Labrador Retrievers continue to be the most popular breed in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, and for good reason. On the one hand, these dogs make excellent family pets due to their gentle, loyal, and friendly characteristics that make them love both humans and animals in the home. On the other hand, labs are known for their intelligence, adaptability to almost any situation, and athleticism, traits that continue to be exploited in search and rescue, narcotics detection, and other police work, as well as for civilian uses such as guide dogs.
Breed History
Originally from Newfoundland in Canada, the original Labradors worked alongside fishermen helping to pull nets and then catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. This was made possible by his waterproof coat and webbed feet along with his natural athleticism.
As is the case in the canine community, breeders crossed Labs with other breeds, specifically setters, spaniels, and other retrievers. And so the modern Labrador Retrievers as we know them today were born.
The appropriate owner for the breed
Most dog experts emphasize that owners should choose a breed of dog that matches their desired traits in the canine. For potential Labs owners, keep the following points in mind.
If you want a dog with a cheerful, peaceful, and dependable nature, as well as a dog that thrives on exercise, play, and athletic activities, then the Labrador Retriever may be for you. But if you don’t want to deal with a lush fuss, innate chewing habits, and provisions for plenty of exercise, then the Labrador Retriever is not the right dog for you.
Keep in mind that Labs are sporting dogs that require a lot of physical activities that weigh down negative behaviors like chewing and jumping on people who are manifesting themselves. If you are always away on business, this dog should have a companion around the house.
Physical appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build. Their coat is short, dense and to some extent waterproof. These physical attributes make the Labrador an excellent dog for hunting highland and waterfowl for hours on end. That, when combined with its stable, dependable, and adaptable temperament, truly makes it a beloved breed among athletes.
The Labrador’s face is characterized by a well-trimmed head, powerful jaws, and friendly eyes, all tied together to evoke an intelligent animal with great character. The breed’s colors include black, light cream yellow to fox red, and light to dark-hued chocolates. Tan and brindle markings are also common, but are often grounds for disqualification during dog shows, but not with loving families.
The best attribute of the labrador retriever lies not so much in its beautiful appearance but in its beautiful soul. Labradors are gentle animals with little or no aggressive tendencies towards man and other animals. In fact, Labs are animals with an intense desire to please others so much that these pets are ideal for families with young children. So if you want a great family pet, then the labrador retriever is your best option.