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{{Short description|British breed of retriever gun dog}}
{{sprotected2}}
{{About|the breed of dog|the single by Japanese idol girl group AKB48|Labrador Retriever (song)}}
{{Cleanup|December 2006}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
<!-- Begin Infobox Dogbreed. The text of the article should go AFTER this section. See: -->
{{Use British English|date=August 2020}}
<!-- http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Dog_breeds#Infobox_Dogbreed_template -->

<!-- for full explanation of the syntax used in this template. -->
{{Infobox Dogbreed {{Infobox dog breed
| name = Labrador Retriever
| akcgroup = Sporting
| image = Labrador on Quantock (2175262184).jpg
| akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm
| image_alt = side view of a yellow dog in a grassy field, facing left
| ankcgroup = Group 3 (Gundogs)
| caption = Adult male
| ankcstd = http://www.ankc.aust.com/labrador.html
| altname = Labrador
| ckcgroup = Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
| nickname = Lab
| ckcstd = http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/labrador/labarticle2.htm
| country = ] (]) | country = United Kingdom
| stock = ]
| fcigroup = 8
| maleweight = {{convert|65|–|80|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}
| fcisection = 1
| femaleweight = {{convert|55|–|70|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}
| fcinum = 122
| maleheight = {{convert|56|–|57|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}}
| fcistd = http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:8Y8C0S0Tb0cJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/122gb99_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%22122+/+29.+01.+1999+%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
| femaleheight = {{convert|54|–|56|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}}
| image = YellowLabradorLooking.jpg
| coat = Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat
| image_caption = This yellow Lab's nose is pink rather than black. Its tail is strong, smooth-coated, and otter-like.
| colour = Black, chocolate, or yellow (ranges from pale yellow to fox red)
| kcukgroup = Gundog
| kc_name = ] (UK)
| kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/109
| kc_std = https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
| name = Labrador Retriever
| kc2_name =
| nickname = Lab, Labrador
| kc2_std =
| nzkcgroup = Gundog
| nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br324.html |fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/122g08-en.pdf
|life_span = 13.1 years<ref name=McMillan2024/>
| ukcgroup = Gun Dog
| ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/7dc2fcf6dd80faf28525704600602b14?OpenDocument
}} }}
<!-- End Infobox Dogbreed info. Article Begins Here -->
The '''Labrador Retriever''' ("Labrador" or "Lab" for short), is one of several kinds of ], and is the most popular ] of ] (by registered ownership) in both the ] and the ]. The breed is exceptionally friendly, intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them excellent companions and ]. Labrador Retrievers are known to be one of the fastest-learning breeds of dog and respond well to praise and positive attention. They are also well known as enjoying water, since historically, they were selectively bred for retrieving in water environments as ']s' and as companions in ].


The '''Labrador Retriever''' or simply '''Labrador''' is a British ] of ] ]. It was developed in the United Kingdom from ]s imported from the ] (now a ]), and was named after the ] region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world.
==Appearance==
As with most breeds, the appearance can be described both in general terms, and also by reference to standard criteria used in ]s. Different countries will have different lines of Labrador, which will differ in appearance.


The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful.<ref name="akc" /> It was bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is widely kept as a ]. It may also be trained as a ] or ], or for ] or ] work.<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm |title=AKC Dog Registration Statistics |publisher=Akc.org |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=9 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511200854/http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm |archive-date=11 May 2012 }}</ref>
===Overview of appearance===
Labradors are relatively large with males typically weighing 27 to 36 kg (60 to 80 lb) and females 23 to 32 kg (45 to 70 lb). They are energetic, outgoing dogs. Their coats are short and smooth, and can be black, yellow, or brown (called "chocolate") in color, in that order of frequency. Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same ]. The majority of the characteristics of this breed with the exception of color are the result of breeding to produce a ]. The 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<ref>, retrieved ], ].</ref>. 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. Yellow labs can have black or pink noses; chocolate and black labs's noses match the coat color. A very light color sometimes called 'silver' is not officially recognized, but is sought by some owners and therefore unusually light colored yellow and chocolate labs may be described this way by unscrupulous breeders.


In the 1830s, the ] and his nephews, the ] and ],<ref name="Field">Article written for The Field, 30 May 1896, 'Labrador Dogs', by John S Kerss</ref> imported progenitors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe for use as gun dogs. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the ], who bred them for their expertise in ].<ref name="Field" />
As with some other breeds, the English and the American lines differ slightly. Labs are bred in England as a medium size dog, shorter and stockier with fuller faces than their American counterparts which are bred as a larger dog. No distinction is made by the ], but the two classifications come from different breeding. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia.


During the 1880s, the ], the ], and the ] collaborated to develop and establish the Labrador Retriever breed. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors.<ref>{{cite book |author1=The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XwkPAAAACAAJ |title=The Official Book of the Labrador Retriever |publisher=TFH Publications, Inc. |year=1995 |isbn=9780793801886 |editor1-last=Ziessow |editor1-first=Dr. Bernard W. |edition=1st |location=1 TFH Plaza, Third & Union Aves, Neptune, NJ 07753, USA |pages=24–25 |language=en |chapter=The Labrador Dog |ref=TOBOTL |access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref>
The breed tends to ] hair regularly throughout the year. Lab hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The ]-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The tail acts as a rudder for changing directions.


== History ==
Many people unfamiliar with retrievers find that the Lab is quite similar to the ] in size, general shape, and general color, especially when young and especially to those Goldens with lighter coats. Their personalities are also quite similar, with both breeds being intelligent, friendly, receptive to praise and easy to train. The most obvious difference is the short straight coat of the Labrador Retriever (the Golden has long wavy fur) and the Lab's thick, otter-like tail compared to the Golden's plumed tail.
], whelped in 1885]]


The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s, when St. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in ] were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and ] in ]. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Its early patrons included the ], the ], the ], and ]. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger ] and the ], with ] even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel ] describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an ], more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland.<ref name=Drury1903>{{cite book|last1=Holland-Hibert|first1=A.|title=British dogs, their points, selection, and show preparation|editor1-last=Drury|editor1-first=William D.|publisher=Upcot Gill|edition=3|year=1903|chapter=Ch.XXX - The Labrador|pages=356–358|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/britishdogstheir00drurrich/page/356}}</ref> Hawker distinguishes the Newfoundland from both the "proper Labrador" and St. John's breed of these dogs<ref name=Drury1903/><ref name=Hawker1846/> in the fifth edition of his book ''Instructions to Young Sportsmen'', published in 1846.<ref name=Hawker1846>{{cite book|last1=Hawker|first1=Peter|title=Instructions to Young Sportsmen in all that relates to Guns and Shooting|publisher=Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green|edition=5|year=1846|chapter=Dogs|pages=245|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/instructionstoy02hawkgoog/page/n269}}</ref>
===Colour===
There are three recognized colors for labs:<ref>The American Kennel Club, ''Labrador Retriever Breed Standard'': "The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black:-Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow:-Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate:-Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification."</ref> black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to fox-red), and chocolate (medium-dark brown). Yellow labradors have the greatest variation in shading of the three recognized colors; the so-called "golden" and "white" labradors are more correctly described as shades of yellow. A separate shade, so-called 'silver', is not recognised by any of the well-known labrador breed standards and is often considered dubious.
<gallery>
Image:toby2reduced.jpg|The Lab's head is broad and clean-cut, with ears that hang close to the head.
Image:Lab_portrait.jpg|In yellow Labradors, the nose can be black, brown or pinkish (known as "snow nose").
Image:fox_red.jpg|Yellow Labradors, unlike the other color variants, have a wide variety in the ] outcome; ranging from cream to fox red.
Image:Choclab-cropped.jpg|This Lab is ''chocolate'', which wasn't always recognized as an acceptable coat color, although it can now be shown alongside other colors.</gallery>


