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| <!-- Please use BRITISH ENGLISH spelling in this article per article history and WP:ENGVAR --> | |||
| <!-- Begin Infobox Dogbreed. The text of the article should go AFTER this section. See: --> | |||
| <!-- http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Dog_breeds#Infobox_Dogbreed_template --> | |||
| <!-- for full explanation of the syntax used in this template. --> | |||
| {{Infobox Dogbreed | |||
| | akcgroup = Sporting | |||
| | akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm | |||
| | ankcgroup = Group 3 (Gun dogs) | |||
| | ankcstd = http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=18 | |||
| | ckcgroup = Group 1 — Sporting Dogs | |||
| | ckcstd = http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/labrador/labarticle2.htm | |||
| | country = ], which became a province of ] in 1949 | |||
| | fcigroup = 8 | |||
| | fcisection = 1 | |||
| | fcinum = 122 | |||
| | 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 | |||
| | image = YellowLabradorLooking.jpg | |||
| | image_caption = This yellow Lab's nose is pink rather than black. | |||
| | kcukgroup = Gun dog | |||
| | kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/109 | |||
| | name = Labrador Retriever | |||
| | nickname = Lab<br> Labrador | |||
| Labby | |||
| | nzkcgroup = Gun dog | |||
| | nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br324.html | |||
| | ukcgroup = Gun Dog | |||
| | ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/7dc2fcf6dd80faf28525704600602b14?OpenDocument | |||
| | maleweight = 27–36 kg (60–80 lb) | |||
| | femaleweight = 25–32 kg (55–70 lb) | |||
| | maleheight = 56–63 cm (22–25 in) | |||
| | femaleheight = 54–60 cm (21–24 in) | |||
| | coat = Smooth and oily | |||
| | color = Black, chocolate, or yellow. | |||
| | litter_size = 10–12 pups | |||
| | life_span = 10–13 years | |||
| |}} | |||
| <!-- End Infobox Dogbreed info. Article Begins Here --> | |||
| The '''Labrador Retriever''' (also '''Labrador''', '''Labby''' or '''Lab''' for short), is one of several kinds of ], a type of ]. The Labrador is considered the most popular ] of ] (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the ] (since 1991)<ref></ref> | |||
| the ],<ref></ref> ], | |||
| and several other countries.<ref name="dogbreedz">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Labrador Retriever | |||
| | publisher =dogbreedz.com\ | |||
| | url =http://www.dogbreedz.com/dogbreeds/labrador-retriever.cfm | |||
| | accessdate =2007-09-12 }}</ref> | |||
| It is also the most popular breed of ] in the United States, ], and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.<ref name="saladclub">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Tassieyy | |||
| | first =Raye | |||
| | title =A Lab is | |||
| | publisher =Labrador Retriever Club of South Australia Inc. | |||
| | url =http://www.salabclub.com.au/?page=alabradorisa | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-12 }}</ref> | |||
| They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured,<ref name="dogbreedz"/><ref name="saladclub"> and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages (including a high level of patience and tolerance for ]ren,<ref></ref><ref name="animalforum">"." ''.'' (c) 1998-2007. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | |||
| making them both excellent companions and ]. Although somewhat boisterous if untrained, Labrador Retrievers respond well to praise and positive attention, and are considerably "food and fun" oriented. These dogs are as well loyal and great with little children. They may be used in shows. With training, the Lab is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world.<ref name="saladclub" /><ref name="dogbreedz"/><ref name ="Chandran">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Chandran | |||
| | first =Padma | |||
| | title= Labrador Retriever | |||
| | url =http://www.dogsindia.com/labrador_retriever.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-12 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Description== | |||
| ] | |||
| ===Appearance=== | |||
| Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 30–36 kg (65–80 lb) and females 25–32 kg (55–70 lb). Anything close or over 100 lb is considered obese or a major fault. under ] standards,<ref name="akc">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Labrador Retriever Breed Standard | |||
| | publisher =] | |||
| | date =] | |||
| | url =http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13}}</ref> but some labs do become overweight and may weigh significantly more. Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a straight, powerful tail often likened to that of an ]. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a ]. | |||
| 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 United Kingdom and in North America. In general, however, in the United Kingdom, Labs 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. These two types are informal and not codified or standardised; 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 in the west, they are common in Asia. Other "local minor variants" may also exist in some areas. | |||
| The breed tends to ] hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in ]s.<ref name= "pslra"/> Some labs shed a lot, however individual labs vary.<ref name="animalforum" /> Lab hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The ]-like tail and ] 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 direction. | |||
| ====Show standards==== | |||
| Like any animal, there is a great deal of variety among Labs. These characteristics are typical of the ] bred (bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States, and are based on the AKC standard.<ref name="akc" /> Significant differences between US and UK standards are noted. | |||
| *'''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 ]. Males should stand 22.5-24.5 inch (55.9-62.5 cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65–80 lb (30–36 kg). Females should stand 21.5–23.5 inch (54.5–60 cm) and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg). By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22–22.5 inch (55.9–57.2 cm) for males, and 21.5–22 inch (54.6–55.9 cm) for ].<ref name="kc">". The Kennel Club ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | |||
