Labrador Retriever
📺 32-second video · Cantonese narration
The Labrador Retriever story, in one take
From its origins to Hong Kong homes — how did the Labrador Retriever become one of Hong Kong's most popular pet breeds?
- ✓Origin story: starting in its homeland
- ✓Personality: Gentle and affectionate
PetChill Pet Encyclopedia
Labrador Retriever everyday food & supplies
Chosen by species (dog) from products PetChill stocks — not a breed-specific formula. Actual suitability depends on age, weight and health.
Nutriplan Soft Dog Food Immunity and Skin Care Support 1.2kg (64337)
HK$98About HK$81.67 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Bella & Molly's Dutch Berry Royal Selected Dog Food AAFCO Grain-Free Single Protein Salmon Formula 50g (Limited Time Experience)
HK$10About HK$200 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Special offerHK$175HK$235About HK$77.16 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
History & origin
Although it is called the Labrador, the Labrador Retriever actually originates from Newfoundland, Canada. In the 18th century, fishermen in Newfoundland kept the St. John's Water Dog to help haul nets and retrieve fish that fell into the water, and this is the Labrador's ancestor.
In the 19th century, British aristocrats brought these water dogs back from Canada and, through careful breeding, developed today's Labrador Retriever. In 1903 the Labrador was recognised by the British Kennel Club and quickly became one of the most popular breeds worldwide.
The Labrador has ranked first among the AKC's most popular breeds for many years running; they are gentle, friendly, intelligent and loyal, extremely patient with children, and a classic family dog. Because they are intelligent, easy to train and steady in temperament, Labradors work widely as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, detection dogs and therapy dogs, making them an all-rounder in the working-dog world. Labradors love food (famously big appetites), love water and love retrieving, and are energetic enough to need a lot of exercise. Note that Labradors gain weight easily and, like Golden Retrievers, carry a hereditary risk of hip dysplasia.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most about the Labrador Retriever
It actually originates from Newfoundland, Canada. The St. John's Water Dog kept by Newfoundland fishermen in the 18th century is the Labrador's ancestor, and it was later brought to Britain and bred into today's breed.
The Labrador has ranked first among the AKC's most popular breeds for many years running, because of its gentle, friendly temperament, intelligence and trainability, and its patience with children, making it an ideal family dog.
Famously so! Labradors have the nickname Labra-pig: everything tastes good to them and they gain weight easily, so portion sizes must be strictly controlled.
Very much so. Labradors are intelligent, steady and easy to train, and work widely as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, detection dogs and therapy dogs, making them an all-rounder in the working-dog world.
Yes. Labradors are energetic and need at least 1 hour of exercise a day (walks, swimming, ball games); without enough exercise they will destroy the home.
Labrador Retriever articles
7 articles
Labrador Colours Explained | A Must-Read for Hong Kong Pet Owners: Black, Yellow, Chocolate and the Truth About Rare Colours
How many Labrador colours are there? This article breaks down the genetics behind the three recognised standard colours—black, yellow and chocolate—the spectrum of yellow from cream to fox red, the truth behind controversial rare colours like 'charcoal' and silver, compares grooming differences between coat colours, and uses a colour × trait × commonness table to help you choose the right colour and see through inflated prices.
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Labrador Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? A Hong Kong Owner's Guide to Longevity and Health Risks
Labradors typically live 10 to 12 years, and with good care they can stay with you even longer. This article covers the weight, hereditary conditions (hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, exercise-induced collapse), tumour risk and environmental and medical factors that affect Labrador lifespan. It includes an actionable longevity checklist and key points for senior care, and explains when to see a veterinarian, so data and veterinary advice can work together to protect your dog.
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Labrador drawbacks: 8 things to know before getting one (2026 Hong Kong guide)
The Labrador's drawbacks centre on eight points: shedding, food obsession and obesity, uncontrollable energy in puppyhood, separation anxiety, jumping up, genetic joint risk, swallowing foreign objects, and city space pressure. Each has clear coping methods; do them well and you can enjoy their famously good temperament; fail, and these eight will take turns testing your patience and wallet.
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Labrador Puppy Growth Curve and Weight Chart (Hong Kong)
How big should a Labrador be? This article provides a month-by-month weight reference chart from puppy to adult, breed-standard ranges for shoulder height and weight, male-female size differences, how to use BCS body condition scoring, and key points on feeding and joint protection during growth. With one scale and one pair of eyes, you can judge whether your Labrador is being raised right.
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Labrador Personality and Intelligence: A Must-Read for Hong Kong Owners — Obedience, Food Drive and Separation Anxiety
How good is the Labrador personality really? This article looks at how to interpret dog intelligence rankings, the Labrador's learning performance and obedience, getting along with children and other pets, male-female personality differences, personality changes from puppy to adult, and interaction advice for three common behavioural challenges. Use the trait × behaviour × response table to see the real side of this breed.
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Labrador Care Guide for Hong Kong: Public Housing, Deeds of Mutual Covenant, Heat and Humidity
Is a Labrador right for Hong Kong? This guide breaks down the building deed of mutual covenant and public housing rules, space planning for small flats, heat and humidity tips for Hong Kong's sticky climate, daily exercise, licensing and legal duties — with a project-by-project checklist and a quick-reference table to help you raise a healthy, happy Labrador even in a small flat.
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Labrador Price and Adoption Guide (Hong Kong) 2026
How much does a Labrador cost in Hong Kong? This guide covers 2026 market price ranges (pet-grade and pedigree), the going rate for black, yellow and chocolate, adoption routes via SPCA and NKAC, the real chances of a free puppy, an 8-point checklist, and a monthly cost estimate for a large dog — so you don't overpay whether you buy or adopt.
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