By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever had become common in England.<ref>{{cite web |title=Labrador Retriever |url=https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever |website=vcahospitals.com |publisher=Mars Inc. |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> The liver (now usually called chocolate) Labrador emerged in the late 1800s, with liver-coloured pups documented at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892;<ref>{{cite web |title=Best labrador colour: does coat make a difference? |url=https://www.thefield.co.uk/gundogs/best-labrador-colour-31845 |website=thefield.co.uk |date=19 April 2022 |publisher=Future Publishing Limited Quay House |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> the first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Warwick |first1=Helen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=clq97DJpC4kC |title=The NEW Complete Labrador Retriever |publisher=Howell Book House |year=1986 |isbn=0-87605-230-8 |edition=Third |location=230 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10169 |page=89 |language=en |chapter=5 |access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref> The breed was recognised by the ] in 1903.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ziessow |first1=Bernard |title=The Labrador Retriever: Origin and Purpose of the Breed |url=https://www.pslra.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Origin-And-Purpose-of-the-Breed.pdf |website=pslra.org |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> The first ] (AKC) registration was in 1917.<ref>{{cite web |title=Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/ |website=akc.org |publisher=The American Kennel Club, Inc. |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
===Show standards===
Please note that, like any animal, there is a great deal of variety among labs. These characteristics are typical of the ] or bench-bred lines of this breed in the ].


== Characteristics ==
*'''Size''': Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long from the shoulders back as they are from the floor to the withers.Dogs should stand 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall at the withers and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. Bitches should stand 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. (By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22 to 22.5 inches for males, and 21.5 to 22 inches for females)
]
]
]


There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the ] bred (bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard.<ref name="akc">{{cite web
*'''Coat''': The lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. Acceptable colors are chocolate, black, and yellow. There is much variance within yellow labs
| title =Labrador Retriever Breed Standard
| publisher =]
| date =31 March 1994
| url =http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm
| access-date = 13 September 2007}}</ref> Significant differences between UK and US standards are noted.
* '''Size''': Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the ] to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of {{convert|55|-|80|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}} and for bitches as {{convert|55|-|70|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}.<ref name="akc" /> The guidelines for height vary between the AKC, which gives {{convert|21.5|to|24.5|in|cm|disp=flip|0}} for dogs and {{convert|21.5|to|23.5|in|cm|disp=flip|0}} for bitches,<ref name="akc" /> The Kennel Club which advises that dogs should be {{convert|56|to|57|cm|in|round=0.5}} with bitches between {{convert|55|and|56|cm|in|round=0.5}},<ref name="kc"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031032613/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/109 |date=31 October 2011 }}. The Kennel Club.</ref> and the FCI which quotes a range of {{convert|56|to|57|cm|in|round=0.5}} for dogs with bitches ideal at {{convert|54|to|56|cm|in|round=0.5}}.<ref name=fci>. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed May 2020.</ref>
* '''Coat''': The Labrador Retriever's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate.<ref name="akc.org">, 'The American Kennel Club', Retrieved 29 May 2014</ref>
* '''Head''': The head should be broad with slightly pronounced eyebrows. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes.
* '''Jaws''': The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
* '''Body''': The body should have a powerful and muscular build.


The tail and coat are designated "distinctive features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC.<ref name="akc"/><ref name="kc" /> The AKC adds that the "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."<ref name="akc" />
*'''Head''': The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colors are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes.


=== Colour ===
*'''Jaws''': The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. The jowls should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
{{Main|Labrador Retriever coat colour genetics}}
]


Labradors are registered in three colours: Solid ''black'', ''yellow'' (anything from creamy white to fox-red), and ''chocolate'' (medium to dark brown; originally called "liver").<ref>
===Show and field labs===
{{cite web
In general, show bred labs have heavier and slightly shorter bodies, with a thicker coat and tail, compared to field (working) labs which are longer legged and lighter and more lithe in build.<ref name="woodhaven">Source: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/english-american.html which describes the differences between show and field lines of labrador.</ref>
|title=Breed colours
|website=thekennelclub.org.uk
|publisher=]
|url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/colours.aspx?id=2048
|access-date=10 January 2015 |url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110200738/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/colours.aspx?id=2048
|archive-date=10 January 2015
}}
</ref>


Puppies of all colours can occur in the same ]. Coat colour is determined primarily by three genes, called ], ], and ''CBD103''. If a dog carries ] at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of the genotypes at the other two loci. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the black allele of CBD103, will have a black coat.<ref name=Candille-Kaelin-etal-2007>
There are differences in the head too, with show labs tending to have shorter, wider heads, and field labs tending to have lighter and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles.<ref name="woodhaven" />
{{cite journal
|last1=Candille |first1=Sophie I. |last2=Kaelin |first2=Christopher B.
|last3=Cattanach |first3=Bruce M. |last4=Yu |first4=Bin
|last5=Thompson |first5=Darren A. |last6=Nix |first6=Matthew A.
|last7=Kerns |first7=Julie A. |last8=Schmutz |first8=Sheila M.
|last9=Millhauser |first9=Glenn L. |last10=Barsh |first10=Gregory S.
|year=2007
|title=A β-defensin mutation causes black coat colour in domestic dogs
|journal=]
|volume=318 |issue=5855 |pages=1418–1423
|pmid=17947548 |doi=10.1126/science.1147880
|bibcode=2007Sci...318.1418C |pmc=2906624
| issn=0036-8075}}
</ref>{{efn|
"Production of yellow versus black pigment in dogs is controlled by three genes: MC1R, Agouti, and CBD103. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for all three genes have a yellow coat resulting from Agouti antagonism of MC1R signaling in melanocytes (yellow Great Dane, top). Dogs carrying a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at Agouti or CBD103 (yellow Labrador retriever, middle). Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the dominant black allele of CBD103 (KB) have a black coat resulting from the interaction between a β-defensin and MC1R (black Curly Coated Retriever,{{nobr| bottom)." — Candille, Kaelin, ''et al.'' (2007)<ref name=Candille-Kaelin-etal-2007/>}}
}}


According to a 2011 study, 13 out of 245&nbsp;Labradors studied were ] for the M264V mutation responsible for the ], and one was ]. Within this breed, the trait cannot be determined simply by appearance.<ref>
==History==
{{cite journal
]
|last1=Conant |first1=E.K.
The Labrador is believed to have originated on the island of ], now part of the province of ], ].<ref name="alllabs.com_history">http://alllabs.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/labrador_retriever_history.htm?E+scstore (''alllabs.com'' "History of the Lab")</ref> It is thought to have descended from the ] (no longer in existence), a ] of native water dogs and the ] to which the Labrador is closely related, by early settlers in the mid to late 15th century.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" /> The name ''Labrador'' was given to this dog by the ] and other breeders in ] in order to differentiate them from the ]. The Labrador Retriever was originally called the ''lesser Newfoundland'' or the ''St. John's dog''. Other origins suggested for the name include the Spanish or Portuguese word for rural/agricultural workers, Portuguese "lavradores" or Spanish "labradores", and the village of Castro Laboreiro in Portugal whose herding and guard dogs bear a "striking resemblance" to Labradors.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" /> The original forebearers of the St. John's have variously been suggested to be crossbreeds of the black ] from France, working water dogs from Portugal, old European ] breeds and dogs belonging to the indiginous peoples of the area.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" /> Two breeds emerged; the larger ] used for hauling, and the smaller short-coat ]s used for retrieval and pulling in nets from the water. The Lab is of the latter type.
|last2=Juras |first2=R.
|last3=Cothran |first3=E.G.
Many fishermen originally used the Lab to assist in bringing nets to shore; the dog would grab the floating corks on the ends of the nets and pull them to shore. They were brought to the ] area of ], then the hub of the Newfoundland ] trade, and became prized amongst the ] as sporting dogs.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
|year=2011
|title=Incidence of the mask phenotype M264V mutation in Labrador retrievers
|journal=Research in Veterinary Science
|volume=91 |issue=3 |pages=e98–e99
|doi=10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.02.002 |pmid=21353269
}}
</ref>
]


