I have a 8 year old black lab, she was very ill as a puppy which was the result of a BYB unfortunatly and she was put on steriods as a puppy and we was told she wouldnt last the first year but shes suprised us all! So one thing I would definatly recomend would be to get from a respectable breeder, She was very easy to train but you need to keep it fun and I find that alot of training classes had quite a few labs!

About shedding, my dog sheds TONS but I find that taking her to the groomers for a blasting sessions seems to really help but she still needs lots of brushing and combing out and she still sheds more! so if you dont like a shedding breed I really wouldnt get a lab

I cant say much about energy levels as puppies because mine was so ill she acted like an old lady The puppies I have seen though, they are crazy so you'll have a hyper pup to keep up with