Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dogs in Australia, and Sydney shelters regularly have Labs and Lab crosses looking for homes. Labs are friendly, outgoing and people-oriented, which makes them excellent family dogs that get on with children, other pets and visitors. Their eagerness to please also makes them highly trainable.
Labs come into rescue for ordinary reasons, often because a family underestimated how much energy a young Lab has or because life circumstances changed. A healthy Lab needs a good hour of exercise a day, and they love swimming, which Sydney is well set up for with dog-friendly beaches and harbour spots. Watch their weight; Labs will happily overeat.
Lab crosses are at least as common in NSW rescue as purebred Labs, and they usually inherit the easy Lab temperament. Browse the Labradors and Lab crosses listed below from rescues and shelters across Sydney and New South Wales.
Showing 14 dogs
Atticus
About 7 years old • Labrador X Mastiff
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Big Bird
2 years • LABRADOODLE
Maggie's Rescue
Blanche
11 Years 2 Months • Staffordshire Bull Terrier / Labrador Retriever
RSPCA NSW
Chuck
About 7 years old • Labrador X Rottweiler
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Daisy
About 13 years old • Labrador X
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Embers
About 1 years old • Labrador X Staffy
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Gatsby
About 12 years old • Labrador X
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Gem
About 6 years old • Labrador X Shar Pei
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Marlin
About 2 years old • Labrador X Ridgeback
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Nunya
5 years old • Labrador
Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
Polly
2 Years 2 Months • American Staffordshire Terrier / Labrador Retriever
RSPCA NSW
Precious
12 Years 4 Months • Labrador Retriever / Whippet
RSPCA NSW
Princess
6 Years 2 Months • Labrador Retriever / Whippet
RSPCA NSW
Watson
About 2 years old • Labrador X Staffy
Monika's Doggie Rescue
Labrador Retriever Adoption FAQ
Are Labradors good with kids?
Labradors are widely regarded as one of the best breeds for families with children. They are patient, gentle and playful. Most rescue Labs have been assessed with children in foster care, and that note is on the listing. Always supervise early interactions and teach children to respect a new dog.
How much exercise does a Labrador need?
Labs need at least an hour of solid exercise a day. They love swimming, fetch and running, and Sydney has dog-friendly beaches and harbour swimming spots that suit them well. In summer, swim or walk in the cooler hours. A Lab that is under-exercised will gain weight and may become destructive.
Do Labradors shed a lot?
Yes. Labs have a dense double coat and shed year-round, with heavier moults in spring and autumn. Brushing two or three times a week keeps it manageable. They are not a good choice for someone with a significant dog allergy.
How much does it cost to adopt a Labrador in Sydney?
Adoption fees for an adult Labrador through a Sydney rescue typically run between $300 and $600, and that fee already includes desexing, microchipping, vaccination and a vet check. Buying a Labrador puppy from a breeder in NSW usually costs several thousand dollars. Adopting an adult also means the dog already has a known, assessed temperament.