| *'''Coat''': The Lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is described as 'water-resistant' or more accurately 'water-repellent' so that the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. That means the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are chocolate, black, and yellow. A small white spot on the chest on black labs is the only acceptable variance from a solid colored coat, but it is not ideal. There is much variance within yellow Labs. Colours should be solid, though varying shades of yellow on the same dog are acceptable in yellow labs. There has been an increase in the demand for "white" Labs, which are simply Labradors with a very light yellow coat. | |||
| *'''Head''': The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. 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 are 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 be strong and muscular with a level top line. | |||
| ] | |||
| The tail and coat are designated "distinctive features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC.<ref name="kc" /><ref name="akc"/> The AKC adds that "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."<ref name="akc" /> | |||
| ====Colour==== | |||
| <!-- ENGLISH SPELLING--> | |||
| There are three recognised colours for Labs:<ref name="akc"/> black (a solid black colour), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to "fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). There is no such thing as a silver Labrador or a Golden Labrador, a common mistake for the Yellow variant. There is also a black-and-tan coat type, but this coat colour is the least popular as it renders the Labrador un-showable except in the UK. | |||
| Puppies of all colours can potentially occur in the same ]. Colour 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>{{cite web | |||
| | last =Davol | |||
| | first =Pamela A. | |||
| | title =B/b, E/e, and Beyond: A Detailed Examination of Coat color Genetics in the Labrador Retriever | |||
| | url =http://www.labbies.com/genetics2.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's colouration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat colour. | |||
| =====Nose and skin pigmentation===== | |||
| Because Lab colouration is controlled by multiple ]s, it is possible for ] genes to emerge some generations later and also there can sometimes be unexpected ] effects to different parts of the body. Pigmentation effects appear in regard to yellow Labs, and sometimes chocolate, and hence the majority of this section covers pigmentation within the yellow Lab. The most common places where pigmentation is visible are the nose, lips, gums, feet,tails, and the rims of the eyes, which may be black, brown, light yellow-brown ("liver", caused by having two genes for chocolate),<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Wagner | |||
| | first =Sharon | |||
| | coauthors =Laura Michaels | |||
| | title =Pigment in Yellow Labradors | |||
| | url =http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/yellow-pigment.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> or several other colours. A Lab can carry genes for a different colour, for example a black Lab can carry recessive chocolate and yellow genes, and a yellow Lab can carry recessive genes for the other two colours. ] can reveal some aspects of these. Less common pigmentations (other than pink) are a fault, not a disqualification, and hence such dogs are still permitted to be shown.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" /> | |||
| The intensity of black pigment on yellow Labs is controlled by a separate gene independent of the fur colouring.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation"/> Yellow Labs usually have black noses, which may gradually turn pink with age (called "snow nose" or "winter nose"). This is due to a reduction in the ] ] which indirectly controls the production of ], a dark colouring. Tyrosinase is temperature dependent—hence light colouration can be seasonal, due to cold weather—and is less produced with increasing age two years old onwards. As a result, the nose colour of most yellow Labs becomes a somewhat pink shade as they grow older.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" /> | |||
| ] | |||
| A colouration known as "Dudley" is also possible. Dudleys are variously defined as yellow Labs which have no pigmented (pink) noses (LRC), yellow with liver/chocolate pigmentation (AKC), or "flesh coloured" in addition to having the same colour around the rims of the eye, rather than having black or dark brown pigmentation.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" /><ref name="pslra" /> A yellow Lab with brown or chocolate pigmentation, for example, a brown or chocolate nose, is not necessarily a Dudley, though according to the AKC's current standard it would be if it has chocolate rims around the eyes (or more accurately of the genotype eebb). Breed standards for Labradors considers a true Dudley to be a disqualifying feature in a conformation show Lab, such as one with a thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment along with flesh coloured rims around the eyes. True Dudleys are extremely rare.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/labrador/labarticle6.htm | title=Labrador Retriever Breed Standards Comparison Chart | publisher=Canada's Guide to Dogs Website | date=] }}</ref> | |||
| Breeding in order to correct pigmentation often lacks dependability. Because colour is determined by many genes, some of which are recessive, crossbreeding a pigmentation non-standard yellow Lab to a black Lab may not correct the matter or prevent future generations carrying the same recessive genes. For similar reasons, crossbreeding chocolate to yellow labs is also often avoided. | |||
| ====Variant lines==== | |||
| ] | |||
| Differences in the physical build of the dog have arisen as a result of specialised breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and field-trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas dogs bred to compete in the ] of ]ing are selected for the characteristics sought by judges in the show ring. There are significant differences between field and trial-bred (sometimes referred to as "American") and show-bred (or "English") lines of Labradors. In general, show-bred Labs are heavier, slightly shorter-bodied, and have a thicker coat and tail. Field Labs are generally longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build. In the head, show Labs tend to have broader heads, better defined stops, and more powerful necks, while field Labs have lighter and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles.<ref name="labbies-hist">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Davol | |||
| | first =Pamela A. | |||
