Labrador Retriever Care Guide

Labrador Retrievers need at least an hour of activity a day, carefully measured meals (they gain weight easily) and weekly ear checks. Get those three right and you’ve covered the biggest parts of Lab care.

Labrador at a glance

Weight (AKC standard)	Males ~65–80 lb (29–36 kg); females ~55–70 lb (25–32 kg)
Height	Males 22.5–24.5 in; females 21.5–23.5 in
Lifespan	About 11–14 years
Energy	High, especially until about age 3
Coat	Short, dense double coat — sheds a lot
Colors	Black, yellow, chocolate

Feeding: the #1 Lab challenge

Labs are famous for loving food. Researchers have even found a gene variation in some Labradors linked to stronger hunger and easier weight gain. Extra pounds put pressure on joints that are already prone to problems.

• Feed a complete and balanced diet; large-breed puppy food while growing.
• An adult Lab at a healthy 65 lb typically needs roughly 1,400 calories a day if neutered and moderately active — get your dog’s number with the dog food calculator.
• Measure with a cup or scale. Don’t trust the “begging meter.”
• Use part of the daily kibble for training, and low-calorie extras like green beans or carrot coins.
• Slow-feeder bowls and puzzle feeders help fast eaters.
• Do the rib, waist and tummy check every few weeks.

Exercise

Labs were bred to retrieve all day. Aim for at least an hour of activity, split up:

• Brisk walks and sniff walks
• Fetch and retrieving games
• Swimming — most Labs love it (dry ears afterwards)
• Training sessions and food puzzles for the brain

Young Labs (under 18 months) shouldn’t do long runs or repetitive jumping while their joints are developing.

Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): some Labs carry a genetic condition that can make them weak and wobbly in the back legs after a few minutes of very intense exercise. A DNA test exists — ask your breeder or vet. If your Lab ever collapses during exercise, stop, cool them down and see a vet.

Grooming

• Brush weekly with a rubber curry brush or deshedding tool; several times a week in spring and fall.
• Bathe every 6–12 weeks or when dirty — see how often to bathe your dog.
• Check ears weekly, especially after swimming: redness, smell or head shaking can mean infection (head tilt warning signs).
• Trim nails every 3–4 weeks (how short nails should be).

Health watch-outs

• Hip and elbow dysplasia — joints that don’t form properly; staying lean helps a lot.
• Obesity — very common in the breed.
• Ear infections — floppy ears + water.
• Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — DNA tests are available.
• Exercise-induced collapse — see above.
• Cruciate ligament injuries in the knee, more likely in overweight dogs.

When choosing a puppy, ask the breeder for hip, elbow and eye screening of both parents and DNA test results.

Lab vs. Golden Retriever

	Labrador	Golden Retriever
Coat	Short, sheds a lot	Long feathering, sheds a lot, more brushing
Grooming time	Low	Medium
Energy	High	High
Weight risk	Very high	High
Good with families	Yes	Yes

More in our Golden Retriever care guide.