===Lab timeline=== === Show and field lines ===
] appearance: field (left), and show (right), showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance of the head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter]]
]
As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines.<ref>{{cite web|last=American Kennel Club|first=The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.|title=American vs. English|url=http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=English+vs.+American|access-date=2 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705101113/http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=English+vs.+American|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Some of the landmarks in early Lab history include:
:* ] - The first known written reference to the Labrador, in "Instructions to Young Sportsmen".
:* ] - Sporting artist ] painted a black dog with white markings titled "Cora. A Labrador Bitch," by which time it appears the breed was already firmly established, with several of the nobility either owning or breeding them by the end of that century.
:* ] - By this time, the name "Labrador Retriever" had become well established.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
:* ] - ] wrote in a letter to the ], "We always call mine Labrador dogs and I have kept the breed as pure as I could from the first I had from Poole ... known by their having a close coat which turns the water off like oil and, above all, a tail like an otter." <ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
:* ] - Birth of the first Yellow Lab on record, named Ben of Hyde. , including 'Ben of Hyde', show slight changes to the breeds coat and appearance over the past 100 years.


== Health ==
The modern Labrador Retriever is among the oldest of the modern "]" breeds; according to the ], pedigrees exist back to 1878. ] recognized the Lab in 1903. The first registration of Labradors by the AKC was in 1917; many English dogs were imported post ] and these formed the foundation of the American variety.
Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to ].<ref name="hepatitis">{{cite journal | last=Bexfield | first=Nick | title=Canine Idiopathic Chronic Hepatitis | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | volume=47 | issue=3 | date=2017 | doi=10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.11.012 | pages=645–663| pmid=28063746 | url=http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/40734/ }}</ref> One UK study found a 4.14 odds ratio.<ref name="hepatobiliary">{{cite journal | last1=Bandara | first1=Y. | last2=Bayton | first2=W. A. | last3=Williams | first3=T. L. | last4=Scase | first4=T. | last5=Bexfield | first5=N. H. | title=Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=62 | issue=9 | date=2021 | issn=0022-4510 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13354 | pages=730–736| pmid=34155648 }}</ref> Some studies report a predilection for Labrador Retriever bitches.<ref name="hepatitis"/> The reason for the predilection is unknown. Ideas proposed include it being hereditary<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Hoffmann | first1=G. | last2=van den Ingh | first2=T.S.G.A.M. | last3=Bode | first3=P. | last4=Rothuizen | first4=J. | title=Copper-Associated Chronic Hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers | journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine | volume=20 | issue=4 | date=2006 | issn=0891-6640 | doi=10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb01798.x | pages=856–861}}</ref> or environmental.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Johnston | first1=Andrea N. | last2=Center | first2=Sharon A. | last3=McDonough | first3=Sean P. | last4=Wakshlag | first4=Joseph J. | last5=Warner | first5=Karen L. | title=Hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador Retrievers with and without chronic hepatitis: 72 cases (1980–2010) | journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | volume=242 | issue=3 | date=2013-02-01 | issn=0003-1488 | doi=10.2460/javma.242.3.372 | pages=372–380| pmid=23327181 }}</ref> The Labrador Retriever also shows a predisposition to other ] diseases, including: reactive hepatitis, ] ], and ].<ref name="hepatobiliary"/>


A UK study found the breed's average life expectancy to be 13.1 years.<ref name=McMillan2024>{{Cite journal|last1=McMillan|first1=K. M.|last2=Bielby|first2=J.|last3=Williams|first3=C.L.|title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death|journal=Scientific Reports|year=2024|volume=14|issue=1 |page=531|doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w|pmid=38302530 |pmc=10834484|bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}Supplementary Table 3</ref> A joint study by the Royal Veterinary College study and The University of Sydney, concluded that chocolate-coloured Labradors have a shorter average life expectancy than other colours of Labrador (by about 10%) and are more likely to suffer some health problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/chocolate-labradors-have-shorter-lifespan-than-rest-of-breed|title=Chocolate Labradors have a shorter lifespan than rest of the breed|date=22 October 2018|website=VetCompassTM and the University of Sydney Study|publisher=Royal Veterinary College}}</ref> A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 11 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Roccaro | first1=Mariana | last2=Salini | first2=Romolo | last3=Pietra | first3=Marco | last4=Sgorbini | first4=Micaela | last5=Gori | first5=Eleonora | last6=Dondi | first6=Maurizio | last7=Crisi | first7=Paolo E. | last8=Conte | first8=Annamaria | last9=Dalla Villa | first9=Paolo | last10=Podaliri | first10=Michele | last11=Ciaramella | first11=Paolo | last12=Di Palma | first12=Cristina | last13=Passantino | first13=Annamaria | last14=Porciello | first14=Francesco | last15=Gianella | first15=Paola | last16=Guglielmini | first16=Carlo | last17=Alborali | first17=Giovanni L. | last18=Rota Nodari | first18=Sara | last19=Sabatelli | first19=Sonia | last20=Peli | first20=Angelo | title=Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy | journal=Preventive Veterinary Medicine | volume=225 | date=2024 | doi=10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106155 | page=106155| doi-access=free | pmid=38394961 | hdl=11585/961937 | hdl-access=free }}</ref> A 2005 Swedish study of insurance data found that 25% of Labrador Retrievers died by the age of 10, less than the overall rate of 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Egenvall | first1=A | last2=Bonnett | first2=Bn | last3=Hedhammar | first3=å | last4=Olson | first4=P | title=Mortality in over 350,000 Insured Swedish Dogs from 1995–2000: II. Breed-Specific Age and Survival Patterns and Relative Risk for Causes of Death | journal=Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica | volume=46 | issue=3 | date=2005-09-30 | issn=1751-0147 | pmid=16261925 | pmc=1624818 | doi=10.1186/1751-0147-46-121 | doi-access=free | page=}}</ref>
===Other names===
The Lab and its ancestors have also been known under the following names:


