Owning a Labrador Guide
Originally bred to retrieve nets for fishermen and later to retrieve fowl and game for hunters, the Labrador Retriever is now one of the most popular pets in the UK. The breed benefits from the positive character traits of being reliable, trustworthy, good natured and dependable, leading to their reputation as great family pets. Labradors are very sociable by nature, forming strong bonds with their owners. When it comes to looking after a Labrador, they do however, need lots of exercise and mental stimulation and can be inclined to being over enthusiastic and bouncy. They are renowned for their huge appetite for food and tendency to chew as puppies.
If you are considering buying or adopting this popular dog breed, our guide to owning a Labrador is just for you! Known as the Labrador retriever, Labrador or ‘Lab’ for short, these loving, intelligent and often bouncy creatures are adorable – but are they the right dog for your home environment? We will answer all the most frequently asked questions below, to help you determine if living with a Labrador would be ideal for your family.
The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to the welfare of dogs, says: “The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds and his popularity comes from his versatility as family companion, service dog, guide dog as well as a working gun dog.”
Is a Labrador Right for You?
Labradors are medium-to-large dogs with a loyal, playful, and intelligent nature. Their love of human interaction makes them ideal for active families with time and space to dedicate to their care.
They require two hours of daily exercise, are highly trainable and food-motivated, need consistent mental stimulation, tend to chew during puppyhood, and shed heavily. With the right setup and commitment, a Lab can be a lifelong best friend.
Everyday Life with a Labrador
Size and Space Needs
Fully grown males weigh between 29–36 kg and stand about 56–57 cm tall. Females weigh 25–32 kg, with a slightly smaller frame. Consider whether your living space can accommodate a dog of this size and energy level.
Temperament and Training
Labradors are famously friendly and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their high food drive helps with positive reinforcement-based learning. This is one reason they make such successful assistance dogs.
Exercise Requirements
A Labrador’s exercise needs are significant. Adults should receive around two hours of varied activity daily, including off-lead play and training games. Puppies should follow the 5-minute rule—five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day.
Grooming and General Care
Labs have low-maintenance coats but shed year-round. Weekly grooming helps reduce fur around the home and supports healthy skin and coat.
Nutrition and Feeding
Known for their love of food, Labradors are prone to weight gain. A high-quality, portion-controlled diet is essential throughout all life stages. Speak to your vet about the best options for your dog.
Typical Costs of Labrador Ownership (UK)
The average cost of a Kennel Club registered Labrador is around £780, while a non-registered pup may cost around £597. Ongoing expenses include food, pet insurance, vet care, grooming tools, and accessories like beds, leads, and toys. You may also need to budget for training sessions and pet-sitting services or boarding if you travel.
Barking Mad’s home-from-home boarding service offers a reassuring solution when you’re away and want your Lab’s routine to stay consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours do Labradors come in?
Black, chocolate (liver), and yellow. Yellow coats range from pale cream to deep fox red.
Are Labradors good family pets?
Yes. They’re affectionate, loyal, and usually great with children—though supervision is always advised with young kids.
How long do Labradors live?
Typically 10 to 12 years, although studies suggest chocolate Labs may have slightly shorter lifespans compared to black or yellow ones.
Are they easy to train?
Very. Their intelligence and food motivation make them ideal for obedience training and even specialised roles like assistance dogs.
Do they need a lot of exercise?
Yes. Adult Labs need about two hours a day. Without enough activity, they can become bored and destructive.
How much grooming is required?
A weekly brush is usually enough, though daily brushing may help during shedding seasons.
Do Labs like water?
Absolutely. Labradors were originally bred for retrieving from water and generally enjoy swimming.
What’s the 5-minute rule for puppies?
This guideline recommends five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day, until full maturity.
When do Labs usually calm down?
Between 2 to 4 years of age, depending on the individual dog and how well they’re trained and exercised.
Do Labs sleep a lot?
Yes. Puppies can sleep up to 20 hours per day, and adult Labs average 12 to 14 hours with a mix of night-time rest and daytime naps.
Is a 30-minute walk enough?
Not for most Labs. While it might suit a senior or less active dog, younger Labs usually need much more exercise and mental enrichment.
Is there a difference between a Labrador, a Lab, and a Labrador Retriever?
No difference—these are all names for the same breed. “Labrador Retriever” is the official breed name.
Owning a Labrador should be determined by your lifestyle
When making the decision to own any kind of dog or puppy, it is important to give real consideration to whether or not they are suitable for your lifestyle. Labradors have an abundance of energy and require plenty of exercise, hence the frequently asked question, ‘At what age do Labradors calm down?’ If you have the time, space and energy for a large and lively breed and enjoy walking, then a Labrador may just be the dog to fit in with your lifestyle. However, it is natural to worry about what will happen if you have to leave your new best friend to go away on holiday, for work or for a non dog-friendly occasion such as a family wedding.
Barking Mad Dog Care offers the perfect solution for dog owners who don’t wish to place their canine companions in kennels. Established in 2000, we have many years of experience of offering home-from-home Labrador care and the many other breeds of dog. Why not find your local branch today and get in contact to discuss care for your Labrador?
Please note, our information about Labradors is a brief description for the benefit of our website visitors. The points we make are a generalisation of breed characteristics. They can not be 100% true of each and every dog of the Labrador breed. Every dog is an individual and will have different needs. We would advise carrying out lots of research, both online and in person (such as with your local vet) before making a decision to purchase or adopt a Labrador puppy or adult dog.
