The Labrador Retriever (also called the "Lab") is a sporting breed of dog. They have a yellow, chocolate or black coat. The breed is assumed to have first originated during the 1800s where they were initially bred for pulling nets of fish for fishermen. They're a popular selection as a family pet, guide dog or police dog today. They are recognizable for their gentle and eager-to-please nature. The breed is thought to have first existed in the island of Newfoundland and they were developed from the St John's Water Dog mixed with other English, Irish and Portuguese breeds.

They are classified as a large sized breed of dog. The suggested female dimensions are 55-70 pounds with a height of 21.5-23.5 inches, while the male measurements are 65-80 pounds with a height of 22.5-24.5 inches. Their temperament is famously known as being gentle and outgoing. They can be unsuitable as a guard dog, as they are generally easygoing towards strangers. Compared to all other breeds, they're recognized as being highly clever, and are ranked 7th when being trained to understand new obedience instructions.

They're highly suitable for a family pet, as they are gentle towards children. They do combine peacefully with other animals such as other dogs. Looking after their coat is a fairly simple job. They need a small amount of brushing of their coat once every week, and proper grooming once every 8 to 12 weeks. They love to have a large backyard that gives them room to run around, but can be suited to staying in an apartment.

Like many large sized breeds, they're for the most part shorter-lived with an expected life of 10-12 years. They can be vulnerable to eye problems and deafness, but their most common health risk is hip and elbow dysplasia. They have fun doing things such as swimming or chasing balls and frisbees. To reduce the risk of destructive behavior, they should be given long walks each day as a result of their high level of energy.

If you choose to buy the Labrador Retriever you ought to be able to provide them with early socialization and lots of long walks. They are an excellent choice for active families or owners able to meet their high exercise needs, but not an ideal option for less active owners. Possibly the main reason why dog owners find this breed so attractive is it will make the best family pet and is easy to teach anything because of their gentle and eager to please nature.