Labradors are somewhat prone to ] and ],<ref name="UPEI">{{cite web
St. John's Dog, Lesser St. John's Dog, Newfoundland Dog, Lesser Newfoundland Dog, Little Newfoundlanders, Newfoundland Water Dog, Labrador Dogs, St. John's Labrador Dogs, Black Water Dog, Lesser Labrador, Smaller Labrador, English Retriever, and English Labrador.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
|title=Labrador Retriever
|publisher=Canine Inherited Disorders Database
|url=http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm
|access-date=14 September 2007
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174957/http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm
|archive-date=27 September 2007
}}</ref> especially in larger dogs.<ref>Newton, C. D.; Nunamaker, D. M. (Eds.) " {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927140411/http://www.ivis.org/special_books/ortho/chapter_83/IVIS.pdf |date=2007-09-27 }}." Published by the International Veterinary Information Service (Riser, Rhodes and Newton). p. 2.</ref> Eye diseases may include ], ], ]<ref name="UPEI"/> and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 1 |url=https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/149/?breed=76#:~:text=Retinal%20dysplasia%2Foculoskeletal%20dysplasia%201%20is%20an%20inherited%20Collagen%20disorder,curved%20as%20the%20dog%20grows. |website=pawprintgenetics.com |access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref> They can suffer from exercise induced collapse, which causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise,<ref name="taylor1">{{cite journal |last1=Taylor |first1=SM |last2=Shmon |first2=CL |last3=Shelton |first3=GD |last4=Patterson |first4=EE |last5=Minor |first5=K |last6=Mickelson |first6=JR |title=Exercise Induced Collapse of Labrador Retrievers: Survey results and preliminary investigation of heritability |journal=J Am Anim Hosp Assoc |date=2008 |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=295–301|doi=10.5326/0440295 |pmid=18981194 }}</ref> or from ], which in some cases may be partly due to the absence of part or all of the ] gene.<ref name="Raffan">{{Cite journal|last=Raffan|first=Eleanor|date=10 May 2016|title=A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs|url= |journal=Cell Metabolism|volume=23|issue=5|doi=10.1016/j.cmet.2016.04.012|pmid=27157046|pages=893–900|pmc=4873617}}</ref><ref name="Freytas-tamura">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/world/what-in-the-world/dog-labrador-retriever-obesity.html|title=The Lab Results Are In: Genes Might Be to Blame for Retrievers' Obesity|last=Freytas-tamura|first=Kimiko De|date=5 July 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=6 July 2016}}</ref>


The Labrador Retriever is one of the more commonly affected breeds for ]. An ] mutation in the ] gene is responsible for the condition in the breed.<ref>{{cite book |author1-first=James A.C. |author1-last=Oliver |author2-first=Cathryn S. |author2-last=Mellersh | editor1-first=Barbara | editor1-last=Cooper | editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Mullineaux |editor3-first=Lynn | editor3-last=Turner |title=BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing |date=2020 |publisher=British Small Animal Veterinary Association |isbn=978-1-910-44339-2 |edition=Sixth|chapter=Genetics| page=131}}</ref>
==Temperament and activities==
]s]]


== Use ==
:{|
], a ]]]
| ''Good-tempered, very agile. Excellent nose, soft mouth; keen love of water. Adaptable, devoted companion. Intelligent, keen and biddable, with a strong will to please. Kindly nature, with no trace of aggression or undue shyness.''
Labrador Retrievers have proven to have a high success rate at becoming guide dogs. A study published in 2006, tested the suitability of four different breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Mix, and German Shepherds) as guide dogs. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. Labrador Retrievers and the Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Crossbreeds had the highest success rate. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Serpell|first=James|title=The Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions With People|url=https://archive.org/details/domesticdogitsev00serp|url-access=registration|year=1995|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=0-521-41529-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.jveb.2006.06.004 |title=Suitability for field service in 4 breeds of guide dogs |year=2006 |last1=Ennik |first1=Irma |last2=Liinamo |first2=Anna-Elisa |last3=Leighton |first3=Eldin |last4=Van Arendonk |first4=Johan |journal=Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=67–74}}</ref>
|-
| align="right" | ''&ndash; UK Kennel Club standard''
|}


The Labrador Retriever is a gun dog bred to retrieve on land and water.<ref name="magazine">{{Cite web|date=2 November 2019|title=Why the Labrador Is the World's Most Popular Bird Dog|url=https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/why-the-labrador-is-the-worlds-most-popular-bird-dog/175457|access-date=27 July 2023|website=GunDogMag|language=en}}</ref> As a dog specially bred for water retrieving, the Labrador has developed various traits for this job. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a ], a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it.<ref name="Journal">{{Cite web|title=Your guide to the Labrador Retriever|url=https://gundog-journal.com/article/your-guide-to-the-labrador-retriever|access-date=27 July 2023|website=gundog journal|date=26 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref> And for swimming, the Labrador is aided by fully webbed paws, an otter-like tail, and a waterproof coat.<ref name="Eight">{{Cite web|date=20 September 2019|title=8 Things To Know About Labrador Retrievers|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/8-facts-about-labrador-retrievers/|access-date=27 July 2023|website=AKC|language=en}}</ref>
Labradors are a well-balanced and remarkably versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent ]s. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness. They are also known to have a very soft 'feel' to the mouth, as a result of being bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing objects (though they can easily be trained out of this behavior). The Labrador Retriever's coat repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.


The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is exemplified by dogs such as ], who was trained to, if need be, put his human who uses a wheelchair in the recovery position, cover him with a blanket, and activate an emergency phone.<ref>{{cite news
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages), but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear can result in mischief, and may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand. Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppyish energy, often mislabelled as being ].<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "Labradors are active dogs especially in puppyhood. And Labradors often do not fully mature until around 3 years of age! This means you will have a dog that is mentally a puppy (with a puppy's energy) until this age regardless of its physical size! Often a Lab puppy is labelled hyperactive when it is simply a normal, exuberant and bouncy puppy. If you are prepared to deal with this period of time in their lives, you will not have problems."</ref> Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as ] or ]), are considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable, and open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention and interaction, of which they find it difficult to get enough. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
| last =Blystone
| first =Richard
| author2=Mallary Gelb
| title =Assistance dogs are trained as partners for the disabled
| publisher =CNN.com
| url =http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/index.html
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517024250/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/index.html
| archive-date=17 May 2013
| date=10 August 2000}}</ref> A number of Labradors have also been taught to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ] with prior training.<ref>{{cite web
| title = thought this was Bark-lays bank
| date =28 February 2007
| publisher =Metro
| url =http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=39317&in_page_id=2
| access-date = 28 February 2007 }}</ref>


The breed is used in water rescue/]. It continues in that role today, along with the ], ] and ] dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Manetti|first1=Francesco|title=Italian school teaches dogs to become lifeguards|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/08/italian-school-teaches-dogs-to-become-lifeguards.html|access-date=14 February 2017|work=]|agency=Associated Press|date=23 August 2010}}</ref>
Although they will sometimes ] at noise, especially a degree of "alarm barking" when there is noise from unseen sources, labs are not on the whole noisy<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labradors often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event..."</ref> or ], and are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not very often used as ]s.<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "Labradors are not reliable guards. Some can be protective and most will probably bark if they hear or see something they don't like -- particularly if it is near their yard. If your main purpose in getting a dog is to have a guard dog, a Labrador is not a good choice, but if you want an "alarm" barker, most Labradors are fine."</ref>


=== In war ===
Labradors have a reputation for ], and individuals have been described as willing to eat "anything that isn't nailed down".<ref>'']'' forum thread (a well-known autobiography about a beloved labrador), multiple contributors: "My 12 yr old lab in the course of his life has consumed everything and anything" ... "my lab went through a phase of rock chewing when he was much younger" ... "His current fav is Playdoe dropped by ny little girl. To be honest I cant think of much he hasn't eaten" ... "I have 3 labs at home. A black lab 11yrs, a yellow thats 2 1/2 and another yellow that is 14 months. And I think I have seen them eat just about anything that is not nailed down or behind closed doors" </ref> They are also persuasive and persistent in requesting food. For this reason, the Lab owner must carefully control his/her dog's food intake to avoid obesity and its associated health problems (see below).


Labradors have been used as ]s. During the ] they were used as ]s to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions.{{r|burnam|p=278}}
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue, detection, and therapy work. Their primary working role continues to be that of a hunting ].


