Energy Level
Very High
Weight
25–32 kg
Height Range
55–62 cm
Life Span
10–13 years
A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
About the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large and muscular breed of dog that was originally bred in Canada for retrieving game. They are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please, and make excellent family pets.
Breed Characteristics
Temperament
Facts about the Labrador Retriever
Sporting breeds need 60–90 min of vigorous activity daily. A long walk plus fetch satisfies both mind and body.
AKC
Bred to work alongside humans — positive reinforcement training clicks far better than corrections.
VCA
Many sporting breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia — ask your vet about screening after age 2.
AKC
Most retrievers have a natural love of water — a lake or pond walk adds stimulation no park can match.
The Kennel Club UK
Many sporting breeds have partially-webbed feet — an evolutionary trait for water retrieval.
AKC
Labs need 60+ min of hard daily activity or they gain weight fast — swimming and fetch burn it cleanly.
AKC Labrador Retriever profile
Labs are #1 for canine obesity (POMC gene mutation drives appetite) — measure food portions, no free-feeding. Extra weight roughly doubles joint-disease risk.
VCA / Royal Veterinary College
Lab puppies stay puppy-brained until ~3 years. Plenty of chew toys + consistent training save your furniture.
AKC
Labs trace to 19th-century Newfoundland water dogs — British nobility imported them for duck retrieval.
AKC history
Exercise by Age
Puppy (under 1 year)
Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.
Adult (1-9 years)
Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.
Senior (9+ years)
Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.
Similar Breeds
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need?
A Labrador Retriever needs about 12,500 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
How big does a Labrador Retriever get?
Adult Labrador Retrievers typically weigh 25–32 kg and stand 55–62 cm at the shoulder.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
A Labrador Retriever usually lives 10–13 years.
What is a Labrador Retriever's temperament?
Labrador Retrievers are typically Kind, Outgoing, Agile, Gentle, Intelligent, Trusting, Even Tempered.
Calculate your Labrador Retriever's exact daily goal
Pawmi uses peer-reviewed breed science to create a personalized plan based on your dog's breed, age, weight and health conditions.
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