Labrador retrievers continue to be the most popular breed in countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, and for good reasons. For one thing, these dogs are excellent family pets because of their gentle, loyal and friendly characteristics that endear them to both humans and animals in the household. For another, Labs are known for their intelligence, adaptability to almost any situation and athleticism, traits which continue to be harnessed in search-and-rescue, narcotics detection and other police work as well as for civilian uses like guide dogs.

History of the Breed

Originally from Newfoundland in Canada, the original Labradors worked alongside fishermen by helping to pull in the nets and then catch the fish that escaped the fishing lines. This was made possible because of their water-resistant coat and webbed feet coupled with their natural athleticism.

As is the case in the canine community, breeders crossed Labs with other breeds, specifically setters, spaniels and other retrievers. And so was born the modern Labrador retrievers as we know them today.

Right Owner for the Breed

Most dog experts emphasize that owners must choose a breed of dog that matches their desired traits in the canine. For potential owners of Labs, 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 exuberant rowdiness, innate chewing habits, and make 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 plenty of physical activities lest negative behavior like chewing and jumping on people manifest themselves. If you are always away on business, this dog must have a companion in the house.

Physical Appearance

The Labrador retriever is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build. Its coat is short, dense and resistant to water to a certain extent. These physical attributes make the Labrador an excellent dog for hunting waterfowl and upland game for hours on end. That, when coupled with its stable, dependable and adaptable temperament, truly makes it a beloved breed among sportsmen.

The Labrador's face is characterized by a clean-cut head, powerful jaws and friendly eyes, all coming together to evoke an intelligent animal with great character. Colors for the breed include blacks, yellows from light cream to fox-red, and chocolates from light to dark shades. Tan and brindle markings are also common but are often cause for disqualification during dog shows, but not with their loving families.

The best attribute of the Labrador retriever lies not so much in its beautiful appearance but in its beautiful soul. Labradors are kind animals with little to no aggressive tendencies toward man and fellow animals. In fact, Labs are animals with the intense desire to please others so much so that these pets are ideal for families with small children. So, if you want a great family pet, then the Labrador retriever is your best choice.