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Labrador Retriever Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Labrador Retriever so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
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OriginEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Labrador Retriever known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
LabLabrador
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Labrador Retriever? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred The Labrador is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Labrador Mixes.

Labrador Retriever Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Labrador Retriever? Learn how big the Labrador Retriever breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Labrador Retriever weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Labrador Retriever breed.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retriever height:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Labrador Retriever puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Labrador Retriever costs.
$1000-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Labrador Retriever, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Labrador Retriever for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Labrador Retriever gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Labrador Retriever? How many Labrador Retriever are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Labrador Retriever? Discover the Labrador Retriever's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Labrador Retriever is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Labrador Retriever? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's trainability and response to training methods.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Labrador Retriever as a watchdog? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's alertness and guarding instincts.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Labrador Retriever protective of its territory? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's guarding instincts and behavior.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Labrador Retriever have? Learn about characteristic Labrador Retriever temperament and behavior traits.
PlayfulLovingEnergeticAlertIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveAffectionateLoyalGentleGoingSocialCheerful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Labrador Retriever sensitivity:
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Labrador Retriever a good family dog?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. Their happiness doesn't depend on their owner's emotional level.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Lab need? Labrador Retriever social needs:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Labrador Retriever to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Labrador Retriever roam?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Labrador Retriever have high prey drive?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Labrador Retriever bark a lot? Learn about typical Labrador Retriever vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Labrador Retriever? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Labrador Retriever breed.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Labrador Retriever live in an apartment? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Labrador Retriever indoors by introducing daily routines.

Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Labrador Retriever to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's flexibility to new situations.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Labrador Retriever be left alone? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's tolerance to solitude.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Labrador Retriever biting potential? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's bite risk factors.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Labrador Retriever mouthy? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's tendency to use mouth during play.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Labrador Retriever dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Labrador Retriever bite? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Labrador Retriever measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Labrador Retriever is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Labrador Retriever bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Labrador Retriever bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Labrador Retriever puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Labrador Retriever, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Labrador Retriever bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Labrador Retriever can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Labrador Retriever live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Labrador Retriever breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Labrador Retriever handle different weather? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Labrador Retriever? Discover typical conditions affecting the Labrador Retriever breed.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Labrador Retriever need vet visits? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Labrador Retriever breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Labrador Retriever breed? Most common health risks of Labrador Retriever:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatEpilepsyEar InfectionsElbow DysplasiaOsteochondrosis DissecansTricuspid Valve DysplasiaAcute Moist DermatitisCold TailMyopathy

Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Labrador Retriever? Understand daily activity needs of the Labrador Retriever breed.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need? How much exercise do Labrador Retriever dogs require per day?

Do Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises?

Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Labrador Retriever breed need?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Labrador Retriever prone to weight gain? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's obesity risks.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Labrador Retriever more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Labrador Retriever weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Labrador Retriever need daily? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's feeding requirements.
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Labrador Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Labrador Retriever come in? Discover all possible Labrador Retriever color variations.
BlackYellow Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Labrador Retriever need? Learn about Labrador Retriever coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Labrador Retriever is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Labrador Retriever drool a lot? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's drooling habits.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Labrador Retriever smell bad? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Labrador Retriever have? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's fur characteristics.
DenseWaterproofHardShort
Bathing Needs
How often does a Labrador Retriever need baths? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Labrador Retriever dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Lab? Do Labrador Retriever dogs shed a lot?
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Labrador Retriever Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Labrador Retriever good with children? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's behavior around kids of different ages.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Labrador Retriever get along with other pets? Discover the Labrador Retriever's compatibility with other animals.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Labrador Retriever temperament with other people:
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Labrador Retriever breed live with a cat?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Labrador Retriever good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with other dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Labrador Retriever can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Labrador Retriever breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Labrador Retriever breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Labrador Retriever dogs good office canines? Do Labrador Retriever dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Lab temperament with senior people? Are Labrador Retriever dogs good for elderly owners?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Labrador Retriever be a service dog? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Labrador Retriever breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Labrador Retriever good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Labrador Retriever breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Labrador Retriever good at detection work? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Labrador Retriever breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Labrador Retriever do search and rescue? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Labrador Retriever breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Labrador Retriever good on boats? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's maritime capabilities.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Labrador Retriever pull carts? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Labrador Retriever is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Labrador Retriever used in military service? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Labrador Retriever usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Labrador Retriever pregnant? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Labrador Retriever: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Labrador Retriever have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Labrador Retriever Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Labrador Retriever in? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Labrador Retriever in? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Labrador Retriever? Learn about the Labrador Retriever's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Labrador Retriever Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Maritime Work Ability: Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

    Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

    Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.

Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Labrador Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Labrador Retriever History

Origins

It is believed that the St. John’s Water Dog is a direct ancestor of the Labrador Retriever and that the breed has evolved alongside the fishing business as early as the 1500s. At that time, small water dogs were bred with Newfoundlands to create the St. John’s Water Dog or sometimes called the Lesser Newfoundland.

