Labrador Retriever: Exercise and activity
Plan Labrador Retriever's activity around both the work the dog enjoys and the recovery it needs afterwards. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period. Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
How to read the activity reference
Labrador Retriever's exercise is recorded as The Labrador Retriever is an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Balance movement and recovery
- Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period.
- Use this exercise note (The Labrador Retriever is an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
Stop the activity if
Reduce intensity and seek veterinary advice if exercise causes pain, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty.
References
Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Lab has a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds. Give occasional baths to keep them clean. As with all breeds, the Lab's nails should be trimmed regularly and his teeth brushed frequently.
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Labrador Retriever is an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day. A Lab who doesn't get enough exercise is likely to engage in hyperactive and/or destructive behavior to release pent-up energy. The breed's favorite activities are retrieving and swimming. Labs also love to burn up energy on hunting trips or at field trials,…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: With the Lab's physical strength and high energy level, early socialization and puppy training classes are vital. Gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months and beginning obedience training early on will help him develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Puppy training…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is one of America's most popular dog breeds, year after year. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'D Locus (Dilute) - DNA Test', 'Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) - DNA Test', 'Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test', 'Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LabradorRetriever.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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