Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information

Among the most popular pets in the United States, the Labrador retriever has ranked at the top of the American Kennel Club's list of dog registration statistics since 1999. Its trainability and eagerness to please make it a common choice for service or police work.

  1. History

    • The Labrador retriever hails from Newfoundland, Canada. Prior to the 1800s, small water dogs typical of the area were bred with Newfoundlands, creating the St. John's water dog, a now-extinct breed that evolved to become the Labrador retriever, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC.) At the beginning of the 19th century, the first Labrador retriever was imported to Great Britain and used as a hunting dog. Although the original Labrador retrievers in Newfoundland died out, the line continued in England and later came to the United States. The AKC recognized the Labrador retriever in 1917.

    Types

    • Although considered the same breed, the English Labrador retriever and the American Labrador retriever have different appearances. The English Lab is stockier, shorter and thicker than the American Lab, which is tall and lanky, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. English Labs mature sooner than American Labs and tend to have a more calm and laid-back demeanor.

    Identification

    • There are three colors of Labrador retriever recognized by the AKC--black, yellow and chocolate. There is also a rare silver or gray color which, according to the Dog Breed Info Center, could be a true mutation or a Weimaraner mix. The Lab's coat is thick and smooth with a waterproof undercoat. As a water dog, the Labrador retriever has webbed feet to help it swim with ease.

    Temperament

    • The Labrador retriever is a friendly, outgoing, kind dog that is eager to please and non-aggressive, according to the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. Good with children, the Lab craves social contact and needs to feel part of a family, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. The Labrador retriever's temperament makes it a popular candidate for service work.

    Considerations

    • As with most hunting or working dogs, the Labrador retriever is a high-energy dog. The puppy, in particular, is a handful if left to its own devices. Dog trainer Norma Bennett Woolf recommends training from an early age and plenty of exercise in order for the Labrador retriever to grow into a well-behaved, happy dog. An under-exercised Lab often shows undesirable behaviors, such as chewing, digging, getting in the trash, jumping, escaping and wandering.