Labrador Retriever: A Complete Guide to This Lovable Family Favourite
The Labrador Retriever is one of the UK’s best-known and most popular dog breeds. Friendly, enthusiastic and usually extremely fond of food, Labradors have earned a reputation for being fantastic family companions.
But underneath that cheerful personality is an intelligent and energetic working dog. Labradors were developed to retrieve and work closely alongside people, and many still have a strong desire to carry things, explore, swim and keep busy.
If you’re considering welcoming a Labrador into your family, here’s what you need to know.
History of the Labrador Retriever
Despite the name, the Labrador Retriever’s early history is actually linked to Newfoundland in Canada.
Dogs used by fishermen in Newfoundland helped retrieve fishing nets, ropes and fish from the cold water. Some of these dogs were later brought to Britain, where they were developed into the Labrador Retriever we recognise today.
British breeders refined the Labrador as a gundog, particularly for retrieving shot game. This required dogs that were intelligent, responsive to their handler and capable of finding and gently carrying game back.
Those working origins help explain many typical Labrador behaviours today – including their love of retrieving, carrying objects and, of course, water!
What Do Labradors Look Like?
Labradors are medium-to-large, strongly built dogs with a distinctive broad head and friendly expression.
One of their most recognisable features is their thick “otter tail”, which is broad at the base and tapers towards the end.
They also have a short, dense, weather-resistant double coat.
Labradors come in three recognised colours:
- Black
- Yellow
- Chocolate
Yellow Labradors can vary considerably in shade, from very pale cream through to darker fox-red colouring.
Adult males are generally around 56–57 cm tall at the shoulder, while females are usually approximately 55–56 cm, although individual dogs will vary.
Labrador Temperament
Labradors are well known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
Typical characteristics can include being:
- Affectionate
- Sociable
- Intelligent
- Enthusiastic
- Playful
- Food motivated
- Eager to learn
- People-orientated
Their willingness to work alongside humans is one reason Labradors are used in so many different roles, including assistance dogs, guide dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue and traditional gundog work.
However, every Labrador is an individual. Breed characteristics can give us an idea of likely behaviour, but genetics, early experiences, training and environment all influence the dog they become.
Are Labradors Good Family Dogs?
Labradors can make wonderful family dogs and are often known for being affectionate and tolerant.
However, young Labradors can be very energetic.
An excited Labrador charging through the house with a toy in its mouth can easily knock over a small child. Training calm greetings and appropriate behaviour around children is therefore important.
Children should also learn how to behave appropriately around dogs. Dogs should be given somewhere quiet to rest without being disturbed, and interactions between dogs and young children should always be supervised.