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Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Origin
Canada
Size
Large Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
10-14Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 10,000 - ₹ 80,000
Top 5 Traits
Athletic
Loyal
Playful
Intelligent
Energetic
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 4,900 - ₹ 7,650
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 24 Jun 2025
Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information
The Labrador Retriever dog popularly called Labrador is one of the most loved dog breeds, known for its friendly and outgoing personality. According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers were the most popular dog breed in the USA from 1991 until 2023 when French Bulldogs claimed the top spot.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Coat Variants of Labrador Retriever
There are 3 common coats in Lab Retrievers that include chocolate, yellow, and black. However, you can also find slight variations in shade within these color categories.
Black Labrador Retriever
Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Yellow Labrador Retriever
What is the price of Labrador Retrievers?
Cost of buying
₹ 10,000 - ₹ 80,000
The cost of a Labrador puppy in India can vary from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 80,000 depending on the breeder, lineage, location, availability and health. Show quality dogs sometimes cost more.
Prerequisites to pet a Labrador Retriever
Access to Groomer
Lifestyle Compatibility
Willingness to train
Time and Effort
Space and Environment
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Labrador, are you ready to take the next step to get one home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if Labradors are a good fit for your lifestyle.
Nutritional Guide for Labradors
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 1500 kcal
Adults:Â 1800 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Fibre
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Vegetables
- Labradors eating an AAFCO diet should provide all the necessary nutrients. Given their highly energetic nature, the food should contain high-protein content such as chicken, meat, and fish.
- Also, the fat-soluble content of healthy fatty acids helps Labs obtain a sparkling coat and clear, healthy skin. It energizes and mobilizes activity levels.
- Homemade foods can also work well if they are appropriately balanced to provide the specific breed’s nutritional requirements.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
What to feed your Lab dog?
- Choose a high-quality dry food for your labradors, and consider brands that list meat and chicken as their primary ingredients, such as chicken or fish.
- Labs have an active lifestyle, so including high protein content in their diet is essential. Healthy fat from fish oil and chicken helps them maintain their energy level and the quality of their coat.
- Additionally, you can feed them vegetables and fruits in the right proportion. This provides antioxidants and other essential nutrients in your dog’s diet.
These food items are harmful to Labrador Retrievers
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Coffee / Tea
Grapes
Salt
Onions
Garlic
Avocados
- Certain food items, such as artificial additives like soy, corn, and other allergens, can cause severe damage to your dog. \
- Avoid artificial sweeteners, flavours and colors as they cause obesity, dental issues, and other problems.
- Do not give chocolates, garlic, onion, resins, and grapes as they are fatal to lab dogs.
Healthcare Guide for Labradors
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,950
Common Health Issues
Blastomycosis
Lyme disease
Panosteitis
Leptospirosis
Canine Influenza
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
60 - 90 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Reluctance to move
Excessive Panting
Increased laziness
Medical Care
Some common health issues found in Labrador Retrievers as recognised by the Labrador Retriever Club are as follows -
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-7 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
9-10 Weeks
DHPP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis
12-13 Weeks
DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease
15-17 Weeks
DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease
Recommendations for senior Labrador Care
- Senior Labrador dogs are often prone to obesity, joint pain, and other age-related problems. These can be detected by regular health screenings and blood checks.
- Also, provide a balanced diet designed for the senior lab dogs considering their age and nutrient requirements.
- Along with the dietary and medical needs, consider the required regular exercise for senior dogs.
- Regular grooming and dental cleaning are required for senior dogs as they are more prone to skin infections and dental issues.
Grooming Guideline for Labrador Retrievers
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Brushing
Bathing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Nail Trimming
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Prevents Bad Breath
Odourless
Low Shedding
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Quality of life
- Labradors are heavy-shedding dogs, so they need to be groomed regularly. Brushing them regularly helps remove loose fur and prevent matting or hair.
- Bathing them once every 4-6 weeks is advised to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain hygiene.
- Labradors are prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is a must. Veterinarian-recommended ear solutions can be used to clean, wipes can be used to clean the wax, dirt, and debris.
- Nail trimming is also a very important grooming activity for Labs. It should be done every 2-3 weeks to keep the dog comfortable.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot?
Yes, Labradors are high shedders. Regular brushing helps manage their shedding, especially during seasonal changes.
Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train?
Yes, Labs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.
How often should I groom my Labrador Retriever?
Regular brushing (at least 2-3 times per week), monthly baths, and routine ear cleaning and nail trimming are recommended to maintain their hygiene and reduce shedding.
Are they good family dogs?
Yes, Labrador Retrievers are considered to be excellent family dogs because they are affectionate, patient, and tolerant of children and other dogs.
What colours do labradors come in?
Labrador Retrievers come in three colours: black, chocolate, and yellow. Other colours, such as white, silver, and champagne, are not recognized and are often produced by breeders looking to sell dogs as "rare" or "in-demand".
What is the lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?
The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 10 to 14 years. With proper care, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, some Labs can live even longer.
Is labrador good for India?
Yes, Labradors are ideal for India due to their adaptability, friendly temperament, and suitability for families.
