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The Labrador Retriever is by far the most popular dog in the United States. With the Labrador’s gentle nature and family-friendly disposition, it is easy to understand why so many people have decided on the Labrador Retriever to be their best friend. Breeder’s reports have continually ranked the Labrador the number one dog since 1991. Last year more than twice as many Labradors were registered than any other breed in the United States. Labradors are great with kids, love to swim, and are very fond of fetching (hence the name retriever).

Labrador Retrievers are large dogs usually weighing between 65 and 90 pounds. They come in three standard colors including black, yellow, and brown. Yellow labs can include a variety of shades ranging from a light cream color all the way to a fox-like red shade. They have fairly short hair, and most Labrador’s tend to shed twice a year. The amount of shedding that each dog does can depend on the climate the dog lives in and the individual nature of the dog. Some Labradors may shed quite a bit while others will not shed much at all.

According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers are originally from Newfoundland, and were initially used in work alongside fisherman. The dogs helped to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever was bred specifically to accentuate its true retriever skills. From this point in the breed’s history, Labradors were bred mainly to perform as a “retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.”

Labradors are a well-balanced breed. They are extremely friendly and versatile and are capable of adapting to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. A Labrador is not very likely to try and jump you fence or dig holes in your backyard. They have a reputation for being a very mellow dog and for being great with children and other pets, which adds to their charm and is likely the reason they are the nation’s most popular breed among dog owners.

A Labrador Retriever can be expected to live about 12-13 years. They are generally a very healthy breed and are predisposed to few health problems. As with many other large breeds, they are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia; however, the occurrence in Labradors is less common that with other common large breeds. One of the most common problems related to the health of Labradors is obesity. Labrador’s love to eat and enjoy treats. If they are not exercised properly, they can over indulge and become overweight, which is not good for any dog’s well being.

In addition to being the most popular breed of dog for recreational ownership, they are also the most popular service (or assistance) dog and are widely used by police and other institutions for their working and detection abilities. Labradors are very intelligent dogs that have a great work ethics and generally good temperaments.