A Labrador puppy grows into a friendly, energetic, medium-to-large dog, typically 55 to 80 pounds as an adult. Labs need a large-breed puppy food, careful portions, daily exercise and early training, especially for mouthing and chewing. Ask any breeder for hip, elbow and eye evaluations plus DNA tests such as EIC and PRA.
Quick takeaways
- Adult Labs usually weigh 55 to 80 pounds and live about 11 to 13 years.
- Feed a large-breed puppy food and keep your Lab lean, since Labs love to eat.
- Mouthing and chewing are normal Lab puppy behavior that training can redirect.
- Good breeders do hip, elbow and eye evaluations plus DNA tests.
- Lab rescues and shelters are worth checking, too.
In this guide
There’s a reason the Labrador Retriever is one of America’s favorite breeds. Labs are friendly, outgoing and eager to please. But a Lab puppy is also a bundle of energy with a mouth that wants to grab everything in sight. A good first year sets you both up for a long, happy life together.
What is a Labrador Retriever like?
Labs were developed as working retrievers, and that history shows. They love to carry things, swim, fetch and work with people. The American Kennel Club breed page lists these basics:
| Trait | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|
| Height | 22.5 to 24.5 inches (males), 21.5 to 23.5 inches (females) |
| Weight | 65 to 80 pounds (males), 55 to 70 pounds (females) |
| Life expectancy | 11 to 13 years |
| Colors | Black, yellow and chocolate |
| Energy | High |
Labs usually get along well with families and other pets when raised with good manners. They’re also a common pick for first-time owners. See how they compare with other breeds in our list of the best dog breeds for first-time owners.
How do I find a healthy Labrador puppy?
Buying or adopting, start with health. The AKC notes that Labs can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease such as progressive retinal atrophy, heart disorders and a condition called exercise-induced collapse (EIC). Like other large, deep-chested dogs, Labs can also develop bloat.
A responsible breeder screens the parents before breeding. Ask to see results for:
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
- DNA tests, including EIC, PRA-prcd and centronuclear myopathy
You can look up many results on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. A good breeder will also let you meet the mother, answer lots of questions and ask you plenty in return.
What about a Labrador puppy rescue or adoption?
Lab mixes and purebred Labs often turn up at shelters and breed rescues. Adoption fees are usually lower than breeder prices and often include vaccines and spay or neuter. Rescue groups can also tell you about each puppy’s personality.
How much does a Labrador puppy cost?
Prices vary widely by region, breeder and pedigree, so we don’t quote a number. Ask a few breeders or rescues for quotes and what’s included. Then budget for the ongoing costs: food, vet care, preventives, training, gear and pet insurance if you want it.
How should I feed a Labrador puppy?
Labs are large-breed dogs, so start with a complete and balanced puppy food made for large-breed growth. Large-breed formulas are designed to support slower, steadier growth, which helps protect developing joints. The AKC’s guide to caring for large-breed dogs explains why controlled growth matters.
A few feeding tips for Labs:
- Measure every meal. Labs are famously food motivated and can gain weight easily.
- Split meals. Three or four meals a day for young puppies, then two or three as they grow.
- Keep treats small. Treats should be under 10% of daily calories.
- Watch body shape. You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs easily.
- Switch to adult food at the right time. Many Labs switch around 12 to 15 months, but ask your vet.
How do I stop a Labrador puppy from biting?
Lab puppies are mouthy. They were bred to hold things in their mouths, and teething makes the urge even stronger. That’s normal, but it needs to be shaped.
- Keep a toy in your hand and offer it when your puppy grabs at you.
- If teeth hit skin, say “oops,” stop playing and step away for a few seconds.
- Praise and reward calm, gentle play.
- Give frozen chew toys during teething.
- Make sure your puppy gets enough sleep. An overtired Lab gets bitey.
The AKC’s tips for how to stop puppy biting are a helpful read. Avoid rough physical punishment, which can make biting worse and damage trust.
How do I raise a Labrador puppy?
Socialize early. Introduce your puppy to new people, sounds, surfaces and gentle dogs during the first few months, while following your vet’s advice on vaccines.
Train with rewards. Labs love food and praise, which makes them great students. Start with name, sit, come, leash walking and “drop it.” Keep sessions short and fun.
Exercise wisely. Labs need daily activity, but young puppies need many short play sessions rather than long runs. Ask your vet when it’s safe to add jogging or jumping, since bones keep developing into the second year.
Give them a job. Fetch, swimming, scent games and puzzle feeders help burn off energy. A bored Lab may chew your furniture instead.
Groom regularly. Labs have a short, dense double coat that sheds. Weekly brushing, nail trims, ear checks and tooth brushing keep them comfortable.
For the basics that every puppy needs, see our guide on how to take care of a puppy.
What are good Labrador puppy names?
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Male Lab names: Bear, Moose, Tucker, Cooper, Duke, Bourbon, Hank, Finn, Gus, Murphy
Female Lab names: Daisy, Molly, Rosie, Hazel, Penny, Maple, Sadie, Willow, Ginger, Lucy
Black Lab names: Shadow, Onyx, Midnight, Pepper, Raven. Yellow Lab names: Honey, Sunny, Butter, Goldie. Chocolate Lab names: Cocoa, Mocha, Hershey, Fudge.
Is a Labrador right for me?
A Lab might be a great fit if you want a friendly, trainable dog and you have time for daily exercise and training. They may not suit you if you want a calm couch dog, can’t handle shedding or are gone for long stretches every day.
If you’re still deciding, compare other popular family puppies like the Cavapoo and the Corgi. Whatever you choose, plan on regular vet visits, good food and lots of patience during that first busy year.
Frequently asked questions
How do you stop a Labrador puppy from biting?
Redirect the bite to a toy, stop play for a few seconds when teeth touch skin and reward gentle behavior. Labs are bred to carry things in their mouths, so give them plenty of chew toys and enough exercise and sleep. Overtired Lab puppies often bite more.
How should you feed a Labrador puppy?
Feed a complete and balanced large-breed puppy food, split into three or four meals at first and then two or three as your puppy grows. Measure every meal, keep treats under 10% of daily calories and adjust portions with your vet so your Lab stays lean.
How do you raise a Labrador puppy?
Give your Lab structure: regular meals, frequent potty breaks, short training sessions, plenty of naps and safe socialization. Labs are eager to please and respond well to reward-based training. They also need daily exercise and mental work like fetch or puzzle toys.
What is the price of a Labrador puppy?
Prices vary a lot by region, breeder and pedigree, so we don’t list a number. Ask several breeders for quotes and what’s included, like vet care and health testing. Adoption fees through a shelter or Lab rescue are usually lower.
What is a Labrador puppy?
A Labrador puppy is a young Labrador Retriever, a sporting breed originally used to retrieve game for hunters. Labs come in black, yellow and chocolate. They’re known for being friendly, outgoing and food motivated, and they’re one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Vet note: This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. If your puppy is having trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure or may have eaten something toxic, call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply).
