In 2022, something incredible happened in the dog world: the French Bulldog unseated the Labrador Retriever as America’s most popular breed. For years, these medium-sized dogs were prized for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate disposition. And that still rings true today! Just because these dogs are the second-most popular doesn’t mean they don’t reign supreme in the hearts of those who love them.
Let’s meet the Labrador Retriever and learn all about this breed!
Labrador Retrievers Originated in Canada
These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and good-natured, making them ideal companions for families. But where did the Labrador Retriever come from? Believe it or not, Labs are a Canadian dog breed!
In the early 1800s, Newfoundland was a sparsely populated region with a harsh climate. The local dogs were strong and hardy, with dense fur coats that protected them from the cold weather. These dogs were also excellent swimmers, which served them well in the icy waters off the coast of Newfoundland.
These dogs caught the eye of British fishermen who visited the region to fish for cod. The fishermen were impressed by the dogs’ ability to haul heavy nets and retrieve fish that had been caught. They began to breed these dogs with other retrieving breeds, such as the Flat-Coated Retriever, to create a new breed that we now know as the Labrador Retriever.
Over the years, the Labrador Retriever has become the most popular breed of dog in both Britain and North America. Thanks to their friendly nature and trainability, they excel as both working dogs and family pets. The next time you see a Labrador Retriever, remember that this beloved breed has humble beginnings as a working dog in a remote corner of the world.
Labs Are Medium to Large-Sized Dogs
Labradors are medium to large dogs that stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. They are one of many double-coated dogs that blow coat twice a year, meaning they’re heavy shedders!
Per the American Kennel Club’s guidelines, Labs come in three accepted colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Some people have “silver” Labs, but this is considered a diluted chocolate, not a unique color. They have dark brown eyes and a brown nose, although some Labs might have pigmentation on the nose that turns it partially or fully pink.
Their floppy ears and winsome expression go together with their happy-go-lucky, friendly personalities!
Labs Are Versatile Dogs Great for Many Households
You would be hard-pressed to find dogs with temperaments better than a Labrador Retriever. The ultimate happy-go-lucky, love-everything-and-everyone type of dog, Labradors were made to be some of the friendliest dogs in the world. Labs make terrible watchdogs and would sooner lick a burglar to death than guard your home.
Labrador Retrievers are prized as the perfect family dogs and ideal for children, seniors, and everyone in between. In addition, they are also the number one choice for service, therapy, and emotional support dogs. Patient, gentle, kind, and sensitive, they make great dogs for helping people with disabilities.
Thanks to their super sense of smell, Labs also serve as alert dogs, where they alert their handlers to impeding health emergencies, such as seizures and low blood sugar.
These Dogs Need Training and Exercise
Training a Labrador is one of the easiest things to do and can be undertaken by anyone, even a first-time owner. These dogs were bred to work in partnership with humans and want nothing more than to please us and do their job. They are extremely intelligent and will pick up new tricks and commands easily, while being patient and tolerant enough to accept occasional mistakes on our part.
They are sensitive dogs and will NOT do well with harsh corrections or punishment. Dominance theory does not work with these (or any) dogs. They are prone to separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.
Labradors are high-energy dogs that will not do well in an apartment unless it is getting loads of exercise, and even so, they will fare better in a household with a yard. They need a solid hour of exercise a day, better yet, a 1.5 to two-hour brisk walk.
Labradors are water-loving dogs, so if you can, give them plenty of water time, especially on hot days.
One of their favorite things in the world to do is “fetch.” After all, they don’t call them “retrievers” for nothing! Throw a ball till your arm feels like it’s going to fall off, and your Labrador will probably just be getting started.
Labs Are Not Without Health Problems
Labradors are relatively healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Like any breed, they are prone to a few common health problems like:
- Hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, causing pain and lameness. If you’re considering a Labrador Retriever, be sure to ask the breeder about the parents’ hip scores.
- Obesity. Anyone who has had a Lab would tell you that they are little gluttons! Their love of food must be balanced by high-quality, limited portions and a healthy exercise regime or your Lab might turn into a little tubby ball. Obesity can have serious consequences for a dog’s health, including joint problems, diabetes, and respiratory difficulties.
Regularly taking your dog to the vet can help you avoid these and other health problems.
Labs Make Great Companions for Many People
If there was one thing to dislike about Labrador Retrievers, I haven’t found it yet. Friendly, intelligent, trainable, and gentle, another significant factor that sets them apart is their versatility. From the perfect companion dogs and obedience competitions to sniffing out bombs and guiding the blind, these dogs do it all.
Of course, let’s not forget they are adorable. With their heart-melting eyes and floppy ears, it is easy to see why Labs are so enduringly popular.
