Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is a medium to large gundog developed in Britain from Saint John's water dogs of Newfoundland, refined for retrieving game from land and cold water. Modern Labradors are recognized mainly in black, yellow, and chocolate, with a short dense coat, broad head, strong tail, and a natural willingness to carry objects. Field-bred lines are often leaner and more intense, while show or bench lines tend to be heavier, but both are still the same breed when responsibly bred.

Labradors are common family dogs, assistance dogs, detection dogs, search-and-rescue workers, and shooting companions because they are usually sociable, food-motivated, and trainable. That popularity makes careful sourcing important. Good breeders use health testing for hips, elbows, eyes, exercise-induced collapse, progressive retinal atrophy, and other inherited concerns seen in the breed. Day-to-day care centers on weight control, steady exercise, retrieving or scent games, and enough training to channel enthusiasm. Their coat is low-maintenance but sheds more than many new owners expect, especially during seasonal changes.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Champagne, Charcoal, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Fox Red, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow