Fetch Finder
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At a glance
| Energy level | |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Apartment-friendly | |
| Handles cold | |
| Affectionate / cuddly | |
| Good with kids | |
| Good for first-time owners | |
| Easy to train | |
| Good with other dogs | |
| Good with cats | |
| OK being left alone | |
| Reliable off-leash | |
| Protective / watchdog | |
| Barking | |
| Drooling |
Great for
- First-time owners
- Families with kids
- Active people who like walks, fetch and swimming
Watch out for
- Needs 1+ hour of exercise a day or gets destructive
- Sheds a lot, especially in spring and fall
- Prone to weight gain; measure meals
Daily care
Exercise: About an hour a day. Labs love fetch and swimming.
Grooming: Weekly brushing, more during shedding season.
Cold weather: Handles cold winters well thanks to a dense, water-resistant double coat. Rinse salt off paws after walks.
*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.
Gear for a Labrador Retriever
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- FoodLarge breed dog food
Formulas made for large breeds match their energy needs and kibble size. Look for "complete and balanced" (AAFCO) on the bag, and ask your vet what's right for your dog.
See options on Amazon - Crate42-inch dog crate
A 42" crate fits most adult Labrador Retrievers (up to about 80 lb). Choose one with a divider so it grows with a puppy.
See options on Amazon - Leash and harnessNo-pull harness and 6-foot leash
A front-clip harness helps with pulling while your dog learns leash manners.
See options on Amazon - ToysDurable chew and fetch toys
Labrador Retrievers have a lot of energy; tough rubber toys and balls hold up to hard play.
See options on Amazon - GroomingDeshedding brush
Labrador Retrievers shed a lot; an undercoat rake or deshedding tool cuts down on loose hair.
See options on Amazon - WinterPaw balm
Protects paws from road salt and ice, even on cold-tolerant breeds.
See options on Amazon - BedOrthopedic dog bed
Big dogs are prone to joint problems; a supportive foam bed helps.
See options on Amazon
Find a Labrador Retriever near you
We're building a list of trusted Labrador Retriever rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.
Listings coming soon. In the meantime:
- Search adoptable dogs near you on Petfinder
- AKC's Labrador Retriever page, which links to breed club rescue networks
Run a Labrador Retriever rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.
Not sure a Labrador Retriever is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.
Take the breed quizSimilar breeds
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