• Activity Level: High
  • Grooming Level: Low
  • Trainability: High
  • Adaptability: High
  • Kid/Pet Friendly: Often
  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 12-19 Years
  • Prey Drive: Low
  • Watchdog: Aware
  • Registered?: AKC

The Chocolate Lab is an energetic dog that gets along well in a family environment. As a Retriever, it also makes for a great hunting dog, and has also been known to fill in other working dog roles in addition to service or guide dog roles. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labs can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the 1880's. Silver Labs are registered as Chocolate by the American Kennel Club.

Temperment

Chocolate Labs are intelligent, industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are famously even-tempered and will put up with a lot before even showing irritation. Them makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they won't even consider and aggressive reaction no matter how often they're poked and prodded by little ones. Plus, they love the extra attention and people available for cuddle and play time. Speaking of play time, being a retriever there is nothing they love more than a game of fetch especially if it includes swimming.

Adaptability

Labs are highly adaptable. Their natural urge to dig and bark once agitated can be quelled with a little training and some exercise. Chocolate Labs are independent and don't need your focus every minute of every day. They're perfectly happy standing guard in a corner or investigating in another room. These dogs will happily jump about in a room of kids or relax on the couch for some quality with you.

Health

Generally speaking Chocolate Labs are healthy dogs. They can develop disorders of the eyes and joints, but as long as they are attending veterinarian visits regularly, they will stay perfectly healthy.

Owner Experience

Labrador Retrievers are known for their patience and adaptability, which makes them excellent dogs for beginners. They require minimal training and respond well to commands. If you go the extra mile, Chocolate Labs can be taught life-saving techniques like those used for search and rescue. These dogs are incredible companions and downright useful to have around.

Grooming

Chocolate Labs have vey short, water resistant fur. It's a double layer. so seasonal shedding occurs twice a year. This kind of coat make swimming in water all-year-round a cinch for these dogs, as its density protects them from the cold. Their fur should be washed down every so often, especially if they're avid swimmers, but it's not imperative. Giving them a good brush once a week should take care of their coats just fine.

Activity Level

This breed tends to be very active and craves exercise. A good hike, run, or swim will soothe a Chocolate Labs active soul. A visit or two to the dog park will make for a very happy, and tired, Lab. Remember a tired Lab, is a good Lab.

Size

Chocolate Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches, and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds.

Life Span

Labs live from 12 to 19 years.