---
title: "Labrador Retriever - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "The Labrador Retriever (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever"
meta:
"og:description": "The Labrador Retriever (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Labrador Retriever - temperament, price, health"
"twitter:description": "The Labrador Retriever (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Labrador Retriever - temperament, price, health"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+10
Dogs
# The Labrador Retriever: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United Kingdom
A large retriever that is gentle, playful and very cooperative, ideal for an active family life.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €130/monthPuppy €1,000 – €1,600
[Find a breeder 166](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=labrador-retriever)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Excellent
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Limited
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Sociable temperament: The Labrador is generally open, affectionate and pleasant to live with those around him.
- Accessible training: He learns quickly and cooperates willingly when methods are positive and consistent.
- Versatility: He can be both a good family dog, an activity partner and an excellent working dog.
- Tendency to gain weight: Its strong appetite requires serious management of portions and treats.
- Need for activity: Without sufficient outings and stimulation, it can become intrusive or destructive.
- Pronounced shedding: Its double coat leads to regular and often abundant hair loss.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: He enjoys group life, walks, and daily interactions.
- Committed beginner owners: His cooperation makes training easier if exercise needs are truly met.
- People looking for a versatile dog: He adapts well to many companionship, recreational sport, or work projects.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary households: A lack of activity and things to do does not suit him well in the long term.
- People with little availability: He does not cope well with a life lacking in interactions, outings, and supervision.
- Adopters who do not want to deal with shedding: Shedding and routine coat care can be demanding.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
56 cmLabrador Retriever
- Height at the withers
- 54–57 cm
- Weight
- 25–36 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense
- FCI group
- 8
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Labrador Retriever in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Labrador Retriever descends from the St. John's dog, used by Newfoundland fishermen to help with work around the nets and retrieve in the water. Imported to the United Kingdom in the 19th century, it was selected by British breeders for its retrieving qualities, its nose, its sturdiness and its very cooperative temperament. It is this selection work in Great Britain that established the modern Labrador, today appreciated as a hunting dog, assistance dog, detection dog and companion dog.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Labrador Retriever is a large dog, powerful without heaviness, with a compact and well-muscled body. Its head is broad, its expression is gentle, its ears are drooping and its thick so-called otter tail is very characteristic. Its coat is short, very dense and water-resistant thanks to a tight undercoat. The coat is accepted in black, chocolate or yellow, from light cream to fox-red.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Labrador is renowned for its stable, affectionate and very sociable temperament. It readily seeks human company, enjoys family life and is generally patient with children. It is a cheerful dog, rarely wary, motivated by play, contact and reward, which explains its great popularity with households as well as professionals.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Labrador is dynamic, curious and very keen on interaction. He likes to retrieve, carry, sniff, swim and take part in all the household’s activities. If he lacks outings, mental stimulation, appropriate chewing or control exercises, he can become turbulent, destructive or easily gain weight.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Labrador learns quickly and responds very well to positive, consistent and regular training. You need to channel its enthusiasm early, work on recall, leash walking, frustration management and self-control, while making use of its natural taste for retrieving and its strong food motivation. Its sensitivity and desire to please make it an excellent candidate for truly committed first-time owners.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Labrador Retriever
The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the bloodline, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the health tests carried out and the puppy’s suitability for a companion, working or show project. An abnormally low price should prompt you to carefully check the breeding conditions, health traceability and the quality of early socialization.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Labrador Retriever is generally a robust breed, but its very great popularity has encouraged bloodlines of uneven quality. Careful breeding, controlled weight, suitable activity and regular veterinary follow-up are essential to limit the joint, eye, ear and metabolic problems to which the breed may be exposed. Some bloodlines may also be affected by hereditary exercise-related disorders.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Labrador needs a complete and well-balanced diet, adapted to its age, its ideal weight, its activity level and its physiological status. Protein quality, control of energy density and splitting meals help to limit weight gain, support muscle mass and preserve the joints.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Labrador has long been among the most popular dogs in many countries. Its learning ability and balanced temperament make it a reference breed for assistance to people with disabilities, detection and certain search missions. Its passion for water and retrieving remains very pronounced in many individuals, even outside a hunting context.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Labrador Retriever
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Labrador Retriever suitable for a family with children?
Yes, it is generally highly appreciated for its patience, sociability and desire to take part in family life, provided it is taught good manners and interactions with younger children are supervised.
### Can a Labrador live in an apartment?
Yes, but only if its daily needs for outings, physical activity, scent games and interactions are genuinely met. Without sufficient exercise, it may become bored and demanding.
### Does the Labrador shed a lot?
Yes, its double coat sheds noticeably, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps limit dead hair in the house.
### Is the Labrador a good first dog?
Often yes, because it is cooperative, sociable and generally easy to motivate. However, it remains a large, energetic dog that requires consistency, training and genuine daily availability.
### Does the Labrador really like water?
Very often yes, because the breed was selected for retrieving in water and many individuals naturally enjoy swimming. This does not rule out individual preferences, and each dog must be gradually made to feel confident.
## Find a Labrador Retriever breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Labrador Retriever breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Labrador Retriever breeders in Hauts-de-France24](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/hauts-de-france) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Grand Est17](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/grand-est) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Occitanie17](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/occitanie) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Normandy16](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/normandy) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Pays de la Loire11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/pays-de-la-loire) [Labrador Retriever breeders in Centre-Val de Loire10](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/centre-val-de-loire)
### Labrador Retriever breeders by country
[423 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/germany) [326 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/italy) [234 breeders of Labrador Retriever in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/united-kingdom) [210 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/denmark) [166 breeders of Labrador Retriever in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever) [63 breeders of Labrador Retriever in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/netherlands) [51 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/austria) [39 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/spain) [11 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/finland) [4 breeders of Labrador Retriever in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever/croatia)
[All breeders of Labrador Retriever in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever)
## Ready to welcome a Labrador Retriever?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever)
## Compare Labrador Retriever with other breeds
- [Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/golden-retriever-vs-labrador-retriever)
- [Labrador Retriever vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/labrador-retriever-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[Golden Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever)
[Flat-Coated Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/flat-coated-retriever)
[Curly-Coated Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/curly-coated-retriever)
[Chesapeake Bay Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chesapeake-bay-retriever)
[Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find a dog or cat breeder near you. A free European directory of dog and cat breeders, with an interactive map, breed listings, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#webpage","description":"The Labrador Retriever (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Labrador Retriever - temperament, price, health","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/3"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/4"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/5"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Labrador Retriever","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Labrador Retriever suitable for a family with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, it is generally highly appreciated for its patience, sociability and desire to take part in family life, provided it is taught good manners and interactions with younger children are supervised."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Can a Labrador live in an apartment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, but only if its daily needs for outings, physical activity, scent games and interactions are genuinely met. Without sufficient exercise, it may become bored and demanding."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Labrador shed a lot?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, its double coat sheds noticeably, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps limit dead hair in the house."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/4","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Labrador a good first dog?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Often yes, because it is cooperative, sociable and generally easy to motivate. However, it remains a large, energetic dog that requires consistency, training and genuine daily availability."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever#/schema/question/5","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Labrador really like water?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Very often yes, because the breed was selected for retrieving in water and many individuals naturally enjoy swimming. This does not rule out individual preferences, and each dog must be gradually made to feel confident."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```