Gundog · Canada / United Kingdom
Labrador Retriever
An open-hearted, food-motivated working dog that has become the default family companion for good reason — and that still needs a real job to be content.
- Typical lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Estimated annual cost
- €1400–2200
Strengths
- Highly social and people-oriented
- Strong trainability and food motivation
- Excellent companionship potential
- Good fit for an active lifestyle
- Usually adaptable to family life
Things to consider
- High shedding all year round
- Requires substantial daily exercise
- Large and physically strong on the lead
- Needs mental stimulation to avoid boredom
Traits
Size
Energy
Exercise needs
Mental stimulation
Trainability
Sociability
Affection
Independence
Good with children
Good with other dogs
Apartment suitability
Tolerance of being alone
Shedding
Grooming
Barking
First-time owner suitability
Some people with allergies may find lower-shedding breeds easier to live with, but no dog breed is completely allergy-free.