The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog breed. Historically, he earned his keep as a fisherman’s helper: hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic. Today’s Labrador Retriever is as good-natured and hard working as his ancestors, and he’s America’s most popular breed. These days the Lab works as a retriever for hunters, assistance dog to the handicapped, show competitor, and search and rescue dog, among other canine jobs.
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
The warm and intelligent Lab is America's number
one breed registered with the American Kennel
Club. Even non-dog people can recognize a Lab,
and artists and photographers have captured his
image countless times — usually as the loyal
companion, waiting patiently by his owner's
Built for sport, the Lab 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 northeastern 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 Lab's 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.
Labrador Retrievers love, love, love to eat, and
become obese very quickly if overfed. Limit
treats, give your Lab plenty of exercise, and
measure out regular meals rather than leaving
food out all the time. And be warned that the
Lab's large appetite extends to people food and
even inedible items. Labradors will forage in
garbage, counter surf, and can make a meal out
of chewed-up items like children's toys.
Labrador Retrievers were bred for physically
demanding jobs, and they have the high energy
that goes along with being a working breed. They
need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a
day. Without it, they can vent their pent-up
energy in destructive ways, such as barking and
Labs have such a good reputation that many
people think they don't need to bother with
training. But Labs are large, energetic animals,
and like all dogs, they need to be taught good
canine manners. Sign up for puppy and obedience
classes as soon as you bring your Lab home.
Many people think of Labs as a hyperactive
breed. Lab puppies are definitely lively, but
most will slow down a bit as they grow up.
However, they usually remain fairly active
throughout their lives.
Labrador Retrievers are not known to be escape
artists, but with the right motivation — such as
a whiff of something yummy — a Lab will take
off. Make sure your Lab has current
identification tags and a microchip.
The Lab is America's number one dog, which means
there are plenty of people breeding Labs who are
more interested in filling the demand for Lab
puppies than in breeding healthy dogs with good
temperaments. To get a healthy dog, never buy a
puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill,
or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who
tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're
free of genetic diseases that they might pass
onto the puppies, and that they have sound
If you're looking for a puppy, you'll find that
Labs vary depending on what breeder you choose.
Some Labs are bred for competitions testing
their skill as working dogs, and others are bred
to get as close as possible to the ideal look,
movement, and temperament of the breed. You'll
also find breeders who aim for both looks and
utility. Labs bred for the show ring tend to be
slightly heavier and more solidly built than
those intended for canine careers.
Labrador Retrievers hail from the island of
Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic
coast of Canada. Originally called St. John's
dogs, after the capital city of Newfoundland,
Labs served as companions and helpers to the
local fishermen beginning in the 1700s.
The dogs spent their days working alongside
their owners, retrieving fish who had escaped
hooks and towing in lines, and then returned
home to spend the evening with the fishermen's
Although his heritage is unknown, many believe
the St. John's dog was interbred with the
Newfoundland Dog and other small local water
Outsiders noticed the dog's usefulness and good
disposition, and English sportsmen imported a
few Labs to England to serve as retrievers for
hunting. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one
of the first, and had St. John's dogs shipped to
England sometime around 1830. The third Earl of
Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the
dogs as Labradors.
Amazingly, Labs — now America's most popular dog
— were almost extinct by the 1880s, and the
Malmesbury family and other English fans are
credited with saving the breed. In Newfoundland,
the breed disappeared because of government
restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed
to keep no more than one dog, and owning a
female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were
culled from litters.
In England, however, the breed survived, and the
Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as
a distinct breed in 1903. The American Kennel
Club followed suit in 1917, and in the '20s and
'30s, British Labs were imported to establish
the breed in the U.S.
The breed's popularity really began to take off
after World War II, and in 1991, the Labrador
Retriever became the most popular dog registered
with the American Kennel Club — and he's held
that distinction ever since. He also tops the
list in Canada and England.
Today, Labs work in drug and explosive
detection, search and rescue, therapy,
assistance to the handicapped, and as retrievers
for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog
competitions: show, field, agility, and
Males stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches, and weigh 65 to
80 pounds. Females stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches,
and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
The Lab has the reputation of being one of the
most sweet-natured breeds, and it's well
deserved. He's outgoing, eager to please, and
friendly with both people and other animals.
Aside from a winning personality, he has the
intelligence and eagerness to please that make
him easy to train. Training is definitely
necessary because this breed has a lot of energy
and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab
means he is active. This breed needs activity,
both physical and mental, to keep him happy.