| | title =History of the Labrador Retriever | |||
| | url =http://www.labbies.com/history.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref><ref name="woodhaven">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Michaelsons | |||
| | first =Laura | |||
| | title =English or American Labrador? | |||
| | publisher =Woodhaven Labradors | |||
| | url =http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/english-american.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Field-bred Labs are commonly higher energy and more high-strung compared to the Lab bred for conformation showing, and as a consequence may be more suited to working relationships rather than being a "family pet."<ref name="labbies-hist" /><ref name="woodhaven" /> Of course, each individual dog differs. Some breeders, especially those specialising in the field type, feel that breed shows do not adequately recognise their type of dog. There is also occasional debate regarding officially splitting the breed.<ref>{{cite journal | |||
| | last =Wiest | |||
| | first =Mary | |||
| | title =Splitting the Breed | |||
| | journal =Labrador Quarterly | |||
| | volume = 2.635 | |||
| | issue =3 | |||
| |date=2002 | |||
| | url =http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/documents/breed_split2.pdf | |||
| | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-09-02 }}</ref> | |||
| In the United States, the AKC and the Labrador's breed club have set the breed standard to accommodate the field-bred Labrador somewhat. For instance, the AKC withers-height standards allow conformation dogs to be slightly taller than the equivalent British standard.<ref> | |||
| and | |||
| </ref> However, dual champions, or dogs that excel in both the field and the show ring, are becoming more unusual.<ref></ref> | |||
| ====Non-variants==== | |||
| Terms such as "golden", "silver", "blue", "white" or "grey" as variants are not recognised. The term "Golden Labrador" has been used both as an incorrect term for yellow labradors of a golden shade,<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador Retriever | |||
| | publisher=Marjorie Field, ''People And Dogs Society (Registered charity no. 1005973)'' | |||
| |date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.padsonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=8 | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-27 }}</ref> and also for any Labrador-] crossbreed of any colour, including black.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=Golden Labrador: Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever Hybrid | |||
| | publisher=dogbreedinfo.com | |||
| |date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/goldenlabrador.htm | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-27 }}</ref> White is a light shade of yellow (officially referred to as 'light cream' or 'pale yellow' in the standard),<ref name="ashland">{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador coat colour | |||
| | publisher=Ashland Labradors|date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.ashlandlabradors.net/Labradorcolor.html | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-27 }}</ref><ref></ref><ref>http://www.blueknightlabs.com/articles/silver/silver.html</ref> and silver is either not recognised or registered as chocolate (officially registered by the AKC as chocolate labs with variant colour).<ref name="akc" /><ref name="ashland" /> Claims that some "rare" variants exist or have been verified by DNA testing, or the like, are widely considered to be a ']'.<ref name="ashland" /><ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=The Truth Behind "Silver" Labradors | |||
| | publisher=Sharon Wagner, Woodhaven Labradors | |||
| |date=2005 | |||
| | url=http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/silverlabs.html | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-27 }}</ref> | |||
| ===Temperament=== | |||
| ]]] | |||
| Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and 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 being territorial, pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive, hypersensitive, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. 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 (a Labrador can carry an ] in its mouth without breaking it)<ref name= "bbc">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Labrador Retrievers | |||
| | publisher =BBC News | |||
| | date =] | |||
| | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A545186 | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref>. 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 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 ]. | |||
| ].]] | |||
| Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals)<ref name="pslra" />, 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 may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand - an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be slightly more independent than males.<ref name="pslra" /> Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppyish energy, often mislabeled as being ].<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | last =Dougherty | |||
| | first =Josephina | |||
| | title =Labrador Retrievers: The Perfect Companion & Family Dogs | |||
| | publisher =Ecology Photographic | |||
| | url =http://www.ecology.org/ecophoto/articles/Labs.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref><ref name="pslra" /> Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | last =Davis/Diamond | |||
| | first =Kathy | |||
| | title =Labrador Retriever Revelations | |||
| | url =http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=99&A=2244&S=0 | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as ], ], or ]). They are considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable, and open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention, affection and interaction, of which they find it difficult to get enough. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming. | |||
| ] | |||
| Although they will sometimes ] at noise, especially a degree of "]" when there is noise from unseen sources, Labs are not on the whole noisy<ref name="pslra" /> or ], and are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as ]s.<ref name="pslra" /> | |||
| Labradors have a well-known reputation for ], and some individuals may be highly indiscriminate, eating digestible and non-food objects alike.<ref name= "bbc"/> They are 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).<ref name= "bbc"/> | |||
| 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 in the field continues to be that of a hunting retriever. | |||
| ==Use as working dogs== | |||
| ].]] | |||
| Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and generally good temperaments (breed statistics show that 91.5% of Labradors who were tested passed the ].<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title =ATTS Breed Statistics as of December 2006 | |||
| | publisher = | |||
| American Temperament Test Society, Inc. | |||
| | url =http://www.atts.org/stats5.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }} | |||
| </ref>) Common working roles for Labradors include: ], ] and ], ], ], and ].<ref name="working dogs">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Moore | |||
| | first =Cindy | |||
| | title =Working Dogs | |||
| | url =http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/working.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Approximately 60–70% of all ]s in the United States are Labradors; other common breeds are ] and ].<ref name="moore_service_dog_info" /> | |||
| The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is evinced<!-- EDITOR NOTE: EVINCED ("MADE MANIFEST") NOT EVIDENCED. THIS IS THE CORRECT WORD. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE TO "EVIDENCED". --> by individuals such as ], who during a 2001 emergency is believed to be the first dog to have placed an ] human being in the ] without prior training, then obtaining the human's ], "thrusting" it by their ear on the ground, then fetching their blanket, before barking at nearby dwellings for assistance.<ref>{{cite news | |||
| | last =Blystone | |||
| | first =Richard | |||
| | coauthors =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 | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> A number of labradors have also taught themselves to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ]s without prior training.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title =About Canine Partners | |||
| | publisher =British Police and Services Canine Assistance | |||
| | date = | |||
| | url =http://www.bpsca.co.uk/canine_partners.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| == Health and well-being == | |||
| ] | |||
| Labrador pups should not be brought home before they are 7–10 weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally ] or a few years longer with good medical care{{Fact|date=December 2007}},<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. Notable issues related to health and wellbeing include: | |||
| ===Inherited disorders=== | |||
| * Labs are somewhat prone to ] and ],<ref name="UPEI">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Labrador Retriever | |||
| | publisher =Canine Inherited Disorders Database | |||
| | url =http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }}</ref> especially the larger dogs,<ref>Newton, C. D.; Nunamaker, D. M. (Eds.) "." Published by the International Veterinary Information Service (Riser, Rhodes and Newton). p. 2.</ref> though not as much as some other breeds.<ref name="OFA-hd">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Hip dysplasia statistics | |||
| | publisher =Orthopedic Foundation for Animals | |||
| |date=2006 | |||
| | url =http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Hip scores are recommended before breeding. | |||
| * 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 ], ],<ref name="CGD-eye">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Mitchell | |||
| | first =P | |||
| | title =Canada's Guide to Dogs: Health Concerns for the Labrador Retriever | |||
| | url =http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/labrador/labarticle3.htm#eye | |||
| | accessdate =2007-09-13 }}</ref> ]<ref name="UPEI"/> and ]. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ] for an ]. | |||
| * ], a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in ].<ref name="HMLR">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Davol | |||
| | first =Pamela A | |||
| | title =Skeletal muscle myopathy | |||
| | url =http://www.labbies.com/hmlr.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }}</ref> | |||
| * There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as ]s and ] in labs, either congenitally or later in life.<ref name="animalforum" /> | |||
| ===Other disorders=== | |||
| Labs are sometimes prone to ], 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. Labradors also get cases of allergic reactions to food or other environmental factors. | |||
| ===Obesity=== | |||
| Labs are often overfed and are allowed to become ], due to their blatant enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and endearing behavior towards people. Lack of activity is also a contributing factor. A healthy Lab should keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of ] or other joint problems and ], and also can contribute to general reduced health when older. ] is commonplace in older, especially overweight, Labs. | |||
| <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: ] --> | |||
| ===Exploration=== | |||
| Labradors are not especially renowned for ]. They do not typically jump high fences or dig. Because of their personalities, some Labs climb and/or jump for their own amusement. As a breed they are highly intelligent and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus if motivated or their interest is caught. Therefore, with the right conditions and stimuli, a bored Lab could "turn into an escape artist ''par excellence''".<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title =Labrador Retriever FAQs | |||
| | url =http://www.labs4rescue.com/faq.html#19 | |||
| | publisher =Labs4rescue, Inc | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }}</ref><ref name="pslra" /> | |||
| 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.<ref name="allaboutlabs">"." ''.'' (c) 2006-2007. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> They are also popular dogs if found, and at times may be stolen.<ref name="dogrescue_chip">"." ''.'' Last updated on ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> Because of this a number of dog clubs and rescue organisations (including the UK's Kennel Club) consider it good practice that Labradors are ], with the owner's name and address also on their collar and tags.<ref name="dogrescue_chip_2">"." ''The Labrador Rescue Trust Limited.'' Summer 2006. Retrieved on ], ].</ref><ref name="allaboutlabs"/> | |||
| ===Significant crossbreeds=== | |||
| The "]" is a popular "designer dog" that combines a Labrador with a ], to create a ] that is more suited to ] sufferers. | |||