== Health and wellbeing == == Demography ==
{{Main|List of most popular dog breeds}}
].]]
{{Update section|date=March 2024}}
The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. As of 2006, it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world,{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} and it is the most popular dog by ownership in ], ]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand: Leading dog breeds |year=2019 |website=Statista.com |publisher=Statistica Research |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/991534/new-zealand-leading-dog-breeds/ |url-access=registration |access-date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=UK: Top&nbsp;20 dog breeds by registered number 2021 |year=2022 |website=Statista.com |publisher=Statistica Research |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/915202/top-dog-breeds-by-registered-number-united-kingdom-uk/ |url-access=registration |access-date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 2006 both the United Kingdom and the United States, there are well over twice as many registered Labradors as the next most popular breed.<ref name=uk_kc_stats>{{cite web |title=Registration statistics for all recognised dog breeds, 2005 and 2006 |year=2006 |website=thekennelclub.org.uk |publisher=] |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=238&f=0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904034036/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=238&f=0 |archive-date=4 September 2009 |access-date=13 September 2007}}</ref><ref name=akc_stats>{{cite web |title=AKC Dog Registration Statistics |year=2006 |website=AKC.org |publisher=] |url=http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909132539/http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm |archive-date=9 September 2007 |access-date=13 September 2007 }}</ref> If the comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then there are around 3–5&nbsp;times as many Labradors registered in both countries as the next most popular breeds, the ] and ].<ref name=uk_kc_stats/><ref name=akc_stats/>


They are the most popular breed of ] in the United States, Australia, and many other countries,<ref name=Alecia>{{cite book |first1=Alecia T. |last1= Devantier |first2=Carol |last2=Turkington |year=2007 |title=Extraordinary Jobs with Animals |publisher=Ferguson |isbn=978-1-4381-1170-4 |page= |url=https://archive.org/details/extraordinaryjob0000deva_m5m9 |url-access=registration |quote=Labrador retriever: Most popular breed of assistance dog.}}</ref> as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
Labrador life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years<ref>Fogle, Bruce, DVM (2000). ''The New Encyclopedia of the Dog''. ]. ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.</ref>, and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Common Lab health issues are:
* Labs are somewhat prone to ], especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
* Labs are sometimes prone to ear infection, because their floppy ears trap warm moist air. This is easy to control, but needs regular checking to ensure that a problem is not building up unseen. A healthy Lab ear should look clean and light pink (almost white) inside. Darker pink (or inflamed red), or brownish deposits, are a symptom of ear infection. The usual treatment is regular cleaning daily or twice daily (being careful not to force dirt into the sensitive inner ear) and sometimes medication (ear drops) for major cases. As a preventative measure, some owners clip the hair carefully around the ear and under the flap, to encourage better air flow.
* Labs are often overfed and are allowed to become overweight, due to their blatant enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and endearing behavior towards people. A healthy Lab should keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and lithe, rather than fat or heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of hip dysplasia and ], and also can contribute to general reduced health when older. Arthritis is commonplace in older, overweight labs.
* A Labrador that undertakes significant swimming without building up can develop a swelling or apparent kink known as swimtail. This can be easily treated by a veterinary clinic and tail rest.
* Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A ] is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
* Eye problems are also possible in some labs, particularly ] and ]. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist.<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ</ref>
* Labradors are not especially renowned for ]. They do not particularly jump high fences or dig, although some labs may climb or jump up for fun or to explore. As a breed they are highly intelligent, and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus if their interest is caught. Therefore with the right conditions and stimuli, a bored lab could "turn into an escape artist par exellence."
* It is also worth noting that Labradors as a breed are curious, exploratory and love company, following both people and interesting scents for food, attention and novelty value. In this way, they can often "vanish" or otherwise become separated from their owners with little fanfare. They are also popular dogs if found. Because of this it is good practice that labradors are ], with the owners name and address also on their collar and tags.


In 2022 Labrador Retrievers were the second most popular breed in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most Popular Dog Breeds 2022 |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2022/ |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref> In 2020 the Labrador was the most popular registered dog breed in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kirkness |first1=Luke |title=Figures reveal the dog capital of New Zealand and most popular breeds |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/figures-reveal-the-dog-capital-of-new-zealand-and-most-popular-breeds/DSNWYE3OAF3GNTTHELADQI5D44/ |website=New Zealand Herald |date=4 January 2021 |publisher=The Herald |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>
==Variants and crossbreeds==


Seven out of the thirteen ''"outstanding ]s"'' of the ]'s 2000–2005 appointees to its 'hall of fame' are Labradors.<ref>
===Alternative color names===
{{cite web
Although kennel clubs and registries recognize the Labrador in variations of only three colors&mdash;black, yellow, and chocolate&mdash;some breeders sell light-colored yellow Labrador puppies as a "white" labrador, the dark yellow Labrador puppies as "fox red," or chocolates possessing the dilution factor as "silver Labradors". The "silver" color is nonstandard and would disqualify them as ]s. The AKC currently registers "silver" labs as chocolates.
| title = ANKC hall of fame
| year = 2000–2005
| website = ankc.aust.com
| publisher = ]
| url = http://www.ankc.aust.com/hall_of_fame.html
| access-date = 13 September 2007
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070919113122/http://www.ankc.aust.com/hall_of_fame.html
| archive-date = 19 September 2007
}}
</ref>


==Famous Labradors==
===='Silver', 'blue', 'grey', and 'charcoal'====
{{Main|List of Labradors}}
The earliest advertisements for "silver", "blue" or "gray" labradors date back to the 1950s in the western United States. To date, "silver" labradors have not appeared outside of the United States from the breeding of native chocolate Labradors. A US-based kennel where "silver" labradors initially were reported kept ]s in the kennel (a breed with not-dissimilar appearance and a silvery-grey color due to the dilution factor); despite this there is scepticism about their origins and no major kennel club standard supports a separate listing for such dogs. A so-called "charcoal" color has also been offered for sale by some breeders, obtained by crossing black labs with "silver"; these are also not recognized and are disqualified from show. ]
] mix]] ] wearing his ]]]


Notable labradors within various categories include:
The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.'s position on "silver" labradors:
:''"There is no genetic basis for the silver gene in Labradors. The silver color is a disqualification under the Standard for the breed. The LRC does not recognize, accept or condone the sale or advertising of any Labrador as a silver Labrador. The Club opposes the practice of registering silver as chocolate."'' <ref></ref>


===Assistance dogs===
This is in part, because current DNA tests do not have the ability to assess and identify a difference between the genes of so-called 'silver' labs, and the general labrador population. DNA technology can identify parentage, and certain well-investigated biological diseases and other well-known conditions, but do not have the capability of exploring the origins of the so-called 'silver' appearance. Despite the incorrect claims of some fans, there is currently no scientific data, either published or preliminary, which has mapped any silver gene in Labs.
{{main|Assistance dog}}
* ], a ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/ |title=Endal the super dog |publisher=Edition.cnn.com |date=10 August 2000 |access-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> in ]. Among other distinctions, "the most decorated dog in the world" (including "Dog of the Millennium" and the ] for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty), the first dog to ride on the ] and the first dog known to work a ']' ]. By Endal's death in March 2009, he and his owner/handler Allen Parton had been filmed almost 350 times by crews from several countries, and a film of a year in Endal's life was in production.
*], served with former ] during the last six months of his life; noted for his role during the president's funeral. A form of ] confined the former president to a ] or motorised scooter in the final years of his life. Among the services that Sully was able to perform for Bush were retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, pushing an emergency button and supporting him when standing.<ref>‘Mission complete’: Sully, Bush’s service dog, stays at the former president’s side for one last journey. (3 December 2018). ''The Seattle Times''. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/mission-complete-sully-bushs-service-dog-stays-at-former-presidents-side-for-one-last-journey/</ref>


