General Description
(Lab, Black Labrador Retriever, Yellow Labrador Retriever, Chocolate Labrador Retriever, ) The Labrador
Retriever is a strong, medium-sized dog with an athletic, well-balanced appearance. They are a
short-coupled breed with a body that is the same or just longer than it is tall. Their back is strong, their
topline is level, and their wide, strong loin denotes flexibility. They have a comparatively long neck that is
muscular and rises in an arch from the shoulders. Their underbelly is almost straight, with little to no
tuck-up being present in adult specimens. Forequarters of this breed are well-muscled, balanced, and
sturdy. They have shoulders that are well laid-back and form a 90 degree angle with the upper arm. In
addition to enhancing mobility of the dog’s forelegs, this angle allows the dog to achieve a strong forward
reach. When perceived from the front, the Labrador Retriever’s front legs are straight and well-boned.
Elbows of this breed are located directly under the withers. Their compact feet are strong and feature a set
of well-arched toes and well-developed pads. They have sturdy, well let-down hock joints that do not slip or
hyper-extend when the dog is standing. The angulations of the stifle and hock joints are designed to
achieve ideal balance, drive, and traction. The tail of the Labrador Retriever is thick at its base, and it
gradually tapers toward its tip. It is of medium length and it extends no longer than to the hock. The tail’s
peculiar and distinctive appearance is often referred to as the “otter” tail. The skull of the Labrador
Retriever is wide and well-developed. They have a slightly pronounced brow that prevents the skull from
being in a straight line with the nose. Their wedge-shaped head is clean-cut and the skull’s bony structure
is well-chiseled beneath the eyes. They have a well-proportioned muzzle and a wide nose with
well-developed nostrils. Teeth of this breed are strong and close in a scissors bite, and eyes are
medium-sized, set far apart, and are brown or hazel in color. The breed’s ears are set relatively far back,
somewhat low on the skull, and are well in proportion. They hang comparatively close to the dog’s head.
The Labrador Retriever’s coat is short-haired, straight, and very dense. They have a soft, weather-resistant,
protective undercoat. Coat colors for this breed include black, yellow, and chocolate. A small white patch
on the dog’s chest may be present.
There are two different types of Labradors, English, which are calmer, and stockier (much better for
families) and American which are taller and leaner. (Better for hunting) If you are just looking for a family
dog, you should go with a good English Lab breeder. Also the Labrador Retriever is the ideal pet to have
around children. They are very good with large and small families. On a side note, Silvers Labs are
registered as Chocolates and are a diluted gene of chocolate. Red labs are registered as yellow labs.
Character
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The Labrador Retriever is an exceptional family companion. They are sweet, affectionate, and patient, and
they constantly aim to please. They are highly intelligent, good-natured, and they love to play. Their
temperament is reliable and friendly, and they get along very well with children and other dogs. They need
to feel as though they are part of the family. This breed is very easy to train. They are not natural guard
dogs, but they will bark if they detect a threat. If left unattended for extended periods of time, the Labrador
Retriever can become mischievous. Potential owners of this breed should ensure they purchase specimens
from a reputable breeder.
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Labradors are some of the best sniffers in the world and make great hunting companions. They love a job
or a task that keeps them mentally and physically active. Since not everyone is a hunter, a great
substitution could be playing fetch or teaching them to swim. Labradors love the water! Labradors require
jobs otherwise they tend to become a bit lazy. They are also known as one of the most affectionate and
intelligent dogs. Labradors have a beautiful temperament although they may not do well with cats unless
raised with one because they love to hunt and track.
Size
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21-28 inches
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Female: 21-24 inches Male: 24-28 inches
Male: 24-28 inches Female: 21-24 inches
Weight
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55 – 100 pounds
History
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The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds throughout the United States. Originally from
Newfoundland, the breed was initially used to haul fisherman’s nets to shore. Specimens were brought to
England in the 1800’s by ships coming from Labrador, the place where the breed’s outstanding retrieving
instincts were honed and developed. These dogs are exceptional family companions. They have a number
of natural talents and abilities, and they excel in drug detection, guide work, and service work. They are
excellent obedience and field trial competitors.
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Labrador Retrievers have taken over Golden Retrievers in the American Kennel Club list of the most
popular dog. Golden Retrievers come in a close second while German Shepherds come in third. (as of 2009
Maintenance
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The smooth, short-haired, double coat of the Labrador Retriever is easy to groom and take care of. It
should be combed and brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, and extra attention to be given to the
dog’s undercoat. This breed should be bathed or dry shampooed only as necessary. They are average
shedders.
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About 80 percent of Labradors love water and enjoy splashing in their water bowls. The other 20 percent
of Labradors do not like water as tested by veterinarians. The results show that yellow labs are more likely
to dislike water. Exposing labs to swimming at a young age is recommended.
Labradors won't swim until there about 3-5 months old. Be sure to give them a lot of praise when they do
and they will become masterful swimmers.
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