| Some assistant-dog groups also like using ] / Labrador Retriever hybrids (officially called a Golden Labrador Retriever) in hopes of having dogs with fewer genetic problems. Naturally it is important to use dogs from good stocks since crossbreeds are not immune to such problems and since Golden Retrievers and Labradors have some of the same health problems. | |||
| Another significant crossbreed of the Labrador Retriever is the Labradinger, which combines a Labrador with an ]. This breed is generally smaller and is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club | |||
| The assistance dog organization ] utilises Labrador-] crosses ("Labernese") with success.<ref>Saint-Pierre, Ric. "." ''.'' Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | |||
| {{see|Dog hybrids and crossbreeds}} | |||
| ==Demography== | |||
| {{main|List of most popular dog breeds}} | |||
| The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. For example ]: | |||
| :* Widely considered the most popular breed in the world.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=The Right Breed | |||
| | publisher=Stanley Coren, Puppy and Dog basics | |||
| |date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.puppyanddogbasics.com/pr2.asp | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-28 }} -- ] is a Professor of Psychology and author of many books on dogs and dog cognition.</ref><ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=The Ultimate Labrador Retriever | |||
| | publisher=Howell Book House | |||
| |date=April 18 2003 | |||
| | url=http://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Labrador-Retriever-Heather-Wiles-Fone/dp/0764526391 | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref name="dogbreedz" /> | |||
| :* Most popular dog by ownership in USA (since 1991),<ref name="akc_stats">{{cite web | |||
| | title =AKC Dog Registration Statistics | |||
| | publisher =American Kennel Club | |||
| |date=2006 | |||
| | url =http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | |||
| | last =Edwards | |||
| | first =Jim | |||
| | title =WSAVA Monthly News - March, 2007 | |||
| | publisher =World Veterinary Association | |||
| |date=March 2007 | |||
| | url =http://www.worldvet.org/displayarticle3315.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> UK,<ref name="uk_kc_stats">{{cite web | |||
| | title =Registration statistics for all recognised dog breeds, 2005 and 2006 | |||
| | publisher =UK Kennel Club | |||
| |date=2006 | |||
| | url =http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=238&f=0 | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title =National Registration Statistics | |||
| | publisher =Australian National Kennel Council | |||
| |date=2006 | |||
| | url =http://www.ankc.aust.com/nrs.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=Most popular dog breeds in New Zealand | |||
| | publisher=dogstuff.co.nz | |||
| |date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.dogstuff.co.nz/dog-breeds/ | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-26 }} ''"The Labrador Retriever remains New Zealand’s most popular dog...." - John Perfect, NZ Kennel Club President.''</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador Retriever — breed description & information | |||
| | publisher=Canada's Guide to Dogs/P.Mitchell | |||
| |date=2007-09-21 | |||
| | url=http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/retrieverlab.htm | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-26 }}</ref> | |||
| :* In both the UK and USA, there are well over twice as many Labradors registered as the next most popular breed.<ref name="akc_stats" /><ref name="uk_kc_stats" /> 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 ] and ].<ref name="akc_stats" /><ref name="uk_kc_stats" /> | |||
| :* Most popular breed of ] in the United States, ] and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.<ref name="saladclub" /> Approximately 60–70% of all ]s in the United States are Labradors (see below).<ref name="moore_service_dog_info">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Moore | |||
| | first =Cindy Tittle | |||
| | title =Service Dogs | |||
| | url =http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dogs-faq/service/ | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| :* Seven out of 13 of the Australian National Kennel Council ''"Outstanding Gundogs"'' Hall of Fame appointees are Labradors (list covers 2000-2005).<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title =ANKC Hall of Fame | |||
| | publisher =Australian National Kennel Council | |||
| | url =http://www.ankc.aust.com/hall_of_fame.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| There is no global registry of Labradors, nor detailed information on numbers of Labradors living in each country. The countries with the five largest numbers of Labrador registrations as of 2005 are: 1: United States 2: United Kingdom and France (approximately equal), 4: Sweden, 5: Finland.<ref name="labret_fr">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Lanternier | |||
| | first =Thomas | |||
| | coauthors =Philippe Canal | |||
| | title =Database Statistics | |||
| |date=2004-2005 | |||
| | url =http://labrador.retriever.free.fr/stat.php?lang=en | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref><ref name="labnet stats">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Vanderwyk | |||
| | first =Jack | |||
| | title =Labrador Statistics | |||
| |date=2004-2005 | |||
| | url =http://www.labradornet.com/labstats.html | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Sweden and Finland have ] than the other three countries, suggesting that ] these two countries have the highest proportion of labs per million people: | |||
| ::{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| ! Country | |||
| ! ] | |||
| ! Lab<br />registrations | |||
| ! Registrations per<br />million pop. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 5.2 | |||
| | 2236 | |||
| | 426.0 | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 60.5 | |||
| | 9281 | |||
| | 153.4 | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 9.0 | |||
| | 5158 | |||
| | 570.5 | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 59.7 | |||
| | 18554 | |||
| | 311.0 | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 298.2 | |||
| | 10833 | |||
| | 36.3 | |||
| |- | |||
| |} | |||
| Yellow and black labs are registered in very similar numbers; chocolate in lesser numbers.<ref name="labret_fr" /><ref name="labnet stats" /> | |||
| :''Note: number of registrations is not necessarily the same as number of living dogs at any given time.'' | |||
| ==History== | |||
| ] circa 1856.]] | |||
| The first Labradors were born in England after 1850: they were black. In 1892 the first chocolate Labrador was registered , while the first yellow Labrador was registered in 1899. Today, The black Labrador is the most popular. The color of puppy depends on the genes of the adult. | |||
| The Labrador retriever descends from Newfoundland. On the coast of this island, in the past, Labradors were the helpers of fisherman, recovering nets and fish. They worked for long hours . In the 1830, the ancestors of the Labrador disembark in England. The second count of Malmesbury bought two Labradors. He used these dogs as bird dogs. The count and others hunters, impressed by the quality of these dogs, brought others Labradors. The Kennel club officially recognized the breed in 1903. | |||
| The early Labrador originated on the island of ], now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. <ref name="alllabs.com_history">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Barmore | |||
| | first =Laura | |||
| | title =History of the Lab | |||
| | url =http://alllabs.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/labrador_retriever_history.htm?E+scstore | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-12 }}</ref> The breed emerged over time from the ], also an ancestor of the ] (to which the Labrador is closely related), through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the mid to late 15th century.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> The original forebears of the St. John's dog have variously been suggested to be crossbreeds of the black ] from France, working water dogs from Portugal, old European pointer breeds and dogs belonging to the indigenous peoples of the area.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> From the St. John's Dog, two breeds emerged; the larger was used for hauling, and evolved into the large and gentle ], likely as a result of breeding with ] brought to the island by the generations of Portuguese fishermen who had been fishing offshore since the 1400s. The smaller short-coat retrievers used for retrieval and pulling in nets from the water were the forebears of the Labrador Retriever. The white chest, feet, chin, and muzzle characteristic of the St. John's Dog often appears in Lab ] and will occasionally manifest in Labs as a small white spot on the chest or stray white hairs on the feet or muzzle. | |||
| The ] area of Newfoundland was settled mainly by the English and Irish. Local fishermen originally used the St. John's dog 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. A number of these were brought back to the ] area of England in the early 1800s,<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> then the hub of the Newfoundland fishing trade, by the gentry, and became prized as sporting and ] dogs.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> A few kennels breeding these grew up in England; at the same time a combination of ] protection policy (Newfoundland) and ] ] (England) led to their ] in their country of origin.<ref name="lorken">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Dollevoet | |||
| | first =Lori | |||
| | title =History of the Labrador Retriever | |||
| | publisher =Lorken Farms | |||
| | url =http://personal.pitnet.net/LDoll/labrador%20Retriever%20history.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-12 }}</ref> | |||
| ]<!-- EDITOR NOTE: AVON IS CONSIDERED "THE" FOUNDATIONAL DOG, ACCORDING TO SOURCES IN THE ARTICLE, NOT "ONE OF THE" FOUNDATIONAL DOGS. LEAVE AS WRITTEN. - Untrue, All labs did NOT descend from one dog. Refixed--> | |||
| The first and second ], who bred for duck shooting on his estate,<ref name="Buccleuch">{{cite web | |||
| | title =The Buccleuch Labrador | |||
| | publisher =The Buccleuch Estates Limited | |||
| | date =2003 | |||
| | url =http://www.drumlanrig.co.uk/pages/content.asp?PageID=244 | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> and the 5th and 6th ], and youngest son Lord ],<ref name="Buccleuch" /> were instrumental in establishing the Labrador breed in nineteenth century England. The dogs Avon ("Buccleuch Avon") and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch's breeding program in the 1880s are usually considered the ancestors of all modern Labradors.<ref name= "pslra">{{cite web | |||
| | last = Miller | |||
| | first =Liza Lee | |||
| | coauthors =Cindy Tittle Moore | |||
| | title =FAQ Labrador Retrievers | |||
| | publisher =Puget Sound Labrador Rescue | |||
| | date =] | |||
| | url =http://www.pslra.org/html/articles/faqs.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| ===Early descriptions=== | |||
| Two early descriptions exist. In 1822, explorer ] crossed the island of Newfoundland by foot. In his journal he wrote "The dogs are admirably trained as retrievers in fowling, and are otherwise useful.....The smooth or short haired dog is preferred because in frosty weather the long haired kind become encumbered with ice on coming out of the water." <ref name="grandane">{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador Retriever History | |||
| | publisher=''grandane.com'' Guide to Nova Scotia Kennels | |||
| | date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.grandane.com/NS.Kennels/Labhistory.html | |||
| | accessdate=2007-12-09 }}</ref> | |||
| Another early report by a Colonel Hawker described the dog as "by far the best for any kind of shooting. He is generally black and no bigger than a Pointer, very fine in legs, with short, smooth hair and does not carry his tail so much curled as the other; is extremely quick, running, swimming and fighting....and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited...." <ref name="grandane" /> | |||
| ===Name=== | |||
| There is some confusion in the naming of the early breed; the Labrador Retriever was originally called the St. John's dog (from which it emerged), or lesser Newfoundland, but these were also considered distinct breeds by other sources. 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"/> Still others say it was named after the territory of Labrador in Canada in error, or since the name "Newfoundland" was already taken by the larger breed.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} | |||
| === Historical landmarks === | |||
| The first written reference to the breed was in 1814 ("Instructions to Young Sportsmen" by Colonel Peter Hawker),<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> the first painting in 1823 ("Cora. A Labrador Bitch" by ]),<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> and the first photograph in 1856 (the ]'s dog "Nell", described both as a Labrador and a St. Johns dog).<ref name="lorken"> - Lorken Farms Labradors website</ref> By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever became common in England.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> The first yellow lab on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe),<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> and the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903. The first ] (AKC) registration was in 1917.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> The chocolate Labrador emerged in the 1930s,<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> although liver spotted pups were documented being born at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"/> The St. John's dog survived until the early 1980s, the ] being photographed in old age around 1981.<ref name="lorken"/> | |||
| === History of subtypes === | |||
| Ancestral chocolate and butterscotch-yellow colours (sometimes called "liver" or "golden") were noted in the original St. John's dogs as early as 1807, when the ''Canton'' shipwrecked carrying a number of St. John's dogs for the Earl of Malmesbury. Two dogs were later found, one black and one chocolate, evidence that chocolate had been a colour in the original St. John's dogs.<ref name="lorken" /> Yellow and chocolate pups, and occasional black and tan or brindling,<ref name="ashland">{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador coat colour | |||
| | publisher=Ashland Labradors|date=2007 | |||
| | url=http://www.ashlandlabradors.net/Labradorcolor.html | |||
| | accessdate=2007-09-27 }}</ref><ref></ref>would occasionally reappear (although often ]), until finally gaining acceptance in the cases of chocolate and yellow or being mostly bred out of the breed in the cases of black-and-tan and brindled, although until the 20th century black was the preferred colour. | |||
| The first recognised yellow lab was Ben of Hyde, born 1899, and chocolate labs became more established in the 1930s. | |||
| ] | |||
| ; Yellow (and related shades) | |||
| In the early years of the breed through to the mid-20th century, Labradors of a shade we would now call "yellow" were in fact a dark, almost butterscotch, colour (visible in early yellow lab photographs). The shade was known as "Golden" until required to be changed by the UK Kennel Club, on the grounds that "Gold" was not actually a colour. Over the 20th century a preference for far lighter shades of yellow through to cream prevailed, until today most yellow labs are of this shade.<ref name= "Little River">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Robbins | |||
| | first =Joyce | |||
| | coauthors =Pam Naranjo and Gina Gross | |||
| | title =Fox Red Labradors:History of the Shade | |||
| | publisher =Little River Labs | |||
| | url =http://www.littleriverlabs.com/foxred.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| Interest in the darker shades of gold and fox red were re-established by English breeders in the 1980s, and two dogs were instrumental in this change: Balrion King Frost (black, born approx. 1976) who consistently sired "very dark yellow" offspring and is credited as having "the biggest influence in the re-development of the fox red shade",<ref name= "Little River"/> and his great-grandson, the likewise famous Wynfaul Tabasco (b.1986),<ref>{{cite web | |||
| | title=Labrador Genealogy| | |||
| publisher=U.P. Labradors | |||
| | date= | |||
| | url=http://www.uplabradors.com/uplabradorsgenealogy.htm | |||
| | accessdate=2007-10-03 }}</ref> described as "the father of the modern fox red Labrador", and the only modern fox red Show Champion in the UK. Other dogs, such as Red Alert and Scrimshaw Placido Flamingo, are also credited with greatly passing on the genes into more than one renowned bloodline.<ref name= "Little River"/> | |||
| ; Chocolate labs | |||
| Jack Vanderwyk traces the origins of all Chocolate labs listed on the LabradorNet database (some 34,000 labs of all shades) to eight original bloodlines. However the shade was not seen as a distinct colour until the 20th century; before then according to Vanderwyk, such dogs can be traced but were not registered. A degree of ]ing with ] or ]s was also documented in the early 20th century, prior to recognition. Chocolate labs were also well established in the early 20th century at the kennels of the Earl of Feversham, and Lady Ward of Chiltonfoliat.<ref name="Vanderwyk">{{cite web . | last =Vanderwyk | |||
| | first =Jack | |||
| | title =Origins of Chocolate Labs | |||
| | url =http://www.lakecharlesretrieverclub.com/2-Origin_of_Chocolate_Labrador_Retrievers.pdf | |||
| | format =] | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> | |||
| The bloodlines as traced by Vanderwyk each lead back to three black labs in the 1880s—Buccleuch Avon (m), and his sire and dam, Malmesbury Tramp (m), and Malmesbury June (f). Morningtown Tobla is also named as an important intermediary, and according to the studbook of Buccleuch Kennels, the chocolates in that kennel came through FTW Peter of Faskally (1908).<ref name="Vanderwyk"/> | |||
| ===Appearance in other countries=== | |||
| In the ], the breed gained wider recognition following a 1928 ] article, ''"Meet the Labrador Retriever"''. Before this time, the AKC had only registered 23 Labradors in the country,<ref name="lorken" /> in part because US and UK hunting styles had different requirements.<ref name="burdick">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Dollevoet | |||
| | first =Lori | |||
| | title =Origins of Labrador Retrievers | |||
| | publisher = Lorken Farms | |||
| | url =http://personal.pitnet.net/LDoll/labrador%20Retriever%20history.htm | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> Labradors acquired popularity as hunting dogs during the 1920s and especially after ], as they gained recognition as combining some of the best traits of the two favourite United States breeds as both game finders and water dogs.<ref name="burdick" /> | |||
| Outside ] and ], the Labrador arrived later. For example, the ]n Retriever Club traces the arrival of Labradors to the late 1960s, as household pets of ]s and others in the foreign ministry.<ref name="tatiana">{{cite web | |||
| | last =Teslenko | |||
| | first =Olga | |||
| | title =History of Retrievers in Russia | |||
| | publisher =The Russian Retriever Club | |||
