A possible best friend

Labrador Retriever

A versatile retriever with a keen nose and love of water, the Labrador is typically an adaptable, devoted companion that enjoys working with people.

Puppy

Grown up

Illustrated puppy and adult examples.

Personality at a glance

Affection with family: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Playfulness: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Child-friendly tendency: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Comfort with other dogs: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Welcoming new people: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency

Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.

About these ratings

Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.

AKC Labrador Retriever breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026

Meet connected mixes

Shared backgrounds, individual dogs. A mix name does not predict traits.

The beginning

Puppy days

Reward four paws on the floor and short lead practice. Offer toilet breaks after sleep, meals and play, with calm rest between activities.

Your everyday

Adult life

Keep daily walks and retrieving or scent games in the routine. Measure meals and include training treats in the food allowance to support a healthy weight.

Everyday care

Brush the short, dense double coat regularly; it still sheds. Add daily walks, retrieving and scent games rather than relying on garden access alone.

Worth planning for: Short fur still leaves shed hair, and its strength makes early lead manners particularly useful.

Sources & reading

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.