Temperament & behavior
Outgoing, even-tempered and people-oriented. A well-socialized Lab is trustworthy with strangers and children, and rarely aggressive — but they are enthusiastic rather than gentle, which can knock over toddlers. Separation-prone if left alone all day.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Fetching (obsessively)
- Swimming and any water
- Food — all of it, always
- Being with the family
- Car rides
🚫 What they hate
- Being left alone for long hours
- Boredom without exercise (leads to chewing)
- Hot humid days
Fetch is the national sport. Add swimming, tug, and scent games. A tired Lab is a good Lab — under-exercised Labs become chewers and counter-surfers.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: High. Double coat sheds year-round and 'blows' twice a year. Brush 2–3× per week; daily during spring/fall coat blow.
Bath every 6–8 weeks, ears checked weekly (floppy ears + swimming = infection risk), nails monthly.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Very low — typically welcomes guests |
| Other dogs | Low with socialization |
Bred to work alongside hunters; human-aggression is rare. Poorly socialized individuals can become jumpers or mouthy, not typically aggressive.
Exercise needs
80+ per day per day. High-energy Sporting dog. Needs real exercise plus mental work, not just a garden.
Good with…?
- Kids: Excellent (supervise boisterous play)
- Other pets: Good
- First-time owners: Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes
Health risks to know upfront
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Obesity (will overeat if allowed)
- Ear infections
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
Is this breed right for you?
Active households with time for daily exercise and a yard or park access.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
