Labradors

Labrador retriever, commonly called a Labrador or Lab, is a medium-to-large sporting dog from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Bred as a working helper for fishermen, they hauled nets, retrieved objects from the water, and assisted with work near the shore. The breed spread to the United Kingdom and the United States in the 19th century and has since become one of the most popular family and working dogs worldwide.

Appearance is that of a solid, muscular dog with a broad head and a thick, otter-like tail. Labradors have a short, dense double coat that sheds year-round and more heavily during seasonal changes. Coat colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. Males stand about 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh roughly 55 to 80 pounds; females are slightly smaller. Life expectancy is around 10 to 14 years.

Temperament and use: Labradors are intelligent, eager to please, and good-natured, making them suitable as both family pets and working dogs. They excel as guide dogs, service dogs, search-and-rescue, and detection dogs in police and medical settings. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important, and early socialization helps prevent behavioral problems.

Care and health: Regular brushing helps manage shedding. They are prone to obesity if overfed or undersocialized, and may be affected by hip or elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and other breed-related conditions. Routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, and adequate daily activity support overall health.