What are the grooming needs of a Labrador?

Labradors have a short, dense coat that sheds regularly. They generally require a good brush once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. Bathing should be done only when necessary, as too much can dry out their skin. They do not require professional grooming as often as some other breeds.

What are common health considerations for Labradors?

Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and certain heart disorders. Labradors are also known for their love of food and can become overweight or obese if their diet is not properly managed.

Are Labradors good with families?

Yes, Labradors are often considered one of the best breeds for families. Their friendly, patient nature makes them a good fit for families with children of all ages. They also generally get along well with other pets.

How trainable are Labradors?

Labradors are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a good choice for first-time dog owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

What is the typical size and appearance of a Labrador?

Adult Labradors typically weigh between 25-36 kilograms and stand about 55-62 centimetres tall at the shoulder. They have a strong, athletic build with a short, dense coat that comes in three colours: black, yellow, and chocolate.

What care tips are important for Labradors?

Labradors need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A balanced diet is also important to prevent obesity. Regular vet checks are key to early detection of potential health problems. As Labradors are social creatures, they also need plenty of interaction and mental stimulation.

What is the 5-minute rule for Labradors?

The 5-minute rule is a guideline for exercising puppies. It suggests that for every month of age, a puppy should have five minutes of exercise twice a day. For example, a 3-month old Labrador puppy should have 15 minutes of exercise in the morning and evening. This helps to prevent overexertion.

Which two breeds were crossbred to create the Labrador?

The Labrador Retriever we know today was developed in the 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada. They are descended from the St. John's Water Dog, a breed that is now extinct but was a cross between native water dogs and the Newfoundland Dog breeds brought over by English and Irish settlers.

Labrador Dog Breed Guide | Hero Pet Health Australia

Size

Large

Weight

25-36 kg

Lifespan

10-14 years

Energy Level

High

Family Fit

Loves all ages

Shedding

High

Size

Large

Weight

25-36 kg

Lifespan

10-14 years

Energy Level

High

Family Fit

Loves all ages

Shedding

High

About Labradors

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada, during the 1500s, where they were bred by fishermen to retrieve nets and fish from the cold North Atlantic waters. These dogs were later refined in England during the 1800s to become the sporting dogs we know today.

Labrador Retrievers are medium to large dogs with short, dense, water-resistant coats in yellow, black, or chocolate colours. They're known for their friendly expressions, otter-like tails, and gentle, outgoing temperaments.

These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and make excellent family pets. They're known for their patience with children and their eagerness to please. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, excelling in obedience, agility, and field work. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye conditions. Early socialisation helps ensure they develop into well-adjusted, confident adults.

Complete Care Guide for Labradors

Expert advice on keeping your Labrador healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.

Proper nutrition forms the foundation of a Labrador's health and vitality. These muscular, energetic dogs require carefully balanced meals rich in high-quality animal protein to maintain their strength and support their active lifestyle. A well-planned diet should comprise approximately 25-30% protein from quality sources like lean meats, fish, and eggs.

Managing portion sizes proves particularly crucial for Labradors, as their notorious appetite can quickly lead to weight gain. Establishing consistent feeding schedules and measuring meals helps prevent overfeeding. Incorporating foods with appropriate fibre content helps your Labrador feel satisfied while maintaining a healthy weight.

Fresh, clean water should always be readily available, as proper hydration supports digestion and overall health. Consider feeding moisture-rich foods alongside dry kibble to boost hydration levels naturally. When selecting commercial dog food, prioritise options with clearly listed, wholesome ingredients and avoid those with excessive fillers or artificial preservatives.

Adjusting portions based on your Labrador's age, activity level, and overall health status ensures they receive appropriate caloric intake. Regular weight monitoring and body condition assessments help maintain optimal nutrition while preventing obesity-related health issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about Labradors from our community of pet parents

Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They are extremely playful, enjoy the company of people and other animals, and are known for their patience with children. Labradors are often eager to please, which makes them highly trainable but also means they thrive on attention and interaction.

Labrador Blog Posts & Guides

Expert advice and tips specifically for Labrador owners

A yellow Labrador scratching behind its ear, illustrating the common itching behavior discussed in the article about Labrador skin conditions

Grooming & careLabrador

Why is My Labrador Itchy? Understanding Skin Conditions in Labs

Over 10% of Labradors suffer from atopic dermatitis. Learn about common skin conditions, prevention strategies, and when to seek veterinary help for your itchy Lab.

5 min read

A golden Labrador Retriever sitting in the center of a home interior, looking anxiously toward a door, illustrating separation anxiety in dogs

Behaviour & trainingLabrador

Labs and Separation Anxiety: How to Manage It Effectively

Comprehensive guide to managing labrador separation anxiety through gradual training, proper exercise, and environmental changes. Expert advice for anxious Labs.

5 min read

Close-up portrait of a yellow Labrador Retriever with a gentle expression, representing dogs that may experience anxiety, centered against a soft home interior background

Behaviour & trainingLabrador

Labs and Anxiety: How to Calm an Anxious Labrador

Complete guide to understanding and managing labrador anxiety. Learn to recognise symptoms, use proven training techniques, and create calming environments for your Lab.

5 min read

A yellow Labrador retriever running energetically across a park, demonstrating the high exercise needs discussed in the article

Exercise & activityLabrador

How Much Exercise Does a Labrador Need?

Adult Labradors need 60-90 minutes daily exercise combining physical activity and mental stimulation. Puppies require only 5 minutes per month of age to protect joints.

5 min read

Close-up portrait of a healthy Labrador with a shiny, well-groomed coat demonstrating the results of proper skin and coat care

Grooming & careLabrador

Labs and Skin Care: How to Keep Their Skin Healthy and Coat Shiny

Expert labrador skin care guide covering grooming, bathing every 1-2 months, protein-rich nutrition & treating common issues like hot spots for healthy, shiny coats.

4 min read

Golden Labrador Retriever lying stretched out on a large orthopedic dog bed in a modern living room, demonstrating proper bed sizing and comfort for the breed

Diet & nutritionLabrador

How to Choose the Best Dog Bed for Your Labrador

Expert guide to choosing the best dog bed for Labradors. Learn about proper sizing (110cm+), orthopedic support for joint health, and durable materials for active Labs.

5 min read

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Labrador Breed Guide

About Labradors

Complete Care Guide for Labradors

Diet & Nutrition

Health & Wellness

Behavior & Training

Exercise & Activity

Grooming & Care