Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Grooming Profile

Labrador Retrievers are large, high-energy dogs reaching full physical maturity by age two. They are heavy shedders with dense double coats requiring regular grooming and exercise, needing 1,400 to 1,800 daily calories carefully managed to prevent obesity.

Breed Group

Sporting Dogs

Country of Origin

Canada

Breed Size

Large

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1917

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1954

Allergy-friendly

Worst Choice

1 / 10

Shedding

Heavy

Grooming need

15 mins/week

7 / 10

Low-maintenance

Hard

3 / 10

Size

Large

7 / 10

Growth timeline

24 months

8 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Labrador Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They possess a dense double coat that sheds significantly year-round, with heavy seasonal shedding in spring and fall. This constant release of fur and dander makes them a challenging choice for allergy sufferers, as they frequently spread allergens throughout the home.

Allergy-friendly: 1 / 10

Do Labrador Retriever shed?

Labrador Retrievers have dense, waterproof double coats that shed significantly year-round. Owners should expect heavy seasonal blowouts in spring and fall. Regular brushing three to four times weekly is essential to manage loose hair, maintain coat health, and keep shedding under control within your home.

How often should you groom a Labrador Retriever?

To keep your Labrador Retriever’s dense double coat healthy, brush them two to three times weekly to manage year-round shedding. They require baths every six to eight weeks and monthly nail trims. During heavy seasonal shedding, increase brushing frequency to daily to remove loose undercoat hair.

Grooming need: 7 / 10

Are Labrador Retriever low-maintenance dogs?

Labrador Retrievers are generally not considered low-maintenance dogs. While their short coats require only weekly brushing, they shed significantly and are prone to ear infections. Most importantly, their high energy levels demand roughly two hours of daily exercise and constant mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.

Low-maintenance: 3 / 10

How big do Labrador Retriever get?

Labrador Retrievers are medium-to-large sporting dogs with a sturdy, athletic build. Males typically stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall, while females reach 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Known for their broad heads and muscular frames, they generally weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, depending on their gender and activity level. The female weight range as 55 to 70 pounds.

Size: 7 / 10

When do Labrador Retriever stop growing?

Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full adult height between 12 and 18 months of age. While they achieve most of their growth by their first birthday, many continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old, reaching full physical maturity during this time.

Growth timeline: 8 / 10

How much should a Labrador Retriever eat?

Adult Labrador Retrievers typically require between 1,400 and 1,800 calories per day, divided into two meals. Since Labs are prone to obesity and highly food-motivated, monitor their weight closely and adjust portions based on their activity level, age, and body condition. An active adult Labrador Retriever typically needs between 1,400 and 1,800 calories per day.

Feeding amount: 6 / 10

How often should a Labrador Retriever puppy eat?

Labrador Retriever puppies require frequent, small meals to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. It is typically recommended to feed them four meals daily until three months of age, then transition to three meals until six months, eventually moving to two meals for adulthood.

Puppy feeding frequency: 3 / 10

Vet Insights

Labrador Retrievers are large, high-energy dogs reaching full physical maturity by age two. They are heavy shedders with dense double coats requiring regular grooming and exercise, needing 1,400 to 1,800 daily calories carefully managed to prevent obesity.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified