

DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease

15-17 Weeks

DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease

Recommendations to care for senior Labrador Retriever dogs

  • Senior Labrador dogs are often prone to obesity, joint pain, and other age-related problems. These can be detected by regular health screenings and blood checks.
  • Also, provide a balanced diet designed for the senior lab dogs considering their age and nutrient requirements. 
  • Along with the dietary and medical needs, consider the required regular exercise for senior dogs. 
  • Regular grooming and dental cleaning are required for senior dogs as they are more prone to skin infections and dental issues.


The RSPCA offers clear and practical guidelines to help ensure the best care for senior dogs.


Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.

 
about image

Grooming

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200

Shedding Level

Moderate Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Brushing

Bathing

Ear Cleaning

Eye Care

Nail Trimming

Teeth Care

Benefits of Grooming

Prevents Bad Breath

Odourless

Low Shedding

Cleanliness

Prevents infections

Quality of life

  • Labradors are heavy-shedding dogs, so they need to be groomed regularly. Brushing them regularly helps remove loose fur and prevent matting or hair. 
  • Bathing them once every 4-6 weeks is advised to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain hygiene. 
  • Labradors are prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is a must. Veterinarian-recommended ear solutions can be used to clean, wipes can be used to clean the wax, dirt, and debris. 
  • Nail trimming is also a very important grooming activity for Labs. It should be done every 2-3 weeks to keep the dog comfortable.
 
about image

Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!

Cost of buying

₹ 10,000 - ₹ 80,000

If you want a Labrador Retriever for your home, you have two basic options: buying or adopting.


Buying 

  • The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that the breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
  • Ask the Labrador breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and not inbred.
  • The cost of a Lab Retriever puppy depends on many variables from ancestry to the possibility of show quality and breeder reputation.

 

Adopt  

  • Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a Labrador up for adoption.
  • Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.


Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Labrador Retriever


Golden Retriever | Bernese Mountain Dog | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

 

Prerequisites to pet a Labrador Retriever

Access to Groomer

Lifestyle Compatibility

Willingness to train

Time and Effort

Space and Environment

Labrador Retriever breeders in India

Mohit Dawaliya

Mohit Dawaliya

Mohi Pet Project Kennel

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

11 Puppies

A

Arun Karthick

Signaturestacks Kennel

Vellore, Tamil Nadu

3 Puppies
Devaraj KG

Devaraj KG

The DJs Pet World

Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

2 Puppies

Now that you know what it takes to raise a Labrador Retriever, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?

Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues,  temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if Labradors are a good fit for your lifestyle.


Find reputable sources: Before buying a Labrador puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.


Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.


Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.


Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.

 

Compare with similar breeds

German Shepherd_breed

German Shepherd

Chippiparai_breed

Chippiparai

Golden Retriever_breed

Golden Retriever

Doberman Pinscher_breed

Doberman Pinscher

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot?

Yes, Labradors are high shedders. Regular brushing helps manage their shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train?

Yes, Labs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.

How often should I groom my Labrador Retriever?

Regular brushing (at least 2-3 times per week), monthly baths, and routine ear cleaning and nail trimming are recommended to maintain their hygiene and reduce shedding.

Are they good family dogs?

Yes, Labrador Retrievers are considered to be excellent family dogs because they are affectionate, patient, and tolerant of children and other dogs.

What colours do labradors come in?

Labrador Retrievers come in three colours: black, chocolate, and yellow. Other colours, such as white, silver, and champagne, are not recognized and are often produced by breeders looking to sell dogs as "rare" or "in-demand".

What is the lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?

The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 10 to 14 years. With proper care, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, some Labs can live even longer.

Is labrador good for India?

Yes, Labradors are ideal for India due to their adaptability, friendly temperament, and suitability for families.

For your daily dose of happiness, follow us on

vectorvectorvector
logo

Stay updated with the pet industry

Subscribe Now

Download our pet-parent app

dog
dog

© Excitado Innovations Pvt Ltd