Short Background of the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog and belong to the Gun dog group. A breed characteristic is webbed paws for swimming, useful for the breed's original purpose of retrieving fishing nets. The Lab is the most popular breed of dog by registered ownership in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (since 1991). It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Typically, Labrador Retrievers are athletic and love to swim, play catch and retrieve games, are good with young children, elderly, and for protection.

They is one of many breeds of the retriever hunting type. Extremely loyal and intelligent, Labradors are one the most popular pet breeds in numerous countries, including the United States. While they still serve the purpose for which they were initially bred, which is retrieving small downed waterfowl, they are also adept at a number of other jobs including leading the blind, acting as hearing dogs, and police and military work. Their kind nature, obedience, and knack for getting along with children also gives them the reputation of being the ideal pet. They are low maintenance but do shed moderate and seasonal.

Health and the Labrador Retriever dog

There are a few health concerns regarding Retrievers. 

Major Concerns:

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Torsion
Muscular Dystrophy
Retinal Dysplasia
Skeletal Dwarfism

Minor Concerns:

Cataracts
Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)
Osteochrondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Exercise-Induced Collapse? ?EIC

Occasionally Seen:

Diabetes
Distichiasis
Entropion?

Suggested Tests:

Elbow (ED)
Eye (PRA)
Hip (HD)
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years

Size: Large

Height:
Male: 56–57 cm
Female: 54–56 cm

Weight:
Male 29–36 kg
Female: 25–32 kg

Coat:
Short
Dense
Harsh and Rough
Water-Repellent

Color:

Black
Yellow
Chocolate (Brown)

Good with Kids: Yes

Trainability: Moderately Easy

Barking: Occassional

Temperament:
Affectionate
Alert
Cheerful
Energetic
Friendly
Gentle
Intelligent
Loving
Loyal
Out-Going
Playful
Responsive
Social

Built for sport, the Labrador Retriever is muscular and athletic. He has a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels.

The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the north eastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. John's dog, after the capital city of Newfoundland, he was bred to help the local fishermen — hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish that had escaped the nets — as well as to be a family dog.

Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs.

The Labrador Retriever sweet nature makes him an excellent therapy dog, visiting homes for the elderly and hospitals, and his intelligence makes him an ideal assistance dog for the handicapped. He also excels as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to his athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions — especially obedience.

There's one dog job that Labs are hopeless at: watchdog. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show him where the goods are stashed.

Labrador Retrievers have proven their usefulness and versatility throughout the breed's history, easily shifting from fisherman's companion, to field retriever, to show dog, to modern working dog. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend.