Classified as a Sporting Dog, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular of today’s dog breeds, and its versatility is unsurpassed. The Lab not only makes a wonderful family pet, but is also an excellent hunter and swimmer. In fact, water is one of the Labrador’s greatest loves.
 
Labs are excellent gundogs, and can participate in field trials, obedience trials, and agility events. A Labrador can sniff out narcotics, aid in search-and-rescue work, or work as a guide dog for the blind with equal proficiency and ease. This dog is intelligent, dependable, and extremely loyal.
A medium-to-large dog, the Labrador Retriever is typically 21.5 to 24.5 inches (54.6 to 62.2 centimeters) in height and weighs 55 to 80 pounds (24.9 to 36.3 kilograms).

The coats of Labrador Retrievers are one of three solid colors (though there may be a small white spot on the chest): yellow, chocolate, or black. Yellow Labs can range in color from light cream to gold to fox-red.
Chocolate Labs range from medium to dark brown. The black coat was the first to be in vogue, but yellow and chocolate coats have since become equally popular. The Lab’s fur is short, straight, and dense, with a weather-resistant undercoat. This natural waterproofing contributes to the Lab’s affinity to swimming.

Numerous adjectives can be used to describe the Labrador’s personality, and virtually all are complimentary: happy-go-lucky, friendly, gentle, outgoing, agreeable, sweet-natured, and even-tempered are but a few.
The playful Lab is an excellent retriever (naturally), and loves to carry things in his mouth. Though not well-suited to working as a watchdog , the Lab will bark when alarmed and guard against intruders.
Labradors have a high energy level, especially as puppies. Therefore, it’s necessary to teach these youngsters some manners – the earlier the better. It can be difficult to deter a Lab who has set his mind on a particular task, but the Lab is eager to please, and thus responds well to obedience training.
Labradors need regular exercise. An ideal routine consists of four 30-minute exercise periods per day.
Labs are exceptionally patient and reliable with children, making them a good choice for families. It’s helpful to remember, though, that any exuberant puppy can overwhelm fearful or very small children. Labs also adjust easily to and get along well with other pets.
Labradors are best suited to rural or suburban environments where there’s room to run, but they can adapt to city life if given enough opportunities to exercise. One caveat: The Lab won’t hesitate to jump into a pool, but may not be able to climb out of it without assistance. To avoid this danger, access to pools must be prevented any time close human supervision is unavailable.
Labs are sociable and prefer companionship to being alone. They may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, and this can lead them to be destructive. The best human family for a Lab is an active one, where there’s plenty of attention and affection to be had.

The Labrador Retriever has an athletic physique and a graceful gait. The sturdy barrel chest tapers to a slim abdomen, while the neck and legs are muscular. Show Labradors should appear to be well proportioned, and movement should appear to be free and effortless.
The Lab’s coat should be short and dense, without wiriness. Black, yellow and chocolate are the only acceptable colors. The eyes should be brown or hazel, and they should appear to be intelligent, friendly, and expressive.
The ears, neither too long nor heavy, should hang close to the head, and be set rather far back and low, while the upper teeth should closely overlap the lower teeth. The skull should be wide with a defined stop, while the muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered.
The Lab’s tail is sometimes compared to that of an otter. It should be thickest toward the base and covered in short, dense fur, with no feathering.
In addition to physical characteristics, temperament is an important consideration. The Lab should display a friendly, outgoing nature. Aggressiveness toward humans or other animals and evidence of shyness are considered faults in this breed.

Shedding in Labrador Retrievers is moderate and seasonal. Grooming requirements are minimal. The Lab should be brushed three times weekly with a slicker brush, and the ears should be cleaned frequently.

The average life span of the Labrador is 10 to 15 years, with 12 to 14 years being most common.