===Police, military, rescue and detection dogs===
The ] and ] Sharon Wagner wrote a long analysis of such claims, concluding that "Silver breeders also blatantly lie. They have information on their websites that talk about DNA testing done by the AKC and a researcher at UC Berkley. Both are not true. AKC never did any genetic mapping of silver Labradors nor do they have any plans to do so since they are a registering body only and the Labrador Club of America writes the standard for the breed. Also Dr. Neff at UC Berkley was never looking into whether or not silver Labs were purebred or not which is also a moot point since DNA testing can only prove parentage at this point and is not specific enough to search for breed markers..." <ref>''The truth behind 'Silver' Labradors,'' Sharon A.Wagner, on ''woodhavenlabs.com'' website. </ref>


* ] (12 April 2009 – 15 November 2022)<ref>
The dog breed information site ''dogbreedadvice.com'' states in its Labrador ] that " 'Silver' Labradors are purely a scam and are either crosses with Weimaraners or very light chocolates."
{{cite news
|title=Murió Frida, perrita rescatista de la Marina |language=es |date=15 November 2022 |website=Excélsior (excelsior.com.mx) |place=Mexico|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/murio-frida-la-perrita-rescatista-de-la-marina/1552586 |access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> was a yellow Labrador Retriever who worked as a ] for the ] (SEMAR). She was deployed to help the rescue efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters.
* ] ("Chain", or "Shackles"), a ] who detected arms and ammunition used in the ]. During his service, he helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175&nbsp;petrol bombs, 11&nbsp;military-grade armaments, 242&nbsp;]s and 600&nbsp;detonators. His biggest contribution to the police force and the city was the detection of 3,329&nbsp;kg of RDX. He also helped detect {{nobr|18 ]}} rifles and five 9&nbsp;mm pistols.
* ], twin Black Labrador counterfeit-detection dogs who became famous in 2007 for "sniffing out nearly 2&nbsp;million ] DVDs" on a 6-month secondment to ] in 2007.<ref>
{{cite news
|title=Police dogs sniff for pirated DVDs
|date=10 May 2006
|website=] (abcnews.go.com)
|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1944531&page=1
|access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref> Following the multimillion-dollar, 6&nbsp;arrest Malaysian detection, they became the first dogs to be awarded Malaysia's "outstanding service award"<ref>
{{cite news
|last=Blass |first=Evan
|date=20 August 2007
|title=DVD-sniffing dogs awarded medals, returning to NYC
|website=]
|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/dvd-sniffing-dogs-awarded-medals-returning-to-nyc/
|access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref> and software pirates were stated to have put a £30,000 ] out for their lives.<ref>
{{cite news
|last=Chan |first=Sewell
|date=28 August 2007
|title=Fresh off Malaysian triumph, DVD-sniffing dogs tackle New York
|work=]
|department=Cityroom |type=blog
|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/28/fresh-off-malaysian-triumph-dvd-sniffing-dogs-hit-new-york/?hp
|access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news
|last=Blass |first=Evan
|date=22 March 2007
|title=DVD pirates put out hits on Lucky and Flo the crime dogs
|website=]
|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/dvd-pirates-put-out-hits-on-lucky-and-flo-the-crime-dogs/
|access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref>
* ], an ] ] ] that spent almost 14 months ] (MIA) in Afghanistan before being recovered safe and well in 2009.<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09>
{{cite press release
|title=Australian dog returns home after a year in the wilderness
|date=12 November 2009
|publisher=]
|website=defence.gov.au, Defence Media Release
|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698
|access-date=14 November 2009 |url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121127022136/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698
|archive-date=27 November 2012
}}
</ref><ref name=ABCNews12Nov09>
{{cite news
|title=Handler never gave up on lost army dog
|date=12 November 2009
|website=]
|publisher=]
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm
|access-date=14 November 2009 |url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115020852/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm
|archive-date=15 November 2009
}}</ref>
* ], an American black Labrador who served as a ] following the ] and ].<ref>
{{cite news
|first=Nick |last=Glagola
|date=27 July 2007
|title=Jake, the rescue dog: An impressive life
|website=].org
|publisher=]
|url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12301482
|access-date=18 November 2013
}}
</ref>
* ], awarded the ] for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. They led their blind owners down more than 70&nbsp;flights of stairs to escape from the damaged ] on ]<ref name=wtc>
{{cite report
|title=Life saving: Animals' war photos
|publisher=]
|place=London, UK
|website=london.iwm.org.uk
|url=http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf
|access-date=17 January 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108200858/http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf
|archive-date=8 January 2009
}}
</ref>
* ], awarded the ] for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. She detected explosive devices, which were subsequently disarmed, while serving in ], in November&nbsp;2005; she served with the ]<ref>
{{cite news
| title = In pictures: Sadie the hero dog gets a medal
| date=6 February 2007
| website = ]
| publisher = ]
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333000/6333087.stm
| access-date=27 February 2010
}}
</ref>
* ], awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. Located 15&nbsp;]s, ], mines, and weapons while serving in ], with the ]. In July&nbsp;2008 Sasha and her handler were killed in a ] ambush by a ].<ref>
{{cite news
| title = Army dog killed in Afghanistan given posthumous medal
| date = 29 April 2014
| website = ]
| publisher = ]
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27186205
| access-date = 29 April 2014
}}
</ref><ref name=guardiansasha>
{{cite news
|title=British army dog awarded bravery medal for work in Afghanistan
|date=29 April 2014
|newspaper=]
|location=London, UK
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/29/uk-army-dog-sasha-pdsa-dickin-medal-afghanistan
|access-date=29 April 2014
}}
</ref>


===Pets===
In entitled 'Do Silver Labradors Really Exist?', on ''labbies.com'', the author states:
* Former President of the United States ]'s Labradors ] and Seamus.<ref name="Bill Clinton Labradors">{{cite journal|title=Friend of Bill|journal=People|date=2002|volume=57|issue=2}}</ref>
:"Given the fact that much inbreeding was performed during the early history of the breed because of the small gene-pool, expression of the silver trait would have occurred at least frequently enough for someone to take note of its existence. This was, indeed, the case with the expression of the "black and tan" trait. Early history cites cases of puppies born with tan points (as found in Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc.). This trait was attributed to early interbreeding with Gordon Setters. There is no record, however, of silver Labs or any similar color documented in the stud books spanning the years 1878 to at least 1948 (though other color oddities are documented). This strongly suggests that the silver color is not a color that was present (indigenous) in the early ancestors of the Labrador breed. Therefore, the color must have been introduced sometime after the 1940s. The instances of silver Labs appearing, albeit rarely, in litters from the general population that bear no common ancestors within several or more generations suggests that the gene has been in the population for quite a few decades (This does not necessarily rule out the possibility of more recent interbreeding to purposely achieve or increase frequency of expression of the color)."
* Russian President ]'s Labrador ']'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Putin's Pooches |url=https://russianlife.com/stories/online/putins-pooches/ |website=russianlife.org |access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref>
* Marley, "The World's Worst Dog", featured in journalist ]'s autobiographical book '']'', adapted into a 2008 ] film ].
* Canadian singer ]'s labradors Charlie and Bear. They were represented in numerous magazines with the singer and her family, becoming pets celebrities in their own names.<ref>{{cite web |title=Céline Dion Shared a Rare Photo of Her Three Sons |date=10 May 2021 |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a36383495/celine-dion-sons-mothers-day-photo/ |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref</ref>
{{Clear}}


{{commons category}}
It concludes, "This scenario is most likely not to happen in the near future. As such, breeders, either established or novice, who may consider breeding for silver will most likely find many doors closed to them in terms of breeding to the best Labrador bloodlines."


