Labradors were originally bred for retrieving fishing nets, carrying ropes between boats and towing dories. The founding breed of today's modern Labrador (previously called Newfoundland after the Island of its origin) was largely the St. Johns Water Dog, a mix of Irish, English and Portuguese working breeds, mixing with mastiffs.

They were extremely valuable assets for fisherman, especially a little later in England and Ireland in the 19th century when waterfowl hunting became very fashionable. Of course, being known as good loyal dogs with strong water capabilities, the Newfoundland, or Labrador, was roped in for its skills (I can only imagined that waterfowl hunting must have provided more satisfaction to the dogs than carrying fishing ropes, so it probably worked for both parties). From hunting waterfowl they became more widespread and trained for other forms of hunting too. This is very valid point to remember, because your Labrador needs extensive exercising.

Showing an extraordinary amount of loyalty and uninhibited love for their owners these dogs are open hearted, completely forth-coming, and their boundless energy will keep a dedicated owner physically fit too.

Labradors have thick coats that shed all year, varying in colour between black, chocolate brown and golden. Only the black labs are an exception to this rule, as they only shed twice a year. If you feel that your lab is shedding excessively it can be related to diet, and relevant changes can relieve this.

Labradors need lots of mental and physical stimulation, and spending time with your dog is absolutely essential, as opposed to just providing toys, as these dogs need human interaction. Also remember, the more energy your Labrador burns, the less likely he will be to want to chew on forbidden things, like slippers, newspapers, sofa corners or your child's asthma pump (these things do happen!).

All in all, a Labrador is the right dog for you if you are looking for an addition to the family. He will be loyal and loving, if at times perhaps very energetic. These dogs have also been known to perform some amazing deeds, not only for their owners, but sometimes for complete strangers during rescue missions.

Jake, the heroic Labrador became famous in the USA, after burrowing through "white hot smoking debris", to find victims on the 11th of September 2001 with the Twin Towers collapse in New York. He was also actively involved in rescuing victims after hurricane Katrina struck four years later, in 2005.

Hero, is exactly as his name implies. He was taken for a walk by his owner, who is paralyzed from the waist down, when his owner's wheelchair became stuck in a muddy field. The man called, being unable to move, but found that he was quite alone, as night began to fall and temperatures began to drop. Eventually out of desperation the man threw Hero a rope, and to his surprise the dog pulled him from the field and towed him safely home.

Laney, another very heroic Labrador, was the rescuer of her owner's two children. Briefly, the story goes that the two children lay sleeping in the house, which was burning. Instead of fleeing the dog stayed and nipped at the feet of the sleeping children until they woke up. He then let them hold onto his tail as he led them through the smoke and heat and outside to safety.

Maddie's owner suffered an unexpected seizure outside, one freezing cold night. Of her own accord, the Labrador started to drag her owner into the house where the owner was able to recover. Outside, was so cold, it would have meant certain death from hypothermia.

If you have a personal story about something extraordinary your Labrador, or a one you may know has done, we would love to hear from you.