All Dogs Welcome

Varieties:

*American Labrador Retriever (Field Breed)
*English Labrador Retriever (Show Breed)

Labrador Retrievers are medium to large dogs with a powerful and well balanced build.  The build and balance of this dog enables them to function as hunters, retrievers and great playmates for long periods of time and in difficult conditions such as icy water.
The undercoat on this breed is soft and dense while the outer coat is straight and lies close to the body.  It is not unusual for Labrador Retrievers to have a bit of a wave to the coat going down the center of the back.  The coat should not feel either coarse or silky to the touch.
Labs can be black, yellow or chocolate and are usually a single color all over.  However it is not unusual for a Lab to have a white spot on the chest.  The yellow color actually ranges in shade from a foxy red to a light cream color.  Chocolate labs also vary in shade from a light brown to a dark chocolate color.  The color of the nose varies dependent on the color of the dog.  While it is black on both the black and yellow dogs it is a liver or redish color on the chocolate dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are known to have powerful jaws set on a medium muzzle.  the eyes are kind or friendly and display the intelligence and good humor of the breed.

The American Labrador Retriever and the English Labrador Retriever are not recognized as distinctly different breeds or truly even as different varieties though many breed fanatics would like to see just that.  However this explains the potential height and weight difference in these dogs that are all, in actuality, Labrador Retrievers.  To further confuse the issue it is not uncommon for a litter that is a cross between a Show Breed and a Field Breed dog to develop in an appearance that does not truly resemble either stock.

Having attained a score of 92.3% on the American Temperament Test Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly and outgoing, energetic, free-spirited and enthusiastic, eager to please and highly trainable.  A Labrador Retriever should never show any indication of being either shy or aggressive.  Labs are also very tolerant of the antics and behavior of both children and other pets.
The temperament of this dog makes them a truly ideal companion for almost any person or family. They are capable and willing to be a compliant house pet, active outdoor playmate, and serious hunter or retriever all in the same day.
Labrador Retrievers are loyal dogs and make excellent watchdogs.

Labs require physical exercise and mental stimulation daily.  Retrieving and swimming are still their favorite activities.  Labrador Retrievers that are not adequately exercised have a high risk of becoming obese.

This breed gets a very low score in grooming requirements - meaning it is very easy to take care of your Lab!  A good brushing about once per week is all they need in addition to the occasional bath and nail clipping.

Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders, arthritis, CHD

The only situation that would not be a good match for the Labrador Retriever is one where it would not get both exercise and mental stimulation.  Therefore it is best for these dogs to be part of an active lifestyle regardless of whether that is with a single individual, couple or large family.  It can adapt to apartment life if provided with sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Not only did the Labrador Retriever not originate in Labrador, it was not originally called the Labrador Retriever.  Labs are direct descendants of the 'Lesser' or "St. John's Newfoundland."  These were medium sized black dogs bred specifically to retrieve both game and fish. They also pulled small boats and nets through icy waters and assisted fisherman with many water and swimming related tasks.   This breed was crossed with Setters, Spaniels, and other retrievers which aided in honing the retrieving skills.  The "Lab" was then bred to perform primarily as a retriever of game but continued to develop as a strong swimmer and retriever in the water.

AKC, Sporting Group
CKC, Retriever Group
UKC, Gun Dog Group