Typically good with children, visitors and other dogs.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador puppies for sale: what to know before you buy
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, energetic gundog and one of the best-known family breeds. It is also strong, hungry and prone to weight gain and joint problems. K9PN does not sell dogs. Tell us about your home and we will refer you to a professional who places Labradors.
- Free to request, takes about two minutes
- Health-tested Labradors
- K9PN refers you and does not sell dogs
Find a Labrador RetrieverTell us about your household and the kind of dog you want. Include your ZIP code so we can match you with a professional who serves your area.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. By submitting a request you agree that K9PN and a participating trainer may contact you about it by phone, text or email. Message and data rates may apply. See our Privacy Policy.
Key takeaways
- A friendly, energetic family dog that needs lots of exercise and weight management.
- Ask for hip, elbow, eye and DNA test results (including EIC) for both parents.
- Not a guard dog.
Labrador Retriever at a glance
Labrador Retriever: what to know
What makes Labradors popular, and what to watch.
Intelligent and food-motivated, which helps training.
Needs lots of exercise, especially as a young dog.
Prone to obesity, which worsens joint problems.
Loves swimming and retrieving.
Easy to groom, but sheds.
How K9PN works
A referral service, not a seller
What you can expect when you send a request.
K9PN does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to an experienced professional who serves your area.
Our guides list what to ask any seller or trainer: health tests, contracts, training and aftercare.
It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
By K9PN · Founded by Mike Leal, Army Ranger veteran and dog trainer · Reviewed October 2026
Labrador Retriever key facts
HeightAbout 21.5-24.5 in
WeightAbout 55-80 lb
LifespanOften 10-12 years
EnergyHigh
Best forActive families
Watch forWeight, joints, energy
Labrador Retriever origin
Despite the name, the breed comes from Newfoundland, where it helped fishermen retrieve nets and fish. English nobles developed it as a gundog in the 1800s. It was for many years the most popular breed registered by the American Kennel Club.
Temperament and family life
A well-bred, well-socialised Labrador is friendly, eager and social. Young dogs are boisterous and need training. Like goldens, Labradors are not guard dogs.
Exercise, grooming and living
- Exercise. Long daily exercise and play.
- Weight. Measure food and limit treats.
- Training. Start early to manage jumping and mouthing.
- Children. Often great, but exuberant, so supervise.
Health: what to screen for
Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, exercise-induced collapse (EIC), progressive retinal atrophy, centronuclear myopathy and ear infections. Ask for hip, elbow and eye clearances plus DNA tests (such as EIC) for both parents and verify through OFA.
Is a Labrador Retriever right for you?
It may suit you if
- You want an outgoing family dog
- You can give lots of daily exercise
- You will manage its weight
- You will buy from a health-tested line
- You have time to train a boisterous puppy
Think twice if
- You want a guard dog
- You are away for long hours
- You cannot manage its food intake
- You want a calm puppy
- You are buying from an untested source
What to ask a breeder or seller
- Can I meet both parents?
- Hip, elbow, eye and DNA results (including EIC) for both parents?
- How are the puppies socialised?
- What does the contract and health guarantee say?
- What support do you offer after purchase?
See the puppy buying guide and how to avoid puppy scams.
How K9PN matches you with a dog professional
K9PN is not a marketplace where anyone can pay to be listed, and we do not sell dogs. We refer people to experienced, independent breeders, rescues and dog professionals, and look at the things that decide whether a dog turns out healthy and right for your home:
- Health testing you can verify. Results for both parents that are relevant to the breed, with paperwork you can check yourself.
- Meet the puppy and its mother. You can see where the puppies live, how they are raised and how the adults behave.
- A fair written contract. Price, health guarantee, return terms and what happens if things do not work out.
- Honest advice on fit. A good professional asks about your home, time and experience, and will tell you if a different dog or a rescue would suit you better.
- Aftercare. Support after the dog comes home, including training and vet guidance.
Read our puppy buying guide for the questions to ask any seller.
Please note
This page is general information, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices, laws and availability change and differ by state, so check current details with the seller and your vet.
Common questions
Are Labradors good family dogs?
Yes. They are friendly, tolerant and trainable, but exuberant, so supervise around small children.
How much exercise does a Labrador need?
A lot: typically an hour or more a day for an adult, plus mental work.
Do Labradors shed?
Yes. Short double coat sheds year-round.
How much do Labrador puppies cost?
It varies widely with the breeder and health testing. See the cost guide.
Are chocolate Labradors less healthy?
Some studies suggest chocolate Labradors may have a shorter average lifespan and more ear and skin problems, but research is limited. Choose health-tested parents whatever the colour.
Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?
No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer or working-dog program that matches what you asked for and serves your area. It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
Related
Sources and further reading
For dog trainers
Do you train or place protection, sport or police K9 dogs?
K9PN refers people who are looking for a protection dog, protection training, sport dog training or K9 programs to professional trainers. We also build the website, CRM and follow-up that turn those enquiries into clients. Book a call to ask about availability in your area.
Types of dog training
Compare the types of dog training
Each format has its own page explaining how it works, who it suits and what to ask a trainer.
Board and train dog training
Your dog stays with a trainer for an intensive program, then you learn to keep the results going at home.
Private (1-on-1) dog trainingOne-to-one sessions built around your dog and your goals, at home or at the trainer.
Virtual dog trainingLive video coaching with a trainer, from wherever you are. Currently available in Florida.
Types of dog training comparedBoard and train, 1-on-1, virtual, group and day training side by side, and how to choose a trainer.
Want a Labrador Retriever from a professional you can trust?
Fill out the request form and a professional will contact you.
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