Labrador Retriever insurance
Is the Labrador Retriever the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Labrador Retriever
Friendly, outgoing, and full of enthusiasm, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Loyal, loving, and always ready for an adventure, Labs make brilliant companions for families, couples, and individuals.
Quick facts about the Labrador
- Size: Medium to large (55–57cm)
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Weight: 25–35kg
- Colours: Black, yellow, chocolate
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, energetic
- Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, obesity
- Country of origin: Canada/UK
Where does the Labrador come from?
The Labrador Retriever originally comes from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were bred to help fishermen retrieve nets and catch escaping fish. In the 1800s, they were brought to the UK and further developed into the Labrador we know today. Thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and loving nature, Labs quickly became popular not just as working dogs, but as loyal family pets too.
Labrador temperament
Happy-go-lucky
Labs are well-known for their happy-go-lucky personality. They’re incredibly friendly, outgoing, and affectionate with both people and other animals.
Intelligent
Highly intelligent and eager to please, Labradors love to be involved in everything you do, whether that's walking, playing, or just hanging out.
Energetic
Because of their high energy and natural curiosity, they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become bored and find their own ways to entertain themselves!
Are Labradors good pets?
Labradors are probably one of the best all-round pets you can get—if you have the time and energy to keep up with them. They love to be part of family life and are happiest when included in daily activities. Just be aware they’re not couch potatoes - they need regular exercise and lots of attention to stay healthy and happy.
Are Labradors good with children?
Labradors are famously great with children. They’re patient, gentle, and tolerant, making them ideal family dogs. However, their bouncy nature—especially when young—means it’s still important to supervise interactions with small children.
Labrador size & appearance
Labradors are strong, athletic dogs with broad heads, kind eyes, and famously waggy tails. Their short, dense coats are water-resistant and come in three classic colours—black, yellow, and chocolate. They’re built for stamina and strength, with a solid frame and a strong, powerful stride.
Labrador grooming
Labradors are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do shed quite a lot. Brush them once or twice a week to help control shedding and keep their coat healthy. During heavy moulting seasons you might need to brush them more often. Also, keep their ears clean and dry, and their nails trimmed.
Are Labradors hypoallergenic?
No, Labradors aren’t hypoallergenic. They shed consistently year-round and produce dander, which can trigger allergies.
Do Labradors shed?
Yes, Labradors shed all year round, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help keep the hair under control.
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How to train a Labrador
- 1
Teach them lots
Labs are one of the easiest breeds to train thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
- 2
Use positive reinforcement
They thrive on positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and play. Early socialisation and consistent training are important to prevent bad habits from forming, especially since Labs can be excitable and love to chew as youngsters. For more information about how to train a puppy, read our guide.
- 3
Keep them stimulated
Labradors need a good amount of exercise, at least 1–2 hours every day. This should include long walks, off-lead playtime, swimming, games of fetch, and mental stimulation like puzzle toys and training sessions. A tired Lab is a happy Lab!
- 4
Watch them run!
Labradors are surprisingly fast. They can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour in short bursts, especially when chasing a ball.
- 5
Be good company
Labradors can be left alone for short periods, but they’re social dogs and can suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long or too often.
Labrador health issues
Labrador Retrievers are part of the Kennel Club’s ‘Category Two’ breeds, meaning they have certain physical traits that could lead to future health and welfare issues. Here are a few hereditary and lifestyle-related conditions to watch out for with this breed:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
A malformation of the joints that can cause pain and arthritis.
Obesity
Labs love their food and can easily become overweight, which can lead to other health problems.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Known as PRA - it's an inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss.
Ear infections
Their ears can trap moisture and lead to infections if they’re not kept clean and dry.
Heart conditions
Such as tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD), a congenital heart defect.
Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help your Labrador live a long, happy, and healthy life. For more information about common health issues in dogs, read our guide.
Health Tips for your Labrador
Exercise
Labradors have a high instinct for hunting and will love swimming or playing fetch. They have high energy levels; you'll most likely have to exercise your Labrador over two hours daily, depending on their age and condition. They won't be happy if you just let them out in the garden as they need a wide variety of activities. Playing games is an excellent idea as they are very intelligent and have plenty of energy.
Training
Labradors are known for being easy to train and eager to impress people. Food treats heavily influence them, so it's a good idea to include this occasionally as a reward for training well. Labradors have a very high sense of smell and often remember the exact spots where they went to the toilet last. This breed is charming and friendly; therefore they don't make a good guard dog. However, they make excellent guide, detection, and therapy dogs.
Feeding
Labradors can be greedy, so keep food out of reach. Typically, they require being fed 3 or 4 times a day as puppies and one or two times a day as adults. They will often overeat, so measuring and recording how much you feed them is a good idea. Remember not to make sudden changes to their diet as a puppy as it can cause stomach upset.
Grooming
Brushing your Labrador weekly will help keep their coat clean and help reduce shedding. They shed hair regularly, however they are relatively low maintenance to keep clean. They love water, which means you'll often see them swimming, but it also means it's easier to bath them.
Labrador puppies FAQs
What are Labrador puppies like?
With their floppy ears, soft coats, and big eyes, Labrador puppies are adorable balls of energy. They’re clever, curious, and need lots of positive experiences early on to grow into well-rounded adults. Training and socialisation should start as soon as possible to channel their natural enthusiasm.
How much is a Labrador puppy?
The price of a Labrador puppy in the UK can range from about £800 to £2,000 depending on things like the breeder’s reputation, location, and lineage. Always choose a responsible breeder who carries out health testing and prioritises welfare. Adoption is also an option and tends to be cheaper - fees are about £150–£400 depending on the rescue centre.
How to train a Labrador puppy
Start training early, keep it fun, and be consistent. Labradors love rewards, so treats, toys, and praise work wonders. Puppy socialisation classes are highly recommended to help them learn to behave around other dogs and people. Be patient—Labs are eager, but young ones can be easily distracted!
How far can a Labrador puppy walk?
Use the 5-minute rule: 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old Labrador can manage about 20 minutes, twice daily. Avoid over-exercising puppies, as their joints are still developing.
How often to worm a Labrador puppy
Puppies need worming every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until six months. After that, choose a routine flea and worming treatment, as recommended by your vet.
How long can you leave a Labrador puppy alone?
Labrador puppies shouldn't be left alone for long—no more than 1–2 hours. Gradually build up the time they spend alone, always ensuring they have toys or chews to stay occupied. Adult Labradors also prefer company and can struggle if left alone too often.
Thinking of getting a Labrador puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
“Labradors are charming and resilient and look pretty indestructible, but we still see conditions such as osteoarthritis and elbow dysplasia that may require long-term treatment. Only a lifetime insurance policy will help with the costs for as long as necessary. ”
Robin Hargreaves
Agria Vet Panel Lead, Veterinary Surgeon for 30 years and former British Veterinary Association President.
What we love most about Labradors
Loving companions
Labs adore people and have so much love to give.
Playful spirit
Whether it's fetch, swimming, or running, they’re always up for fun.
Smart and versatile
Labs excel at everything from guide dog work to family life to sports and agility.
Things to consider before getting a Labrador
Labradors are great, but there are a few thing to consider when deciding if they’re right for you.
- 1
High energy
Labradors need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- 2
Big foodies
Labs love eating and can become overweight if their diet isn’t carefully managed.
- 3
Shedding
Expect hair, and lots of it, especially during moulting seasons.
Overall, if you’re looking for a loyal, loving, and endlessly joyful companion, a Labrador might just be the perfect match for you.
Labrador Retriever insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Labrador Retriever's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Labrador FAQs
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