# Labrador Retriever (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Labrador Retriever is a friendly, playful dog that loves people. Labs enjoy fetching balls and are strong swimmers. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Homes, yards, and parks; near ponds or beaches for swims - **Also known as:** Lab, Labrador ![Labrador Retriever](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426701/objects/4400.jpg) ## Appearance The Labrador Retriever has a strong, athletic build with a broad head and friendly eyes. Its short, dense double coat comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate brown, and it possesses a thick, 'otter-like' tail unique to the breed. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada, to help local fishermen. - Labrador puppies are born without their signature water-resistant double coat. - They are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds globally. - They once retrieved fishing nets and fallen fish from icy cold waters. ## Special abilities - **Soft Mouth Retrieval:** Labrador Retrievers have a very gentle bite that helps them carry delicate items like game birds or even eggs without causing any damage. - **Super Sniffer:** Labrador Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell that helps them track scents, locate hidden objects, and find people. - **Loyal Learner:** Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent and eager to please, which helps them learn commands quickly and perform many helpful tasks. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 70-80 cm - **Weight:** 25-36 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-12 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Litter Size:** 5-10 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding Labrador Retrievers are omnivores who enjoy a varied diet of dog food, treats, and sometimes human foods. - **Primary Foods:** Dog kibble, Wet dog food, Fruits and vegetables (dog-safe), Small rodents (opportunistic), Fish (opportunistic) - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides companionship and assistance to people. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas feed on their blood, causing itching. - **Parasitizes:** Deer Tick (*Ixodes scapularis*) — Ticks attach to skin, potentially transmitting diseases. - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — May instinctively chase and catch small rodents. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Ask the owner before petting and toss toys gently—no rough pulling on ears or tail. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Labrador Retriever? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Labrador Retriever? 70-80 cm ### How much does Labrador Retriever weigh? 25-36 kg ### How long does Labrador Retriever live? 10-12 years ### How fast can Labrador Retriever move? 35 km/h ### What does Labrador Retriever eat? Labrador Retrievers are omnivores who enjoy a varied diet of dog food, treats, and sometimes human foods. ### Where is Labrador Retriever usually found? Homes, yards, and parks; near ponds or beaches for swims ### How does Labrador Retriever hunt? Foraging ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Labrador Retriever: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/labrador-retriever)