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Labrador Retriever breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever one of America's most popular breeds year after year, friendly, outgoing and high-spirited, with more than enough affection for a family wanting a medium-to-large dog.
It has a dense, hard coat in yellow, black or chocolate and a thick, tapering otter tail.
Temperament
Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly, companionable housemates that bond with the whole family and socialize well with neighbor dogs and people.
The Labrador Retriever's physical strength and high energy make early socialization and early obedience training vital.
Lifespan
Labrador Retrievers live 11 to 13 years. Overall they are healthy. Breeders screen for elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, hereditary myopathy and eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy.
A condition called exercise induced collapse occurs in some young adult Labrador Retrievers. A DNA test lets breeders identify carriers and plan matings that avoid it.
Care
The thick, water-repellent double coat sheds and occasional baths keep Labrador Retrievers clean. Nails should be trimmed regularly and the teeth brushed frequently.
An exuberant, very energetic breed, the Labrador Retriever needs lots of exercise every day and one that does not get enough is likely to turn hyperactive or destructive. Its favorite activities are retrieving and swimming.
History
The Labrador Retriever is the traditional waterdog of Newfoundland, long employed as a duck retriever and fisherman's mate. Its climb to popularity began in the early 1800s, when English nobles visiting Canada spotted Labrador Retrievers and brought fine specimens home.
How the dogs of Newfoundland became associated with Labrador is unclear, but the name stuck and British breeders refined and standardized the breed in the latter half of the 19th century.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 4 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 5 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |