Temperament and care ratings
The American Kennel Club rates every breed from 1 to 5 on the traits below. They describe how the breed tends to be, not a promise about one dog.
Coat: Double coat, short.
A Labrador Retriever suits
- A family with young children (rated 5 of 5 with kids)
- A home that changes often, or apartment life (adaptability 5 of 5)
- A first-time owner who wants an eager learner (trainability 5 of 5)
- Runners, hikers and active households (energy 5 of 5)
Think twice if
- You are out most of the day: energy is rated 5 of 5
- You can't offer daily training or puzzle games (mental stimulation needs 4 of 5)
- You want a tidy house: shedding is 4 of 5
What the ratings mean day to day
An energy score of 5 and mental stimulation needs of 4 mean plenty of daily exercise plus training games or puzzle feeders. With barking at 3 of 5 and a watchdog score of 3, expect some barking at the door. Grooming at 2 of 5 means an occasional brush.
Popularity
The Labrador Retriever was the number 2 most popular breed in the US in 2025, by AKC registrations. In 2020 it ranked 1.
Breeds with a similar profile
Closest matches across all 14 trait ratings:
Compare: Labrador Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever · Labrador Retriever vs Vizsla · Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter
Frequently asked questions
Are Labrador Retrievers good with kids?
The AKC rates the Labrador Retriever 5 out of 5 for being good with young children. That is the top score.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 4 out of 5 (high), and coat grooming 2 out of 5.
Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train?
Trainability is rated 5 out of 5 and mental stimulation needs 4 out of 5.
How much energy does a Labrador Retriever have?
Energy is rated 5 out of 5 and playfulness 5 out of 5.
Ratings: American Kennel Club breed pages, compiled February 2022 (AKC Labrador Retriever page). 2025 ranking: AKC, published August 2026. How we check.