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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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Labrador Retriever dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Other Names
What other names does the Labrador Retriever have?
LabLabrador
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
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
Is a Labrador Retriever small, medium or large dog?

How big do Labrador Retriever get?

What is the average size of a Labrador Retriever?

Large
Weight
How much does the Labrador Retriever weigh? How much should a Labrador Retriever weight? What is the normal weight of a Labrador Retriever? How much does a full-grown Labrador Retriever weight?
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
How much does the Labrador Retriever puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Labrador Retriever in the United States? How much money is a Labrador Retriever?

Where to buy a Labrador Retriever with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Labrador Retriever? Is the Labrador Retriever breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Labrador Retriever dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Labrador Retriever good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Labrador Retriever dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Labrador Retriever have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Labrador Retriever dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Lab bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Labrador Retriever good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Labrador Retriever in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Labrador Retriever be left alone? How long can you leave a Labrador Retriever alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Labrador Retriever has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Labrador Retriever? How much bite force does a Labrador Retriever have? How strong is a Labrador Retriever bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Labrador Retriever bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Lab? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Labrador Retriever? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Labrador Retriever do?
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.

Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Labrador Retriever dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Labrador Retriever breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Labrador Retriever see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Labrador Retriever dogs live? How old can a Labrador Retriever be? What is the age limit of the Labrador Retriever? How many years can the oldest Labrador Retriever live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?

How long is the lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Labrador Retriever have? What is the activity level of the Labrador Retriever?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Labrador Retriever need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Labrador Retriever breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Labrador Retriever? How much food should I feed my Labrador Retriever?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Labrador Retriever risk for obesity:
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.

Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Labrador Retriever have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseWaterproofHardShort
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Labrador Retriever coats?
BlackYellow Chocolate
Grooming
How to groom the Labrador Retriever and how often? How often should I take my Labrador Retriever to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Labrador Retriever need a bath? How often should you give a Labrador Retriever a bath? Can I bathe my Labrador Retriever every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Labrador Retriever breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Labrador Retriever drool?
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.

Labrador Retriever Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with other pets? Are Labrador Retriever dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Labrador Retriever dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Labrador Retriever temperament with children:
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Labrador Retriever be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Labrador Retriever be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Labrador Retriever dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Labrador Retriever Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Labrador Retriever pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Labrador Retriever breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Labrador Retriever have in a litter? How many puppies can the Labrador Retriever breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Labrador Retriever have? How many puppies can a Labrador Retriever give birth to?
5-10 puppies

Labrador Retriever Recognition

AKC Group
Is Labrador Retriever recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Labrador Retriever recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Labrador Retriever breed?
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
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
  • Adaptability: Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: 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: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Boat and Sailor Dog: 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
  • Hypoallergenic: Labrador Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
  • Stinkiness: The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthiness: Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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.

Rate The Labrador Retriever Breed

Labrador Retriever Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • 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.