Dogs Similar to Labs: Your Guide to Labrador-Like Breeds

If you love Labs, you’ll be thrilled to know that many other breeds are a lot like the Labrador Retriever. For decades, the Labrador Retriever has consistently been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. And for good reason: Labs are friendly, loyal, intelligent, trainable, and great with kids. They’re perfect for active families and individuals who want a loving, affectionate furry friend. 

You’ll find lots of Labs and Lab mixes available for adoption through animal shelters and rescue groups, but why stop there? Expand your adoption search to include dog breeds similar to Labs to help you find your perfect pet faster. 

Characteristics of Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever is classified as a sporting breed — sometimes called a gun dog or a bird dog — a group of dogs bred to find and retrieve birds on land and in water. 

Within this group, you have: 

• Retrievers: Retrieve downed birds from land or water for a hunter.

• Spaniels: Find, flush (scare out of hiding), and retrieve downed birds.

• Setters and pointers: Sniff out hidden birds and freeze so the hunter can flush out the bird.

History

Despite their name, Labradors were originally developed in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, where they were used as duck retrievers. The breed was discovered by visiting English noblemen and brought back to England, where it was refined and standardized into the Lab we know and love today.

Temperament

Labs are renowned for their winning personalities. They are smart and eager to please their human companions, which makes them highly trainable. They are great with kids of all ages and friendly to everyone they meet. Most Labs also get along well with other dogs and even cats if they are raised together. They enjoy outdoor activity and exploration, whether that’s hiking and swimming or simply hanging out at the sports field while the kids play weekend games. Their coat is wash-and-wear, needing no professional grooming.

Related article

Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever: Which Is Right for You?

These two dogs may look alike, but they each come with distinct differences.

Appearance

These medium- to large-size dogs have sturdy, athletic builds. Males are usually larger than females, weighing between 65 to 80 pounds on average. Females are usually 55 to 70 pounds. The short, water-resistant coat comes in one of three colors: yellow, black, or chocolate.

Popular dogs similar to Labrador Retrievers

Ready to meet some breeds similar to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some sporting breeds and mixed-breed dogs who look similar to Labs and have many of those outstanding Labrador Retriever personality traits.

Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy/

1. Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers look a lot like yellow Labs with longer fur. They are similar in size and build, and have similar energy levels. Golden Retrievers need a little more brushing and grooming than Labs, though shedding levels are similar. Goldens tend to be a little “softer” and more sensitive in temperament compared to the boisterous Lab. 

Traits similar to Labs

• Similar size and weight

• Intelligent and highly trainable

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

karisjo / Pixabay/

2. Flat-Coated Retrievers

At first glance, Flat-Coated Retrievers look a lot like black Labradors with long hair, but look closer and you’ll notice they are leaner in build and have a very different face shape. Flat-Coated Retrievers are slower to mature than Labs and more sensitive, so training is sometimes a bit more challenging.  

Traits similar to Labs

• Similar size and weight

• Intelligent 

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

• Easy to groom

Tanya / AdobeStock/

3. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

As a retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (or Chessie) shares a lot of traits with the Lab, but Chessies have a different type of personality. Though very smart, they can be strong-willed and independent, so training is a bit tougher. They are also more protective and watchful than Labs, and not as good with kids.  

Traits similar to Labs

• Similar size and weight

• Intelligent and loyal 

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Easy to groom

Sebastiaan-Wirestock / AdobeStock/

4. Curly-Coated Retrievers

The Curly-Coated Retriever looks similar to a Lab. But instead of straight hair, the Curly-Coat has — you guessed it — a short, tightly curled coat. Though friendly, the Curly is a bit reserved when meeting new people and calmer in general than the Lab. This breed can have a more independent personality compared to the Lab, but bonds tightly with their human family. 

Traits similar to Labs

• Similar size and weight

• Intelligent and trainable

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Easy to groom

Milles Studio / Stocksy/

5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

If you long for a small Labrador Retriever, you’ll be delighted to discover the pint-sized Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who weighs just 30 to 50 pounds. Tollers have a lot of the same traits as Labs, but their personalities are a bit more intense, so they need lots of mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise to be happy. Their medium-length, red coat only needs weekly brushing.

Traits similar to Labs

• Intelligent and and trainable

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

• Easy to groom

Steve Bruckmann / Shutterstock/

6. American Water Spaniels

Spaniels share a lot of similar characteristics with retrievers, including a friendly personality and love of water and swimming. The American Water Spaniel is quite a bit smaller than a Lab, ranging from 25 to 45 pounds. The brown coat is either wavy or curly and easy to maintain with weekly brushing. This breed is more stubborn than a Lab and might try to push boundaries. But they are wonderful family dogs with clear and consistent rules and training. 

Traits similar to Labs

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

• Easy to groom

HasPhotos / AdobeStock/

7. English Springer Spaniels

The English Springer Spaniel is another sporting breed who’s great for people looking for an active smaller dog who loves the outdoors. Springers typically weigh 40 to 50 pounds, with females on the smaller side. These family dogs love spending time with their humans and will happily accompany you wherever you go. The Springer’s coat needs weekly brushing and occasional haircuts from a groomer. 