These dogs were owned by fishermen and jumped into icy water to bring back fish that had fallen off the fishing hooks. They would also pull in fish-filled nets. The breed was perfect for these jobs because their coat repelled water and their webbed paws made them excellent swimmers.

However, since accurate historical documentation regarding the origin of the St. John’s Water Dog is very little, we can only examine the relevant known history and speculate as to its ancestors.

According to experts, the Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s, when the St. John’s Water Dogs, bred by European settlers in Newfoundland, were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorsetshire.

The Labrador Retriever was developed by crossing these canines with British hunting dogs. The Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Sir John Scott were among its early patrons.

However, early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker described the first Labrador as being around the size of an English Pointer, with a black coat, which was the most common color among them, along with a head and snout, a deep chest, and a tail that was not carried as high as the Newfoundland’s.

Moreover, both the Earl and Duke of Malmesbury used them in shooting sports and began to call them their “Labrador Dogs” around 1887.

The name stuck and the Earl’s son began breeding the dogs. Although the dogs were certainly known as Labradors long before this date, this is the first written record as they found a letter written by Earl in which he wrote; “We always call mine Labrador dogs and I have kept the breed as pure as I could from the first I had from Poole”.

 

Further development

During the second half of the 19th century, British breeders refined and standardized the breed. The physical and temperamental breed traits recall the Labrador Retriever’s original purpose.

A short, dense, weather-resistant coat was preferred because during a Canadian winter longhaired retrievers would be encrusted with ice when coming out of the water.

In its ancestral homeland, the breed would be assigned to a fishing boat to retrieve the fish that came off the trawl.

Moreover, the breed’s thick, tapering tail serves as a powerful rudder, constantly moving back and forth as the dog swims and aids the dog in turning.

When it comes to characteristics, the breed is described as one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature, eager to please, and nonaggressive toward man or animal.

Furthermore, the breed began to grow in popularity in the early 1900s when hunters and farmers from the United States learned of the breed’s work ethic and began incorporating Labradors into their daily lives.

 

Why Labrador Retrievers are good guide dogs

The Labrador Retriever was bred to be a working dog from the beginning. Originally bred to retrieve items for their owners, the breed has subsequently expanded into a variety of roles.

The breed first found its way into the guide dog business in the early 20th century, not long after the first guide dog schools arose with German Shepherds as their first canine students. Labrador Retrievers quickly followed suit and the breed today accounts for a sizable portion of the world’s guiding dogs.

The Labrador Retriever has a strong work ethic as well as an unusually high degree of intelligence and is known for being able to accomplish practically everything that a trainer or owner asks, given enough time and supervision. The breed has a personality that predisposes him or her to serve as a guide dog.

The breed enjoys following their owners around town, regardless of their destination, but they are very sensitive to every sensory input they come across. They not only detect all impediments and potential risks, but they go out of their way to be extra cautious until the danger has passed.

 

Recognition

The Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1903, and the AKC registered its first dog of the breed in 1917. The Labrador Retriever topped American Kennel Club registrations for the first time in 1991 and has reigned as America’s favorite breed ever since.

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Labrador Retriever Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Beautiful dogs

    Oct 14, 2024, 3:33:52 PM:

    One of the best breeds out there - extremely friendly and good-natured, intelligent, and very cute!

  • Labradors are ugly

    Jun 17, 2024, 1:32:51 PM:

    Ugly , single and fat dog breed, big and fat dog breed, 1 star

  • Jameo Sperk

    Jan 13, 2024, 12:03:24 AM:

    I like Pickles and Dogs and Airplanes

  • YOUR BIG BOY

    Nov 10, 2023, 6:27:20 PM:

    SO GOOOFY AND FUUUUUNN I LOVE IT WHEN THE DO A 360 NO-SCOPE THROGH MY WINDOW OHHHHH NOOOO AGENT BARKINGS IS CHANCING ME SO BUY IT TODAY TO GET NO SCOPED *tags* Dog, Cool, Fun, Epic, Gamer

  • Luka Videos dogs!

    Apr 6, 2023, 12:10:47 PM:

    I really like them. Still they tend to be very friendly and affectionate

  • awesome

    Jan 11, 2023, 2:12:03 PM:

    wow

  • Winnie

    Jul 12, 2022, 3:08:43 AM:

    Not bad, helped me on my project. ;)

  • nia

    Jan 26, 2022, 6:10:35 AM:

    i have all the purebred breeds and caramel my lab was okay not too bad or too good

  • Eloise

    May 17, 2020, 10:45:46 AM:

    A Labrador seems the perfect fit for me. I love being active too and it seems playful and quite affectionate. Perfect!

  • Meadow

    Apr 25, 2020, 12:10:03 AM:

    Our family has always had a labrador, and they are great dogs. Their personalities can vary, but most of them will love you, and sometimes anyone else who comes through the door, unconditionally.

  • Alexander von Spleny

    Apr 14, 2019, 1:34:04 PM:

    Congratulation. We were wating for a website like this. My family and I love dogs.