About the Breed

The Labrador Retriever is considered a large, stocky dog, standing between 22-25 inches and weighing between 60-80 lbs. Labs, as they are affectionately called, have a block head, drop ears, webbed feet, short coat, and a strong "otter tail." Their fur is dense and designed to repel water. They come in three colors, black, chocolate and yellow. Blond, fox red, vanilla, golden are all just variations of the yellow color.

The Labrador Retriever actually originated in Newfoundland, not Labrador, where it was used to bring in fish from the rough waters of the North Atlantic. When not braving the high seas, these hardy dogs could be found hauling logs, retrieving waterfowl and scavenging for dinner, a remarkable versatility that remains a hallmark of the breed today. Labs have long been prized for their abilities as devoted hunting companions. Bred to work alongside humans, the Labrador adapts extremely well to family life and will happily retrieve tennis balls or the morning paper with equal enthusiasm. Although energetic outside, most labs are happiest living inside with their families and usually enjoy the company of children and other pets. Labs are renowned for changing allegiances at the drop of a hat, making them ideal candidates for adoption. It is this easy-going nature that is the defining characteristic of the breed. You can see labs not only hunting but also doing obedience work, therapy work, agility, flyball, frisbee and many other activities. Their large noses coupled with a willingness to work make them ideal drug sniffing or search and rescue dogs. Their eager personalities, high intelligence and thoughtful disobedience make them great service dogs. Most of all, Labrador Retrievers make great pets for young, on-the-go families. Labs are easy to train and willing to work. They love to retrieve and will play ball for hours. They are natural, strong swimmers and love nothing more than retrieving a ball, or a bumper, in water. Because they don't play favorites they are very accepting of all members of the family and adjust well to new babies or children leaving for school. They are not guard dogs, but their size and loud bark are protective.

Sound ideal? It is, as long as your family is active and has the ability to take care of the dog's exercise needs on a daily basis. Labs need a place to romp, thus do better in homes with a fenced yard. They love to go for daily walks, and because they are prone to obesity, need those walks and play time to keep their weight in check. Labs can be diggers and chewers, and their need to retrieve can lead to items in their mouth disappearing down their throats. A lab's appetite knows no bounds so they are prone to bloat, ingestion of dangerous substances such as chocolate and intestinal blockage secondary to sock eating. Labs stay puppyish longer than most dogs, a lab doesn't mature in personality until around three years of age. That is a long time of puppy like behavior. Fortunately labs take well to training, are willing and fast learners. Anyone who adopts a lab puppy should join a puppy class, if you adopt an older dog, think about taking obedience classes. Large pet stores such as Petsmart offer these short training courses, as do independent dog trainers and dog clubs. It is fun to work with your dog, and makes him/her a better pet. Also, labradors are prone to bone disorders such as hip dysplasia, elbow problems and early onset arthritis. Feeding the dog premium dog food, exercising correctly and keeping the dog at ideal weight all help. Labs are wonderful dogs.

So if you are willing to work with your dog, enjoy an active, friendly, exuberant, warm type dog, - Go For It!