Breed Description: The Labrador Retriever is the original water dog. Originally bred to assist fisherman in Newfoundland, these sturdy, muscular dogs are now respected worldwide for their contributions to the military, police work, as guide dogs and for performing search and rescue. They have exceptional patience and an easygoing temperament. This breed is intelligent, hardy and eager to please. A powerful swimmer, the Labrador Retriever makes a reliable hunting partner and a friendly house dog. Group: Sporting Group
Purpose of Breed: Helping fishermen
Country of Origin: Newfoundland, Canada.
Average Size: Ranges from 21.5 inches to 24.5 inches and 55 to 80 pounds depending on sex.
Color(s): Black, yellow or chocolate.
Coat Type: Coats are short, straight and dense. Their coat is easily cared for with once a week grooming
Grooming: This breed is a moderate shedder. The easy to maintain coat should be brushed occasionally to remove dead hair. This breed requires standard care for eyes, pads and nails. Ears should be cleaned and examined regularly.
Exercise Needs: Labrador Retrievers are an active breed and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They especially enjoy long walks, swimming and games involving retrieving.
Temperament: Labrador Retrievers are gentle and easygoing. They are intelligent, easy to train, and renowned for their patience with children. Labs are eager to please and very forgiving, so much so, that their good nature is sometimes taken for granted by thoughtless owners. This breed is courageous and hard working and adapts easily to new situations.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to skin allergies, epilepsy, eye diseases and hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy: Averages 10-12 years
Trivia: To assist fishermen, Labrador Retrievers jumped overboard when boats neared land, gather the ends of fishing nets in their mouths and swam ashore where awaiting crew members could empty the catch.
More Information: Labrador Retriever Cub, Inc. 
By Ellen Brown
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Breed Information: Labrador Retriever