| | url =http://www.labrador.ru/en/history/legends.php | |||
| | accessdate = 2007-09-13 }}</ref> The establishment of the breed in the ] (ex-]) was initially hindered by the relatively small numbers of Labradors and great distances involved, leading to difficulty establishing breedings and bloodlines;<ref name="tatiana"/> at the start of the 1980s, home-born dogs were still regularly supplemented by further imports from overseas.<ref name="tatiana"/> Difficulties such as these initially led to Labradors being tacitly ] to other types of retriever.<ref name="tatiana"/> In the 1990s, improved access to overseas shows and bloodlines is said to have helped this situation become regularised.<ref name="tatiana" /> | |||
| ==Famous labradors== | |||
| {{Main|List of Labradors}} | |||
| As both the most popular breed by registered ownership and also the most popular breed for assistance dogs in several countries, there have been many notable and famous labradors since the breed was recognised. | |||
| A selection of a few of the most famous labradors within various categories includes: | |||
| ;Assistance dogs | |||
| * ], a ] in ]. Among other distinctions, "the most decorated dog in the world" (including "Dog of the Millennium"<ref name="RescuePetersfield">{{cite web | url= http://www.petersfield-herald-today.co.uk/today/options/news/newsdetail.cfm?id=27389&hididarch=archive | title= Hero dog to the rescue |work= ] |date= ] ] |quote= The pair have appeared on television all over the country demonstrating how specially trained dogs can help profoundly disabled people. This week, as they recovered from their ordeal at the Steep home of Canine Partners for Independence, the group who trained Endal, Allen praised his four legged companion: “We’ve given so many demonstrations on how Endal should go into action if I fall out of my wheelchair but last Thursday Endal did it for real” … Endal was voted Dog of the Millennium by Dogs Today readers and Beta Pet Foods, Dog of the Year by the charities Pro Dogs and Pets As Therapy, and was the first ever winner of the Golden Bonio Award. }}</ref> and the ] for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty),<ref name="Illinois Springer">{{cite web |url= http://illinoisspringerrescue2.pulse.net/SITETWO/ENDAL.html |title= Endal, December 2006 |work= Illinois Springer Spaniel Rescue |format= html |accessdate= 2007-06-20}}</ref> the first dog to ride on the ] and the first dog known to work a ']' ATM card. As of 2007 some three hundred camera crews from several countries have interviewed Endal and his owner/handler Allen Parton, and a ] of a year in his life is in ].<ref name="Movie K9">{{cite web |url= http://www.k9magazinefree.com/index.shtml |title= TV crew making film of partners' year |work= ], Issue 27}}</ref><ref name="Crufts 2006 K9">{{cite web |url= http://www.k9magazinefree.com/k9_perspective/iss27p11.shtml |title= Crufts 2006 eventful for Allen and Endal |work= ], Issue 27}}</ref> | |||
| ;Police, military, rescue and detection dogs: | |||
| * ], a black Labrador who became a national canine hero after burrowing through white-hot, smoking debris in search of survivors in the ]. Also helped search for ] victims in 2005. | |||
| * ], twin Black Labrador counterfeit detection dogs who became famous in 2007 for "sniffing out nearly 2 million ] counterfeit ]s" on a six-month secondment to ] in 2007.<ref>"." ''].'' ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> Following the multi-million dollar, 6-arrest Malaysian detection, they became the first dogs to be awarded Malaysia's, "outstanding service award",<ref>Blass, Evan. "." ''].'' ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> and software pirates were stated to have put a £30,000 ] out for their lives.<ref>Chan, Sewell. "." ''].'' ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref><ref>Blass, Evan. "." ''].'' ], ]. Retrieved on ], ].</ref> | |||
| * Several other labradors have either gained fame or awards for lives saved, bombs detected, or (in some cases) have died whilst saving lives. | |||
| ;Field trial dogs: | |||
| * NFC-AFC ] won the 1976 National ] Championship and accumulated 142 All-age points during his competitive career.<ref>''Working-Retriever.com Hall of Fame'' </ref> | |||
| * NFC AFC ], or "Rascal," was the first ] to win the National ], and the 1996 National Field Trial Championas well as a finalist in the 1998 National Open.<ref>Source: ''Storm's Riptide Star Article'' </ref><ref>''Storm's Riptide Star Pedigree'' </ref> | |||
| ;Pets: | |||
| * Former ] ]'s Labradors ] and Seamus. | |||
| * ], and ] ] Labrador 'Koni'. | |||
| * ] (American Journalist and Communist Revolutionary), kept a Labrador when he lived in Cape Cod (USA) from 1916-1917. The dog was portrayed (wrongly) as a ] in the film about Reed's life - ] | |||
| ;Fiction and media: | |||
| * Labradors have featured variously as pets and significant characters in ]s and other TV shows, as well as other portrayals in the media. Bouncer in '']'', and Luath in '']'', are two TV examples. | |||
| * Marley is an American Labrador portrayed in ], a book by John Grogan in which Grogan recounts his life and times with Marley. | |||
| ;Mascots and advertising: | |||
| * The ] have a Labrador as their ], and the ] Puppy is a famous Labrador in ]. Brinkley, a yellow Labrador, has featured in television articles and advertisements in the East Midlands area of the United Kingdom. A Labrador puppy is also currently used as a mascot of sorts for Advantage (]) in TV commercials in the United States. | |||
| * Since 1972, a yellow lab pup known as the ] has been an advertising symbol for Andrex toilet tissue. | |||
| *] has an ongoing tradition of ]. The original "Zeke" and "Zeke III" were yellow labs and "Zeke II" was a black lab. | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| Labrador Retriever | |||
| ==Further reading== | |||
| {{commons}} | |||
| * {{cite book | |||
| | last = Cunliffe | |||
| | first = Juliette | |||
| | year = 2004 | |||
| | title = The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds | |||
| | publisher = Parragon Publishing | |||
| | id = ISBN 0-7525-8276-3 | |||
| }} | |||
| * {{cite book | |||
| | last = Fergus | |||
| | first = Charles | |||
| | title = Gun Dog Breeds, a Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing Dogs | |||
| | location = ] | |||
| | publisher = Lyons Press | |||
| | year = 2002 | |||
| | id = ISBN 1-58574-618-5 | |||
| }} | |||
| <!-- en:Labrador Retriever --> | |||
| {{Canadian dogs}} | |||
| {{Gundogs}} | |||
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