Sporting Group

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever is a large dog in the Sporting Group. Adult weight is 65–80 lb (male), 55–70 lb (female), height is 22.5–24.5 in (male), 21.5–23.5 in (female), and the listed lifespan is 11–13 years. AKC describes the temperament as Active, Friendly, Outgoing.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Labrador Retriever dog
Photo: Original author Hand , edit by Pharaoh Hound · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Lifespan11–13 years
Weight65–80 lb (male), 55–70 lb (female)
SizeLargeGroupSporting Group

Height

22.5–24.5 in (male), 21.5–23.5 in (female)

Energy

5 / 5

Shedding

4 / 5

Grooming

2 / 5

Trainability

5 / 5

Good with kids

5 / 5

The breed record

Across 119 single-size large breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 12 years is about 0.6 years shorter than the 12.6-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 67.5 lb is about 8.3 lb heavier than the 59.2 lb average for those large breeds.

The listed origin is Canada. The coat is described as double, short. The AKC energy score is 5 out of 5, 0.9 points above the group average of 4.1 for the Sporting Group. Shedding scores 4 out of 5, so coat cleanup is a regular job. Grooming scores 2 out of 5, so home brushing covers most weeks. Trainability scores 5 out of 5, which is a biddable score. Good with children scores 5 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 5 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 2 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in up to 24 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): larger breeds require up to 24 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, D Locus (Dilute) - DNA Test, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test, and Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.

Frequently asked

Questions from the breed record

The verified adult weight for a Labrador Retriever is 65–80 lb (male), 55–70 lb (female).

Sources

More Sporting Group breeds

All Sporting Group breeds

More large breeds

All large dog breeds

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