== Footnotes ==
===='White' and 'fox red'====
{{notelist}}
The "fox red" and so-called "white" labs (more properly referred to as "cream" by the AKC) are perfectly acceptable shades for a Yellow lab in the show ring. However, note that these shades are registered as "Yellow" by the AKC, despite the misleading claim of "AKC White Labradors" advertised by some breeders.


==References==
See the AKC website for a more complete discussion of Yellow Labradors:
{{reflist|25em|refs=
:"Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog."


<ref name=burnam>
====Dudley====
{{cite book
A ''Dudley''' is a yellow (cream colored) Labrador Retriever that has no black ] in the ]s, ], ]s, or ]. It has no black pigment at all.
|first=John C. |last=Burnam
A true Dudley has pink/light brown coloring on its nose, eyelids, lips, and, gums, all year round. Many labrador owners claim their dog is a Dudley, even though the lips and eyelids are still black, but only one with all pink/light brown is a real Dudley. It is caused by a specific genetic background, but is extremely rare. <ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref>
|year=2008
|title=A Soldier's Best Friend; Scout dogs and their handlers in the Vietnam War
|place=New York, NY
|publisher=Sterling Publishing
|isbn=9781402754470
|page=
}}
</ref>


<!-- <ref name=dk>
===Physical lines and variants===
{{cite book
Differences in the physical build of the dog have arisen as a result of specialized breeding. Distinct lines are bred for specific purposes. Dogs bred for field trials tend to be lighter in limb and often lack the very large, square head, shorter legs, and heavier bodies seen in the show ring. Differences tend to occur as dogs bred for hunting and field-trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas dogs bred to compete for show ] are selected for what judges look for in the show ring. In fact, breeders and owners sometimes distinguish the "working" Labrador from the "show" Labrador, given the marked differences in their physical characteristics. The majority of dogs bred are generally somewhere between what is displayed in the "show" Labrador and what is seen in the "working" and Reteriing lab
|first=Kim |last=Dennis-Bryan
|year=2020 |orig-date=2012
|title=The Complete Dog Breed Book |edition=2nd
|place=London, UK
|publisher=Dorling Kindersley
|isbn=9780241412732
}}
</ref> -->


}}
There are also slight personality and physical differences between the black and yellow lab. Black labs have dominated the ] and ] scene (Fergus, 2002). Because the lighter variants are a recessive trait, breeding for a litter of yellow or chocolate pups requires mating two dogs with those traits. This means that dogs from these litters were selected for traits other than nose, biddability, intelligence, and hunting desire (Fergus, 2002). Because even a pairing of black labs may produce chocolate or yellow offspring, this rule does not hold 100% of the time. Even so, many serious field trialers and hunters prefer black labradors over the other variants to increase the odds of solid hunting genes (Fergus, 2002).


== Sources ==
{{refbegin|colwidth=25em|small=yes}}


* {{cite book
|last=Douglas |first=James
|year=2003
|title=The Complete Gundog Training Manual
|location=Shrewsbury, UK
|publisher=Swan Hill Press
|isbn=978-1-904057-05-5
}}


* {{cite book
===Common labrador crossbreeds===
|last=Fogle |first=Bruce |author-link=Bruce Fogle
The ] is a common ] that combines a Labrador with a ]. These dogs are popular for their potential ] qualities, although not all dogs of this type inherit the hypoallergenic coating. Labrador-] and Labrador-] crosses are also rather popular, at least for their intelligence and working qualities.
|year=2009
|title=The Encyclopedia of the Dog
|location=New York, NY
|publisher=DK Publishing
|page=195
|isbn=978-0-7566-6004-8
}}


* {{cite book
==Famous Labs==
|last=Hancock |first=David
* Zanjeer, a police sniffer dog who detected ] and ammunition used in ] ] (Bombay) serial explosions. Zanjeer was born on ], ], and was inducted into the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad on ], ]. He was trained at the Dog Training Centre of the Criminal Investigation Department in ]. During his service, his haul was excellent. He helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175 ] bombs, 11 military bombs, 242 ] and 600 ]s. His biggest contribution to the police force and the city was the detection of 3,329 ] of ]. He also helped detect 18 ] rifles and five 9mm ]s. He died at a ] ] in ]. ''Final salute to Zanjeer'': http://images4.pictiger.com/thumbs/9c/c9cacd457f2cd7d38d06b647efd1e69c.th.jpg
|year=2013
* ], ] ]'s Labrador
|title=Gundogs: Their past, their performance and their prospects
* ], Clinton's other Labrador, received for ]
|location=Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK
* Koni, ] ] Labrador Retriever
|publisher=The Crowood Press Ltd.
* ], from '']'', played by the famous dog ]
|isbn=978-1-84797-492-1
* Marley, "The World's Worst Dog", featured in ] ] book '']''
}}
* Bouncer, from '']''
* Ubu Roi, of ]
* Zeke the Wonder Dog (1&2), mascot and frisbee fanatic for the ]
* Jet (formerly Boots), adopted by the fictional detective ] who claims labradors have "the largest brain pans" and are therefore the most intelligent breed
* The ] Puppy, featured primarily in ] television spots for the ] brand of toilet paper, known in elsewhere as ] or ], also featuring the puppy mascot.
* Luath, from '']''
* ], the first black lab to appear on a US ].<ref>Source: ''alllabs.com'' describes King Buck as "famous". </ref>

==References==
<references />


; Other sources:
* {{cite book * {{cite book
| last = Cunliffe |last=Hudson |first=David
|year=1995
| first = Juliette
|title=The Shooting Man's Dog: A complete guide to gundogs
| year = 2004
|location=Shrewsbury, UK
| title = The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
| publisher = Parragon Publishing |publisher=Swan Hill Press
|pages=28–32
| id = ISBN 0-7525-8276-3
|isbn=1-85310-560-0
}} }}

* {{cite book * {{cite book
|last1=Jones |first1=Arthur F.
| last = Fergus
|last2=Hamilton |first2=Ferelith
| first = Charles
|year=1971
| title = Gun Dog Breeds, a Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing Dogs
|title=The World Encyclopedia of Dogs
| location = ]
|location=New York, NY
| publisher = Lyons Press
|publisher=Galahad Books
| year = 2002
|pages=238–243
| id = ISBN 1-58574-618-5
|isbn=0-88365-302-8
}} }}


* {{cite web
==External links==
|title=Retriever (Labrador) breed standard
;Clubs, associations, and societies
|date=January 2018
*
|website=thekennelclub.org.uk
*
|publisher=] Ltd.
*
|place=UK
*
|url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
*
|access-date=10 February 2022
*
}}
*


* {{cite book
;Information
|first1=Kerry V. |last1=Kern
*
|first2= Michele |last2=Earle-Bridges
*
|year=1995
:*
|title=Labrador Retrievers: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, diseases, breeding, and behavior
*
|publisher=Barron's
*
|isbn=978-0-8120-9018-5
*
|url=https://archive.org/details/labradorretrieve00kern_0
|url-access=registration
|page=
|via=Internet Archive (archive.org)
}}


* {{cite book
;'Silver' labs
|last=Morris |first=Desmond |author-link=Desmond Morris
*
|year=2001
*
|title=Dogs: The ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds
*
|location=North Pomfret, VT
*
|publisher=Trafalgar Square Publishing
|pages=299–301
|isbn=1-57076-219-8
}}


{{refend}}
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Latest revision as of 21:20, 14 January 2025

British breed of retriever gun dog This article is about the breed of dog. For the single by Japanese idol girl group AKB48, see Labrador Retriever (song).

