The Labrador Retriever is a popular hunting and companion breed. They make good family pets and come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate.

Physical Characteristics

• Comes in three colors - black, yellow and chocolate
• Strong build, medium size
• Athletic, well-balanced
• Powerful jaws, broad back skull
• "Otter" tail is thick at base and tapers at tip
• Round feet; forelegs are straight from shoulder down
• Coat: Smooth, short hair; double coat; waterproof
• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds (in good physical condition)
• Average lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament

• Warm, outgoing, compliant, nonaggressive, patient, gentle, smart, versatile
• Interaction with people: Excellent family dog; plays well with children. Needs to feel a part of the human family; extremely loyal and loving
• Interaction with animals: Plays well with other dogs
• Level of attention needed: Committed to pleasing owner; craves human interaction and attention. Enjoys playing, especially swimming. Doesn't like to be left alone too long
• Training: Easily trained; aptitude for hunting, retrieving, tricks, policing, guiding, search-and-rescue, sledding, agility and competitive sport. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training are required to make this active breed a good house member and perfect companion animal.
• Protection: Good watchdog; not a good guard dog due to nonaggressive nature

At Home

• OK for apartments if given enough exercise
• Active indoors and needs at least an average-sized yard
• Needs long, brisk daily walks, jogs or runs; enjoys running alongside a bicycle

Grooming

• Easy to groom
• Heavy shedder
• Regular brushing required

Brief History

• Native to Newfoundland, Canada
• Descendant of the St. John's water dog
• Bred to jump overboard into icy water and haul fishing nets to shore
• Retrieving ability was sharpened on the coast of Labrador
• In 1887, the Duke of Malmesbury coined the name "Labrador" when he wrote a letter referring to the breed as his Labrador dogs

Fido's Facts

• Popular breed for guide and search-and-rescue dogs
• One of the most popular family companion breeds in the world
• Favorite family house pet in the U.S. since 1991 due to its gentle disposition and loyalty