Are there dog breeds similiar to labrador retrievers (with traits like size, persoanlity, coat length etc)?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is very similar to Labs, as are Curly Coated Retrievers, and they both have the same temperament as Lab retrievers. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are about the same size and look of Labs, but they are naturally more aggressive and wary of strangers, and require more handling to contain their desire to protect.

Personally, I don’t think there’s anything quite like a lab. If you’re talking about coats, there’s a bunch of similar ones. If you’re talking about getting a dog, I suggest you do a lot of reading.

I wonder why you are asking. If you want a dog with traits similar to a lab, why not just get a lab?

@Lovey_Howell I“m not looking [at the moment] to actually go out and buy a dog. Labs are mainstream, from my observations, and I wonder if there are alike breeds with less publicity. This is a question dripped in curiosity. :)

To my way of thinking, Collie, Akita, and Irish Setter (or any of the setters) are comparable to the Lab.

@ArtiqueFox—-I know exactly what you mean. I’ve felt the same when I went to choose a dog too. My pick would be the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, he’s very loyal and trainable like a Lab, and just as lovable, but it’s a little less common that the Lab. But Chesapeakes are a little more temperamental and protective.

@YARNLADY – the entire akita world is enraged that you would compare them to a lab or a setter!

@MRSHINYSHOES My family have always had Flatcoated Retrievers, they’re great dogs.They’re coats are usually slightly longer than Labs but it is still fairly easy to maintain. It needs slightly moore attention to a Labs coat if you plan on showing them though. I would agree with you that the Chesapeake Bay is the most like a Lab in that sense.

@YARNLADY In what sense do you find any of those breeds similar to Labs?

Golden retrievers? I have a prejudice against Chessies since one attacked my cocker some years ago. They are also somewhat bigger than Labs.

You should just consider getting a lab mix. The shelters are full of wonderful dogs who just need a second chance. Mutts are usually great dogs and they live longer too ;-)

@Leanne1986 They are all fairly large, and they have similar fur. I didn’t include German Shepherds, Huskies or Malamutes, which also fit that description, because their fur is quite different. They fit the question (size, coat length) and I left out personality, because that is very controversial. People swear by both sides of that about every breed.
@rooeytoo The mother of my dog was an Akita/Lab mix, and she looked very similar to the Lab next door, except smaller.

@YARNLADY – my akita is still offended, he says he is nothing, no way, never would be, never could be anything like a lab!!! And I agree with him.

@ArtiqueFox – I always suggest that people go to a dog show. There are well over 100 breeds recognized by the AKC. When you see a dog you like, wait until after it is being shown and then talk to the owner about the breed. They will give you an honest description of their dog, faults and good traits. It is the best way to learn.

@YARNLADY I must be honest with you, in my experience Collies and Labs are very different physically and personality wise! That’s why I asked.

You really can’t beat a Lab overall. They have a great temperament, they’re friendly (if properly socialised) and very easy to train. They have a couple of flaws – a tendency towards obesity (they will eat anything) and a genetic tendency towards hip dysplasia (a puppy should be hip-tested before you buy it).

The only thing better than a lab, in my opinion, is a lab-mix crossbreed.

@downtide – unless the protocol has changed in the last couple of years, they do not x ray for hip dysplasia until dogs are at least a year old. Both parents should be OFA’s before being bred and even that isn’t a guarantee that the pups will be sound since it is a recessive gene. Pups often move so ungainly it is hard to judge but a knowledgeable person should be able to get an idea by watching them go.

As far as I know, they are also prone to SAS and PRA and thyroid disorders (often the cause of the obesity and skin problems) so it is best to go to a reputable breeder who has had all the requisite health checks done before breeding.