Labrador - Dog Breed Information

Information about Labradors

Labrador breed information
Should I get a Labrador?
Labrador personality
Taking care of a Labrador
Commonly claimed health conditions for a Labrador
The cost of insuring a Labrador
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
We're here to help

The Labradors are among Australia's favourites. They are also referred to as Labrador Retriever. The name “Labrador” comes from the region where the breed originated, in Labrador, Canada.

There are some visual differences between various Labradors, the key difference being their coat colour. There are black Labs, chocolate Labs, and golden Labs. Additionally, American Labradors tend to be leaner, while English Labradors have a slightly heavier build and are specially bred for show purposes.

Labrador breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Labrador:

How long do Labradors live?

Labradors usually live for up to 10-12 years.

How big do Labradors get?

A male Labrador stands at 57 to 63cm height and weigh between 29 and 37kg. Female Labradors stand between 54 and 60cm height and weigh between 24 and 32kg.

Do Labradors shed?

Labradors have a thick dense coat that requires regular brushing, with coat colours ranging from black, chocolate and yellow.

Should I get a Labrador?

A Labrador may be a great addition to your family. They are generally intelligent, easy to train and they love to work with people. Labs can be friendly and enjoy human company, and they usually don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can make vibrant companions for children. It takes patience and training to manage Labradors. Labrador Retrievers are very strong dogs and tend to require early training for discipline.

Labrador personality

Labradors usually have a good temperament, being loyal and patient with children and adults, and love to spend time with their families. Labradors tend to quickly develop love and care for their family, especially when adopted as puppies.

It's common to adopt Labradors as puppies. Labrador puppies should be microchipped and its information recorded on the CAR or AAR database with its unique identification details, like all dogs in Australia before they are 12 weeks of age.

Taking care of a Labrador

Grooming

Labradors shed frenquently, and might need brushing often. It's important not to over-wash your Lab with soap-based shampoos that remove natural oils from the fur.

Exercise

The Labrador Retriever was first bred for physically demanding work and usually has the high energy of a working dog. They will need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise each day. Without exercise, they may release their stored energy in barking and chewing.

Diet

Labradors usually love to eat, and will eat too much if you let them. This can quickly lead to obesity. To help keep them in healthy shape you could limit the amount of treats you give them and try multiple small meals instead of large meals, as well as plenty of exercise.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Labrador

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a Labrador can experience.

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)	Frequent scratching and biting at skin Irritation such as redness. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell	$6,752
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears Head shaking Odour or discharge from the ears Ears may be red or warm to the touch	$7,835
Arthritis	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s) Stiffness on rising Reluctance to jump, use stairs Swelling on legs	$10,168
Gastrointestinal tract condition	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation Blood or mucus in stool/vomit Increased frequency/urgency passing stool Weight loss Loss of appetite and interest in food May seem more tired than usual	$12,652
Tumours	Lumps and bumps on or underneath skin Abdominal swelling Sudden weight loss Change in appetite Lethargy or depression Changes in bathroom habits Evidence of pain	$13,366

The cost of insuring a Labrador

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Labrador, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

Need Pet Insurance for your Labrador?

Get a quote

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to $30,000 a year.

Claim up to 80% back.*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.

Lifetime cover.‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life.

Introducing GapOnly.®

Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims.⁼

Important Information

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Labrador dog breed information