Labrador Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club's registration statistics, the Labrador retriever is America's favorite breed. The breed originated in the harsh environment of Newfoundland and Labrador, the wildest and ruggedest portion of Canada's East Coast, and has since been spread across the continent and around the world. Labs have many excellent qualities, but like any dog they are not suited for all households.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • Labradors are a moderately large dog, standing up to 2 feet tall at the hip. They are sturdy, well-muscled dogs, bred to be highly athletic in their original role as hunting animals. They are the outstanding swimmers of the dog world, and love the water. Their short fur forms a double coat like that of other aquatic breeds, with a wiry outer layer that sheds water and a warm inner layer. Labs come in three colors: black, golden and chocolate. They have a characteristically friendly, ingratiating manner.

    Temperament

    • A major reason for the popularity of the Lab is its temperament, which is almost universally sweet and friendly. They are a wonderful family dog, very patient with children and willing to romp and play with them for hours on end. Labradors are eager to please and very trainable, though their high spirits and adolescent energy will sometimes get in the way. The average Labrador will demonstrate boisterous energy and occasional willfulness for as long as five or six years before settling down to a placid, responsive adulthood.

    Cautions

    • It's important to remember that Labrador retrievers are just that, retrievers. They are bred to retrieve, and their need to fetch may well exceed your willingness to throw. Their strong need to mouth objects while playing can extend to your arms and hands, which can be misconstrued as biting and therefore requires careful training. Labs need constant exercise, and one or two walks each day aren't really enough. They need to run and play, or boredom and excess energy can lead them into destructive behavior or a pattern of escaping from their yards.

    Choosing a Suitable Animal

    • Younger Labs, with their energy and playfulness, are excellent pets for children old enough to run and play with them. Younger children may be intimidated by their exuberant friendliness, or even be flattened by an overly-enthusiastic greeting. It's important to remember the Lab's need for excercise. Young families, or active young adults, are the best matches for Labs that are 5 years old or less. Older Labs who are more sedate in their manner are excellent pets for younger children or more mature adults who don't have the energy to keep up with a young Lab but appreciate the breed's sweet disposition.