<C>Height:</C> 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches (male); 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 60 to 75 pounds (male); 55 to 70 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Very popular.
<b>History:</> The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters and haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought over the sea to England where the Labrador's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of his gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor.
<b>Description:</> A solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat. Comes in solid black, yellow or chocolate. The head is broad and the muzzle fairly wide. The medium sized ears are pendant. The otter tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering, and completely covered with hair. The webbed feet aid in swimming.
<b>Notes:</> The Labrador is a generally healthy and robust breed. Beware of hip dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders. Buy only from OFA-and CERF certified stock. Can become destructive if left too much to his own devices. A big eater, the Labrador needs regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and more easy going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic. Often the best pets are from combination show/field stock. Loves to swim. Labrador Retrievers are very popular, leading to the sale of many inferior animals. Buy only from a reputable breeder.
<b>Personality:</> Loving, lovable and very patient. Highly intelligent, willing and high spirited. Lively and good-natured. Loves to play, especially in water. Field Labs tend to be much more high strung and active than show Labs. A bit more dominant and independant than the Golden Retriever. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Very easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Not generally dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Ch. Ridgecrest Hollyberry (Black), Could Be's Brigade Commander (Yellow), Could Be's Cinnamon Treat WEX, UD (Chocolate), with Carrie Grannemann. Owned and photographed by Rodney Grannemann.
