About the Breed
The ancestors of this well-known breed were brought originally from Newfoundland by fishermen returning to England. In Newfoundland the dogs helped to haul in the nets and took to the water readily. During the nineteenth century, a tax on dog ownership led to the demise of these dogs in Newfoundland, and British quarantine laws limited the availability of further stock. They were then interbred with existing retriever breeds such as the Flat-coated until finally, in 1903, a standard was established for the Labrador Retriever itself.
Since then, these dogs have undergone a massive surge in popularity, being kept both as house pets and gundogs. They have retained their affiliation with water and are highly valued by duck hunters. Their scenting skills have also been exploited in other areas of contemporary life, including the search for drugs and explosives at airports. The trustworthy nature of the Labrador Retriever has also seen the breed trained as guide dogs for people with impaired sight.
In terms of colouration, although the black form was best known during the early years of the century. The yellow variety is now more common. Chocolate individuals may also be seen occasionally as well. It is not unusual for the coat colouration of yellow Labradors to fade somewhat with age, although there is a natural variation to some extent in any event.
In the case of black and chocolate dogs, the development of some white hairs around the muzzle can be anticipated as they become older. These are not sedentary dogs by nature, and you must be prepared to give them plenty of exercise, because otherwise they will rapidly become obese.
The very strong Labrador following in this country is undoubtedly due to the breed’s excellence in character, working proficiency, and general appearance. Within the last half century the Labrador has outstripped all other Retrievers in Britain, being now by far the most desired shooting dog. The Flat-coated Retriever was leading the way when the Labrador first came here about the beginning of the 19th century, but, after careful selection and breeding, the latter took the lead and today holds his own without fear of challenge. The Labradors are often trained as police dogs.
Height approximately 22 in (56 cm)
Weight 55-57 lb (25-34 kg)
Coat type/colour Coat short, dense and free from wave. Colour black, yellow or chocolate. Head rather broad, with pronounced stop. Ears folding in close to the side; eyes brown or hazel. Tail thick and tapering.

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