Dog breed
Labrador Retriever
side view of a yellow dog in a grassy field, facing leftAdult male
Other namesLabrador
Common nicknamesLab
OriginUnited Kingdom
Foundation stockSt. John's water dog
Traits
Height Males 56–57 cm (22–22.5 in)
Females 54–56 cm (21.5–22 in)
Weight Males 29–36 kg (65–80 lb)
Females 25–32 kg (55–70 lb)
Coat Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat
Colour Black, chocolate, or yellow (ranges from pale yellow to fox red)
Kennel club standards
The Kennel Club (UK) standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Labrador Retriever or simply Labrador is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from St. John's water dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland (now a province of Canada), and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world.

The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It was bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is widely kept as a companion dog. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog, or for rescue or therapy work.

In the 1830s, the 10th Earl of Home and his nephews, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and Lord John Scott, imported progenitors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe for use as gun dogs. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling.

During the 1880s, the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, and the 12th Earl of Home collaborated to develop and establish the Labrador Retriever breed. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors.

History

Buccleuch Avon, whelped in 1885

The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s, when St. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Its early patrons included the Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Sir John Scott. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland, with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer, more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. Hawker distinguishes the Newfoundland from both the "proper Labrador" and St. John's breed of these dogs in the fifth edition of his book Instructions to Young Sportsmen, published in 1846.

By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever had become common in England. The liver (now usually called chocolate) Labrador emerged in the late 1800s, with liver-coloured pups documented at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892; the first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe). The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903. The first American Kennel Club (AKC) registration was in 1917.

Characteristics

The head is broad with a pronounced stop.
Black
Chocolate

There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred (bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Significant differences between UK and US standards are noted.

  • Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25–36 kg (55–80 lb) and for bitches as 25–32 kg (55–70 lb). The guidelines for height vary between the AKC, which gives 55 to 62 centimetres (21.5 to 24.5 in) for dogs and 55 to 60 centimetres (21.5 to 23.5 in) for bitches, The Kennel Club which advises that dogs should be 56 to 57 centimetres (22 to 22.5 in) with bitches between 55 and 56 centimetres (21.5 and 22 in), and the FCI which quotes a range of 56 to 57 centimetres (22 to 22.5 in) for dogs with bitches ideal at 54 to 56 centimetres (21.5 to 22 in).
  • Coat: The Labrador Retriever's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate.
  • Head: The head should be broad with slightly pronounced eyebrows. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes.
  • Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
  • Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build.

The tail and coat are designated "distinctive features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. The AKC adds that the "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."

Colour

Main article: Labrador Retriever coat colour genetics
three Labrador retrievers: Yellow, black, and chocolate
The three colour varieties, from front to back: Yellow, black, and chocolate

Labradors are registered in three colours: Solid black, yellow (anything from creamy white to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown; originally called "liver").

Puppies of all colours can occur in the same litter. Coat colour is determined primarily by three genes, called MC1R, Agouti, and CBD103. If a dog carries wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of the genotypes at the other two loci. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the black allele of CBD103, will have a black coat.

According to a 2011 study, 13 out of 245 Labradors studied were heterozygous for the M264V mutation responsible for the melanistic mask, and one was homozygous. Within this breed, the trait cannot be determined simply by appearance.

The most common places where pigmentation is visible are the nose, lips, gums, and the rims of the eyes.

Show and field lines

Head and muzzle appearance: field (left), and show (right), showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance of the head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter

As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines.

Health

Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to chronic hepatitis. One UK study found a 4.14 odds ratio. Some studies report a predilection for Labrador Retriever bitches. The reason for the predilection is unknown. Ideas proposed include it being hereditary or environmental. The Labrador Retriever also shows a predisposition to other hepatobiliary diseases, including: reactive hepatitis, nodular hyperplasia, and gall bladder disease.

A UK study found the breed's average life expectancy to be 13.1 years. A joint study by the Royal Veterinary College study and The University of Sydney, concluded that chocolate-coloured Labradors have a shorter average life expectancy than other colours of Labrador (by about 10%) and are more likely to suffer some health problems. A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 11 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall. A 2005 Swedish study of insurance data found that 25% of Labrador Retrievers died by the age of 10, less than the overall rate of 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10.

Labradors are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in larger dogs. Eye diseases may include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. They can suffer from exercise induced collapse, which causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise, or from obesity, which in some cases may be partly due to the absence of part or all of the proopiomelanocortin gene.

The Labrador Retriever is one of the more commonly affected breeds for progressive rod-cone degeneration. An autosomal recessive mutation in the PRCD gene is responsible for the condition in the breed.

Use

Retrieving shot game, a common wood pigeon

Labrador Retrievers have proven to have a high success rate at becoming guide dogs. A study published in 2006, tested the suitability of four different breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Mix, and German Shepherds) as guide dogs. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. Labrador Retrievers and the Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Crossbreeds had the highest success rate. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers.

The Labrador Retriever is a gun dog bred to retrieve on land and water. As a dog specially bred for water retrieving, the Labrador has developed various traits for this job. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth, a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. And for swimming, the Labrador is aided by fully webbed paws, an otter-like tail, and a waterproof coat.

The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is exemplified by dogs such as Endal, who was trained to, if need be, put his human who uses a wheelchair in the recovery position, cover him with a blanket, and activate an emergency phone. A number of Labradors have also been taught to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ATMs with prior training.

The breed is used in water rescue/lifesaving. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger, Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.

In war

Labradors have been used as war dogs. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions.

Demography

Main article: List of most popular dog breeds
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2024)

The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. As of 2006, it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world, and it is the most popular dog by ownership in Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In 2006 both the United Kingdom and the United States, there are well over twice as many registered Labradors as the next most popular breed. If the comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then there are around 3–5 times as many Labradors registered in both countries as the next most popular breeds, the German shepherd dog and Golden retriever.

They are the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors.

In 2022 Labrador Retrievers were the second most popular breed in the United States. In 2020 the Labrador was the most popular registered dog breed in New Zealand.

Seven out of the thirteen "outstanding gundogs" of the Australian National Kennel Council's 2000–2005 appointees to its 'hall of fame' are Labradors.

Famous Labradors

Main article: List of Labradors
Endal wearing his PDSA Gold Medal

Notable labradors within various categories include:

Assistance dogs

Main article: Assistance dog
  • Endal, a service dog in Britain. Among other distinctions, "the most decorated dog in the world" (including "Dog of the Millennium" and the PDSA's Gold Medal for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty), the first dog to ride on the London Eye and the first dog known to work a 'chip and pin' ATM card. By Endal's death in March 2009, he and his owner/handler Allen Parton had been filmed almost 350 times by crews from several countries, and a film of a year in Endal's life was in production.
  • Sully, served with former US President George H. W. Bush during the last six months of his life; noted for his role during the president's funeral. A form of Parkinson's disease confined the former president to a wheelchair or motorised scooter in the final years of his life. Among the services that Sully was able to perform for Bush were retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, pushing an emergency button and supporting him when standing.

Police, military, rescue and detection dogs

Pets

Footnotes

  1. "Production of yellow versus black pigment in dogs is controlled by three genes: MC1R, Agouti, and CBD103. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for all three genes have a yellow coat resulting from Agouti antagonism of MC1R signaling in melanocytes (yellow Great Dane, top). Dogs carrying a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at Agouti or CBD103 (yellow Labrador retriever, middle). Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the dominant black allele of CBD103 (KB) have a black coat resulting from the interaction between a β-defensin and MC1R (black Curly Coated Retriever, bottom)." — Candille, Kaelin, et al. (2007)

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Sources

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