There is some variation in the activity level of
Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back.
All thrive on activity.
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, but
like all breeds, they're prone to certain health
conditions. Not all Labs will get any or all of
these diseases, but it's important to be aware
of them if you're considering this breed.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dyplasia is a heritable
condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit
snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain
and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you
may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog
with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis
can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia
is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
or the University of Pennsylvania Hip
Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia
should not be bred. If you're buying a puppy,
ask the breeder for proof that the parents have
been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of
Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition
common to large-breed dogs. It's thought to be
caused by different growth rates of the three
bones that make up the dog's elbow, causing
joint laxity. This can lead to painful lameness.
Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the
problem or medication to control the pain.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): This orthopedic
condition, caused by improper growth of
cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the
elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as
well. It causes a painful stiffening of the
joint, to the point that the dog is unable to
bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as
early as four to nine months of age. Overfeeding
of "growth formula" puppy foods or high-protein
foods may contribute to its development.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are
characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens
that can grow over time. They may develop at any
age, and often don't impair vision, although
some cases cause severe vision loss. Breeding
dogs should be examined by a board-certified
veterinary ophthamologist to be certified as
free of hereditary eye disease before they're
bred. Cataracts can usually be surgically
removed with good results.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a
family of eye diseases that involves the gradual
deterioration of the retina. Early in the
disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease
progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as
well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete
vision loss very well, as long as their
surroundings remain the same.
Epilepsy: Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which
causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be
exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running
frantically as if being chased, staggering, or
hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but
the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic
epilepsy is generally very good. It's important
to remember that seizures can be caused by many
other things than idiopathic epilepsy, such as
metabolic disorders, infectious diseases that
affect the brain, tumors, exposure to poisons,
severe head injuries, and more. Therefore, if
your Lab has seizures, it's important to take
him to the vet right away for a checkup.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD): TVD is a
congenital heart defect that has been increasing
in prevalence in the Labrador breed. Puppies are
born with TVD, which is a malformation of the
tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart.
It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no
symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by
ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how
widespread it is in the breed, as well as
Myopathy: Myopathy affects the muscles and
nervous system. The first signs are seen early,
as young as six weeks and often by seven months
of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff
when he walks and trots. He may collapse after
exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the
dog can barely stand or walk. There is no
treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm
seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy
should not be bred because it is considered a
Gastric Dilataion-Volvulus: Commonly called
bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that
affects large, deep-chested dogs like Labs,
especially if they're fed one large meal a day,
eat rapidly, or drink large amounts of water or
exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs
when the stomach is distended with gas or air
and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or
vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his
stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded.
Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into
shock. Without immediate medical attention, the
dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a
distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and
retching without throwing up. He also may be
restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a
rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms,
get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis
is a skin condition in which the skin red and
inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection.
The more common name of this health concern is
hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair,
bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics.
Cold Tail: Cold tail is a benign, though painful
condition common to Labs and other retrievers.
Also caused limber tail, it caused the dog's
tail to go limp. The dog may bite at the tail.
It isn't cause for alarm, and usually goes away
on its own in a few days. It is thought to be a
problem with the muscles between the vertebrae
in the tail.
Ear Infections: The Lab's love of water,
combined with his drop ear make him prone to ear
infections. Weekly checking and cleaning if
necessary helps prevent infection.
If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder
who will show you health clearances for both
your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove
that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a
In Labs, you should expect to see health
clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of
fair or better), elbow dysplasia,
hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease;
from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and
from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)
certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm
health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
The lovable Lab needs to be around his family,
and is definitely not a backyard dog. If he's
left alone for too long, he'll probably tarnish
his saintly reputation: A lonely, bored Lab is
apt to dig, chew, or find other destructive
outlets for his energy.
Labs show some variation in their activity
levels, but all of them need activity, both
physical and mental. Daily 30-minute walks, a
romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a
few ways to help your Lab burn off energy.
However, a puppy should not be taken for too
long walks and should play for a few minutes at
a time. Labrador Retrievers are considered
"workaholics," and will exhaust themselves. It
is up to you to end play and training sessions.
