Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Dog for You? What to Know Before You Adopt

Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in Canada—and it’s easy to see why. Labs are friendly, trainable, and endlessly loyal. But before you decide to adopt one, it’s worth learning what day-to-day life with a Lab really looks like.

Here’s a full guide for anyone considering adding a Labrador to their family.

🐕 Personality & Temperament: Friendly and Outgoing

Labrador Retrievers are social butterflies. They are:

• Great with children, strangers, and other dogs
• Eager to please, affectionate, and loyal
• Rarely shy or aggressive

Labs love being part of the action—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a hike through the woods. They don’t do well left alone for long hours and are known to follow their humans around the house.

🧠 Trainability: Smart and Food-Motivated

Labs are highly intelligent and among the most trainable breeds:

• They pick up new commands quickly
• They thrive on praise, treats, and consistency
• Many are used as service or therapy dogs

Because they’re so food-driven, it’s easy to over-treat them—keep training sessions positive but measured to avoid weight gain.

⚡ Energy Level: Very High (Especially When Young)

Labs are athletes by nature. Expect:

• 60–90 minutes of exercise daily
• Long walks, swimming, fetch, and off-leash runs if possible
• Mental enrichment like scent work, puzzle toys, or obedience drills

If under-exercised, Labs can become destructive, barky, or anxious. A tired Lab is a happy Lab.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding

Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat:

• Moderate shedding year-round with seasonal increases
• Weekly brushing helps reduce hair around your home
• Labs love water, but regular baths help control “dog smell”

They’re generally low maintenance—but you’ll still find hair on everything.

🩺 Health Overview

Labs are relatively healthy but have some common breed issues:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Obesity (Labs are notorious food lovers)
• Ear infections (especially after swimming)
• Joint problems or arthritis with age

With a balanced diet, daily exercise, and regular vet checkups, Labs can live 10–12 years and stay active well into their senior years.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Ask yourself:

• Can you provide lots of daily physical and mental stimulation?
• Do you have space to play and a nearby place to walk or run?
• Is someone home for part of the day?

Labs love families, active singles, and people who enjoy the outdoors. They don’t love apartments unless you’re extremely committed to exercise.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Labs live for food. You’ll need to:

• Measure meals (usually 2–3 cups per day split into two servings)
• Avoid overfeeding or letting them “free feed”
• Watch for signs of food allergies or sensitivities

Consult your vet for breed-appropriate food recommendations and calorie needs.

🐾 Puppy vs Adult Lab

Puppies are adorable—but also a challenge:

• Lab puppies are mouthy, nippy, and full of energy
• They’ll chew anything and everything if not supervised
• Crate training and early obedience classes are key

Adult Labs from a shelter or rescue often come pre-trained, with calmer energy levels and lots of love to give.

🧬 Breeder vs Rescue

If you’re adopting:

• Check local shelters and Lab-specific rescues (like Lab Rescue of Ontario)
• Look for Labs or Lab mixes that match your lifestyle

If going through a breeder:

• Choose one who screens for joint and eye issues
• Make sure puppies are raised indoors with socialization
• Avoid backyard breeders or online-only sellers

Final Thoughts

Labrador Retrievers are cheerful, loyal, and full of love—but they’re also high-energy, social, and require time and commitment. If you’re ready to invest in their care and give them room to run, a Lab will be your best friend for life.

Want to meet some Labs and see how they behave in a group setting? At Playday Pups in Burlington, we see Labs almost every day—playful, goofy, and full of heart. Feel free to reach out or stop by to see if a Lab might be the right fit for you.