Labrador Retriever Information

Labrador Breed Profile

The Labrador retriever is a medium sized, strong built dog. They have a short, dense, weather resistant coat and they usually come in yellow, black or chocolate colors; all other colors are disqualified. They have a double coat which protects them from the cold as well as different types of ground.

Labrador retrievers make excellent pets and they have endless positive qualities. They are also good retrieval dogs (hence the name), and they are often used during wild game hunting.

Labrador Retriever Temperament

This breed is renowned for its friendly, loyal and highly devoted temperament. They love people and constantly seek attention and human companionship. They are really dependable and they get on well with other animals as well as children. They can make good watch dogs and they are generally reserved with strangers. Being highly intelligent, the Labrador retriever should not be left alone for an extended amount of time as it can become bored and destructive.

Average Weight/Height

Male Labrador retrievers are usually around 22.5-24.5 inches tall whereas females are slightly smaller at 21.5 - 23.5 inches tall. Weight wise, males are generally around 65-80 pounds and the females are roughly 55-70 pounds.

Country of Origin: Canada

Labrador Retriever Breed History

Lab Breed History

The Labrador retriever originates from Newfoundland and its name is thought to have come about because Labrador is just northwest of Newfoundland, and the waters of Labrador run through the East of Newfoundland. Another theory is that the name Labrador is Portuguese for yeoman or laborer and in a village called Castro Laboreiro in the north of Portugal, there are guard dogs which watch over the livestock, which look the exact same as the Labrador retriever.

It is hard to define how the Labrador retriever came about, as the people who were responsible for it were such a diverse group. There are possible connections with working water dogs in Portugal, European Pointer breeds and a black St Hubert's Hound from France, though none can be proven. It was in 1814 that the first reference to a Labrador was made and it wasn’t until 1903 that the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in England.

Kennel Club Classification

AKC: Sporting
FCI: Group 8, Section 1 #122
ANKC: Group 3 (Gundogs)
CKC: Group 1 – Sporting Dogs
KC (UK): Gundog
NZKC: Gundog
UKC: Gundog Breeds

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