Quick Facts:

Group classification: Sporting dog

Country of origin: The Island of Newfoundland

Date of origin: Late 1700s

Weight (M): 65–80 lb

Height (M): 22.5-24.5 inches

Weight (F): 55–70 lbs

Height (F): 21.5–23.5 inches

Life expectancy: 12-13 years

History

Labradors can trace their origin to the island of Newfoundland in the late 16th century. The island was home to a number of small water dogs, which bred with larger dogs to eventually produce the St. John’s Water Dog. The St. John’s Water dog was the “prototype” of modern Labradors and is also part of the ancestral line of the Newfoundland breed, which is closely related to the Labrador Retriever.

It is believed that the Earl of Malmesbury saw one of the dogs in the early 1800s and imported it to England. By 1870, the breed was well known there. The first mention of the Labrador in a written document was in 1814 in Colonel Peter Hawker’s “Instructions to Young Sportsmen, who described the dog as "the best for any kind of shooting. extremely quick running, swimming, and fighting...and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited."

Pedigrees of modern Labrador Retrievers can be traced back to 1878. It was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903 and by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The first yellow Labrador was born in 1899, while the chocolate Labrador emerged during the 1930’s.

General Description

Labrador Retrievers are sturdy, strong, midsized dogs. They have the natural athletic abilities that allow them to work as gun dogs, suitable for hunting waterfowl and game for many hours at a time under difficult conditions. The dog’s most distinguishing characteristics include a short, weather-resistant coat; a broad back skull; powerful jaws; and friendly eyes.

Temperament

Labradors are excellent family companions and possess a well-balanced and friendly temperament. They are not particularly territorial, insecure, aggressive, destructive, or hypersensitive. They are very intelligent and express their kind and friendly demeanor through their eyes.

Health and Care

Labrador Retrievers are subject to the hip and elbow dysplasia that is common in large dogs, but they are less prone to these conditions than other dogs. Labradors may have knee problems such as a luxating patella, or eye problems, like cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia. Sometimes, the dogs have ear infections because of their floppy ears, but this can be easily controlled through regular checkups. Additionally, Labradors have a tendency to gain weight due to their enjoyment of food and the fact that their friendly behavior encourages people to give them “treats.“ Obesity, which may exacerbate osteoarthritis in older dogs, can be countered by ensuring the dog gets enough exercise.

Interesting Facts

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the world, as evidenced by the number of registered owners.

The first photograph of a Labrador Retriever was taken in 1856 of Nell, the companion of the Earl of Home. She was described as both a Labrador and a St. Johns dog.

Pets4You offers listings of Labrador Retriever breeders with puppies for sale.