Traits similar to Labs

• Intelligent and trainable

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Love water and swimming

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

Mal Haven / Shutterstock/

8. Corgidors

The Corgidor is a mix between a Lab and a Corgi. Although their physical traits aren’t standardized, a lot of Corgidors are smaller than Labs, and they often have short legs like a Corgi. Both breeds are friendly, affectionate, and good family dogs, so that’s generally true of a Corgidor. Some Corgidors are more vocal than Labs, and they might show strong herding tendencies. 

Traits similar to Labs

• Intelligent and highly trainable

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

• Easy to groom

Chris F / Pexels/

9. Labradoodles

The Labradoodle is a mix between a Lab and a Poodle. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, Labradoodles can range from small (15 to 25 pounds), to medium (30 to 40 pounds), to large (50 to 75 pounds). Both breeds are intelligent, loving, and great with kids, and Labradoodles usually have similar traits. Labradoodles require daily brushing and professional haircuts, making their coats very high-maintenance compared to Labs.

Traits similar to Labs

• Intelligent and highly trainable

• Friendly and affectionate

• High-energy and athletic

• Good with kids

• Good with other pets

Cinar / Pexels/

10. Mixed-breeds

Labrador mixes can be a lot like purebred Labrador Retrievers in both looks and personality, but not always. On the flip side, some mixed-breed dogs look or act like Labs but have no Labrador Retriever genes. The world of Lab mixes is diverse — each one is unique and special. Ask an adoption counselor to help steer you toward dogs who match the Lab personality traits — and maybe even the look — you’re hoping for so you can land the best mixed-breed match for your life.

Labrador traits

• Intelligent and eager to learn

• Friendly and affectionate

• Ready for regular exercise

• Often great with kids

• Usually friendly with other pets

• Playful and goofy

• Strong food motivation

• Tend to bond closely with their family

• Often enjoy water and outdoor adventures

Considerations for choosing a dog similar to a Lab

When looking at individual dogs, whether purebred Labs or Lab mixes, consider their size, energy levels, grooming needs, and personalities to find the perfect pup for you. 

Lifestyle and activity level

Labrador-like dogs are perfect for active, outdoorsy families and individuals who want to take their dog with them on adventures. Adopting a dog similar to a Lab means providing enough daily exercise and companionship, so the dog is happy. 

Space and living arrangements

Smaller dogs like Spaniels are often easier when you live in an apartment or a smaller house. But don’t forget that small doesn’t mean low-energy. All sporting dogs need daily, vigorous exercise to be content at home.

Training and socialization needs

Labs are renowned for being easy to train. Many dogs similar to Labs are also easy to train, but some, like American Water Spaniels, do better with experienced dog owners. Breeds and mixes who are more reserved with strangers (such as Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Curly-Coated Retrievers) benefit from extra socialization. 

Grooming needs

Labs are easy to groom: They don’t need professional trimming, and their hair is short, so it doesn’t mat. A good brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient, although you might choose to brush more frequently to cut down on hair shedding around the house. Many purebred dogs similar to Labs have easy-care coats, but some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, need more brushing. And some Lab mixes, like Labradoodles, need professional grooming. 

Commonly asked questions

What kind of dog looks like a Lab?

Other retrievers look like Labs, including Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Curly-Coated Retrievers. Some mixed-breed dogs also look like Labs, even if they don’t have any Lab genes.

What's like a Labrador but smaller?

Some breeds who are like a Labrador but smaller include Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, miniature Labradoodles, and Corgidors.  

At what age do Labs slow down?

Labs slow down at different ages. Most Labs start to lose their puppy energy and calm down between 2 and 4 years old. After about 7 years old, Labs enter their senior years and slow down a little more every year.

Which dog breeds, like Labs, are good for families with children?

Many dog breeds, like Labs, are good for families with children. Some dog breeds similar to Labs who are family-friendly include Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, American Water Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Corgidors, and Labradoodles. 

References

Anna Lamb. “What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality.” Harvard Gazette, 21 Nov. 2023, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/what-shapes-your-dogs-personality.

‌“Dog Study Shows There’s a Lot More to Behavior than Just Breed.” ASU News, 29 Apr. 2022, news.asu.edu/20220429-discoveries-dog-study-shows-theres-lot-more-behavior-just-breed.

IET WebDev. “Neutering Health Effects More Severe for Golden Retrievers than Labradors.” UC Davis, 14 July 2014, www.ucdavis.edu/news/neutering-health-effects-more-severe-golden-retrievers-labradors.

‌‌Paulenoff, Simon. “American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever.

‌StudyFinds Analysis. “Your Dog’s Breed May Predict Their Food Obsession (and Their Weight Problem).” Study Finds, 27 July 2025, studyfinds.org/your-dogs-breed-may-predict-their-food-obsession-and-their-weight-problem.