Labrador Retriever - Breed Profile

The Labrador Retriever is playful, loving and hardworking.

The Labrador Retriever can be counted on as a true friend. Labs work as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and for narcotics detection. They are also one of two breeds used in the Puppies Behind Bars Program.

Labrador Retrievers originated from the original "St. John's" water dogs of Newfoundland—rugged dogs who worked alongside the fishermen of Newfoundland, helping them pull in nets and even catching fish that escaped from fishing lines. Over the years, Labs developed into the retrievers we know today when they were crossed with setters, spaniels, and other retrievers.

Labrador Retrievers used to be best known for their glossy black coats, but yellow and chocolate Labs are growing in numbers. Any of the Labs can have a small white spot on the chest, but all should have dark (not pink) noses. The coat is short and dense and sheds year-round. Eyes range from yellow to hazel to brown or black.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Strongly built, very active, muscular in the hindquarters. Tail should not curl over the back.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height at withers--males, 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches; females, 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches. Weight--males, 60 to 75 pounds; females, 55 to 70 pounds.

Fun Facts

The Labrador Retreiver has a distinctive tail. It is covered with thick, short (not feathery) hair. It is wide at the base and tapers to a point. It should not curl over the back. It is called an "otter" tail because of its rounded shape.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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