The
Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby, or Lab for short) is one of several types of retriever, a type
of gun dog. The Labrador Retriever, once known as the Lesser Newfoundland, it is the most popular breed of dog
(by registered ownership) in the world, and is so by a large margin and the most popular breed by registration
in both the United States (since 1991), and the United Kingdom. Labrador Retrievers are also the most popular breed of assistance
dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being used by police and
other official orginazations for their deadication and working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle,
intelligent, energetic and good natured, and Labrador Retrievers are generally considered good companions for people of
all ages (including a high level of patience and tolerance for children), making them both excellent companions
and working dogs. With some training, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds
in the world.
Appearance
Labrador Retrievers are relatively large, with males typically weighing 30–36 kg (65–80 lb, some are over 100lbs) and females 25–32 kg (55–70 lb).
Labs weighing close to or over 100 lbs are not able to show under American Kennel Club standards, although some labs
weigh significantly more. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of color, are the
result of breeding to produce a working retriever.
As with some other breeds, the English (typically "show" or "bench") and the American (typically "working" or "field")
lines differ. Today, "English" and "American" lines exist in both the UK and in North America.
In general, however, in the United Kingdom, Labrador Retrievers tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier
with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their American counterparts, which are regionally often
bred as taller, lighter-built dogs. More people are breeding and wanting a larger dog now adays, but AKC has not chaged
its standards. These two types are informal and not codified or standardized; no distinction
is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines. Australian stock
also exists; though not seen often in the west, they are common in Asia.
The Labrador Retriever tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates. Some labs
of these dogs shed a lot; however, individual labradors vary. Labrador hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite
broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers.
Their interwoven furcoat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. Along with a few
other breeds of dogs, labrador retrievers are known for stretching out their hind legs straight when lying down.
Color
There are three recognized colors for Labs: black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to
gold to "fox red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown and also silver). There are no such things as silver or golden Labradors,
a common mistake for the Yellow variant. There is also a black-and-tan coat type, but this coat color is the least
popular as it makes the Labrador un-show able except in the UK.
Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter. Color is determined primarily by two genes. The
first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense granules result in a black
coat; sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all.
A dog with the recessive e allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the
B locus. Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's coloration, which in yellow
Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat color.