The Labrador Retriever isn’t just Britain’s most-loved dog — it’s basically part of the furniture. Originally bred in Newfoundland to haul nets and later refined in the UK as gundogs, Labs have always been hard-working companions. These days, they’re just as likely to be guide dogs, therapy dogs, or beloved family clowns.
Friendly, greedy, endlessly enthusiastic — Labradors are wonderful, but they’re not for the faint-hearted.
Owner insight: “My lab was slightly destructive when he was younger… sprays on bins and units + Kongs helped.”
Not sure if a Lab would suit your lifestyle? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for a Labrador
Labs have personalities as big as their appetites, so they deserve names that fit. For more inspiration, head to our Dog Name Generator.
- Food-inspired: Biscuit, Muffin, Truffle, Cookie, Bagel
- Classic charmers: Max, Bella, Charlie, Daisy, Molly
- Outdoor nods: River, Scout, Storm, Willow, Hunter
- Funny picks: Hoover, Gobble, Pudding, Chaos, Welly
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Hoover and watch it live up to the name at mealtimes.”
Exercise
Labs are big, bouncy working dogs with stamina to burn. A potter around the block won’t do it — they need proper outlets for all that energy.
They thrive on:
- 1–2 hours of daily exercise — long walks, swims, fetch.
- Mental stimulation — puzzle feeders, training games, scent work.
- Jobs to do — carrying things, retrieving, helping out.
Owner insight: “How to stop destructive chewing when alone… we introduced crate training… it helped a lot.”
A Note on Working Breeds
Labs weren’t bred to snooze on sofas — they’re still active gundogs and assistance dogs today. Without exercise and brain work, they’ll invent their own fun (chewing, digging, bin-raiding).
Owner insight: “Left ours for 3 hours as a pup. Came home to find he’d eaten the skirting board.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Think of a Lab as a toddler who never grows out of the snack phase.”
Temperament
If sunshine had a dog form, it would probably be a Labrador. They’re affectionate, biddable, and endlessly good-natured — though sometimes too much of a good thing.
- Friendly and loving — adore people and families.
- Social butterflies — usually brilliant with kids and other dogs.
- Clumsy comedians — big tails and big bodies equal knocked-over mugs.
Owner insight: “Our Lab thinks he’s a lapdog. All 35 kilos of him.”
Kennel Club note: “Intelligent, keen and biddable… kindly nature.”
Training
Food + Labrador = training gold. These dogs are bright, eager, and food-driven, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. But that same food obsession can cause problems.
They’re great at:
- Basic obedience — sit, stay, recall.
- Tricks — Labs love to show off.
- Jobs — assistance, therapy, agility, scent work.
But watch out:
- Counter-surfing is almost guaranteed.
- Greed leads to mischief if boundaries aren’t clear.
Owner insight: “He is a very greedy lab… asking for food was just a new trick he’d learned.”
Owner insight: “I’ve never met dogs as greedy… handy for training though.”
Need a helping paw? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for personalised tips.
Pickles’ Aside: “If food’s involved, a Lab’s already mastered the trick.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Guard dog? Not quite. Most Labs greet strangers like long-lost friends. A few will bark at noises, but they’re usually more welcoming than wary.
Owner insight: “Our Lab barked once at a burglar… then licked him.”
Other Animals
Labs generally get on well with other dogs and even cats if introduced young. They’re friendly souls, though their size and bounce can overwhelm smaller pets.
- Great at the dog park.
- Often cat-friendly.
- Clumsy with small animals.
Pickles’ Aside: “Playdate? Always yes. Whether the other dog asked or not.”
Grooming
Here’s the truth: Labradors shed. A lot. Their short double coat blows out twice a year, and the hair ends up everywhere.
Care tips:
- Weekly brushing (daily in shedding season).
- Vacuum on standby — Lab hair has no boundaries.
- Ear cleaning to prevent infections.
Owner insight: “Labradors shed twice a year — 6 months in summer and 6 months in winter… absolute fur machines.”
Owner insight: “My whole house has a layer of dog hair… It’s honestly EVERYWHERE.”
Owner insight: “Bath time is a guaranteed shedding storm… cut back on baths and brush more outdoors.”
Health
Labs are generally robust, but they’re prone to some breed-specific conditions. Their love of food makes obesity one of the biggest risks.
Common issues include:
- Hip & elbow dysplasia
- Obesity (Labs are famously greedy)
- Ear infections
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
Owner insight: “Yes they are very greedy… some have a gene where there’s no off switch.”
They usually live 10–12 years. Choosing a responsible, health-testing breeder is vital — see our Best in Breeder Guide for advice.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Labs aren’t the priciest pups, but their size and appetite add up.
- Puppy price: £900–£2,000
- Food: £40–£70/month
- Insurance: £30–£60/month
- Routine vet care: ~£250–£400/year
- Extras: durable toys, beds, replacements for chewed items.
Yearly Costs:
- Budget Year: ~£1,800
- Realistic Year: £2,500–£3,500
- Chaotic Year: £5,000+
Famous Owners & Moments
Labradors have plenty of famous fans:
- Prince William & Kate had a black Lab named Lupo.
- Bill Clinton owned a chocolate Lab named Buddy.
- Drew Barrymore and Anne Hathaway are Lab lovers.
Fun fact: Labradors have topped the Kennel Club’s popularity charts for decades.
Myth-Busting
Let’s set the record straight.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| All Labs are calm | Puppies are wild; training is essential. |
| They don’t need much exercise | They need 1–2 hours daily. |
| Labs don’t shed | Wrong — they shed constantly. |
| They’ll stop eating when full | False. Many never feel full. |
Labrador FAQs
- Do Labs shed? Yes — a lot.
- Are they easy to train? Yes, food + consistency = success.
- How much exercise do they need? 1–2 hours daily.
- Are they good with kids? Brilliant — playful and patient.
- How long do they live? 10–12 years.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Labrador?
If you want a loyal, goofy companion who’ll love you unconditionally (and eat everything you drop — or don’t), the Labrador Retriever could be your perfect match. They’re affectionate, trainable, and endlessly fun — but be ready for shedding, chewing, and the biggest appetite in the dog world.
Before you commit, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your Lab is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “A Labrador is like a best friend, hoover, and mud sprinkler all in one.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Newfoundland, refined in the UK
- Weight: 25–36 kg
- Height: 55–62 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best Trait: Friendly, trainable, versatile
- Challenging Trait: Greedy and heavy-shedding
SEO Title:
Labrador Retriever: Britain’s Favourite Family Dog
Meta Description:
Discover the Labrador Retriever, Britain’s most popular breed. Learn about their exercise needs, temperament, grooming, health, and costs to see if this lovable goofball is right for you.
Is the Labrador your new dog?
If you have any doubts, make sure you check out our exclusive dog matcher quiz and remember to think about adopting with our ‘Adopt, don’t Shop’ dog directory.