Labs have such good reputations that some owners
think they don't need training. That's a big
mistake. Without training, a rambunctious Lab
puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy
dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well — in
fact, they often excel in obedience
Start with puppy kindergarten, which not only
teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps
him learn how to be comfortable around other
dogs and people. Look for a class that uses
positive training methods that reward the dog
for getting it right, rather than punishing him
for getting it wrong.
You'll need to take special care if you're
raising a Lab puppy. Don't let your Lab puppy
run and play on very hard surfaces such as
pavement until he's at least two years old and
his joints are fully formed. Normal play on
grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its
Like all retrievers, the Lab is mouthy, and he's
happiest when he has something, anything, to
carry in his mouth. He's also a chewer, so be
sure to keep sturdy toys available all the time
— unless you want your couch chewed up. And when
you leave the house, it's wise to keep your Lab
in a crate or kennel so he's can't get himself
into trouble chewing things he shouldn't.
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of
high-quality dry food a day, divided into two
Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on
his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity
level. Dogs are individuals, just like people,
and they don't all need the same amount of food.
It almost goes without saying that a highly
active dog will need more than a couch potato
dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes
a difference — the better the dog food, the
further it will go toward nourishing your dog
and the less of it you'll need to shake into
your dog's bowl.
Keep your Lab in good shape by measuring his
food and feeding him twice a day rather than
leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure
whether he's overweight, give him the eye test
and the hands-on test.
First, look down at him. You should be able to
see a waist. Then place your hands on his back,
thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread
downward. You should be able to feel but not see
his ribs without having to press hard. If you
can't, he needs less food and more exercise.
You'll need to take special care if you're
raising a Lab puppy. These dogs grow very
rapidly between the age of four and seven
months, making them susceptible to bone
disorders. Feed your puppy a high-quality,
low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing
For more on feeding your Lab, see our guidelines
for buying the right food, feeding your puppy,
and feeding your adult dog.
Coat Color And Grooming
The sleek and easy-care Lab coat has two layers:
a short, thick, straight topcoat, and a soft,
weather-resistant undercoat. The two-layer coat
protects him from the cold and wet, which helps
him in his role as a retriever for hunters.
The coat comes in three colors: chocolate,
black, and yellow. Black was the favorite color
among early breeders, but over the years, yellow
and chocolate Labs have become popular. Some
breeders have recently begun selling "rare"
colored Labrador Retrievers, such as polar white
or fox red. These shades aren't really rare —
they're a variation of the yellow Lab.
Grooming doesn't get much easier than with a
Lab, but the breed does shed — a lot. Buy a
quality vacuum cleaner and brush your dog daily,
especially when he's shedding, to get out the
Labs need a bath about every two months or so to
keep them looking clean and smelling good. Of
course, if your Lab rolls in a mud puddle or
something foul, which he's apt to do, it's fine
to bathe him more often.
Brush your Lab's teeth at least two or three
times a week to remove tartar buildup and the
bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is
even better if you want to prevent gum disease
and bad breath.
Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog
doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can
hear them clicking on the floor, they're too
long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet
in good condition and prevent your legs from
getting scratched when your Lab enthusiastically
jumps up to greet you.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or
a bad odor, which can indicate an infection.
When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out
with a cotton ball dampened with gentle,
pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent
infections. Don't insert anything into the ear
canal; just clean the outer ear. Because ear
infections are common in Labs, also clean out
the ears after bathing, swimming, or any time
your dog gets wet. This helps prevent infection.
Begin accustoming your Lab to being brushed and
examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws
frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet —
and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a
positive experience filled with praise and
rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy
veterinary exams and other handling when he's an
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs
of infection such as redness, tenderness, or
inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth,
and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear,
with no redness or discharge. Your careful
weekly exam will help you spot potential health
Children And Other Pets
The Labrador Retriever not only loves kids, he
enjoys the commotion they bring with them. He'll
happily attend a child's birthday party, and
even willingly wear a party hat. Like all dogs,
however, he needs to be trained how to act
around kids — and kids need to be taught how to
act around the dog.
As with every breed, you should always teach
children how to approach and touch dogs, and
always supervise any interactions between dogs
and young children to prevent any biting or ear
or tail pulling on the part of either party.
Teach your child never to approach any dog while
he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the
dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly,
should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
If a Lab has had plenty of exposure to other
dogs, cats, and small animals, and has been
trained how to interact with them, he'll be
friendly with other pets, too.
Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever#hyZe2J4VduB3o71u.99