Labrador Retriever

History and Characteristics
– Labrador Retriever developed in the UK from fishing dogs imported from Newfoundland
– Named after the Labrador region of Newfoundland
– Bred as a sporting and hunting dog
– Imported to Europe in the 1830s by the 10th Earl of Home and his nephews
– Collaborative efforts of the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, and the 12th Earl of Home established the breed
– Labradors are medium-large in size
– Coat is short, dense, and water-resistant
– Head is broad with a pronounced stop
– Ideal weight for dogs is 25-36kg, for bitches is 25-32kg
– Colors include black, yellow, and chocolate

Use and Roles
– Labrador Retrievers have a high success rate as guide dogs
– German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing guide dog training
– Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Crossbreeds had the highest success rate
– Labrador Retriever is a gun dog bred for retrieving on land and water
– Commonly used for retrieving shot game, such as wood pigeons
– Labradors were used as war dogs during the Vietnam War.
– They were trained as scout dogs to track down soldiers or enemy positions.
– Labradors played a crucial role in locating dead or wounded soldiers.
– Their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities made them valuable assets in the war.
– Labradors were highly effective in navigating difficult terrains and providing valuable information to the military.

Health and Demographics
– Labradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
– They are generally a healthy breed with few major problems.
– However, Labradors are prone to inherited disorders and obesity.
– Some Labradors may have missing or partial appetite-regulating genes, leading to obesity.
– Chocolate-colored Labradors have a shorter average life expectancy and are more likely to suffer from health problems compared to other colors.
– Labradors are exceptionally popular worldwide and considered one of the most popular breeds.
– They are the most popular dog breed in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
– In the United Kingdom and the United States, there are significantly more registered Labradors compared to other breeds.
– Labradors outnumber other similar-sized breeds by 3-5 times in both countries.
– Labradors are widely used as assistance dogs and are the most popular breed for this purpose in the United States and Australia.

Famous Labradors and Cultural Impact
– Endal, a Labrador, was the most decorated dog in the world and received numerous awards for his service.
– Sully, a Labrador, served with former US President George H. W. Bush and provided various assistance tasks.
– Frida, a Labrador, worked as a search and rescue dog for the Mexican Navy and participated in disaster rescue efforts.
– Zanjeer, a Labrador, detected arms and ammunition during the 1993 Mumbai serial explosions.
– Lucky and Flo, twin Labradors, gained fame for sniffing out counterfeit DVDs in Malaysia.
– Labradors have been owned by notable figures such as former US President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
– Marley, a Labrador, gained fame as ‘The World’s Worst Dog’ in John Grogan’s autobiographical book and its film adaptation.
– Labradors owned by Celine Dion, Charlie and Bear, became celebrities and were featured in magazines.
– Labradors are popular pets due to their friendly and loyal nature.
– They are known for their compatibility with families and their ability to adapt to various living environments.

Breed Standard, Care, and Books
– Labrador Retriever Breed Standard provides guidelines for breed characteristics and conformation.
– Labrador Retriever Care and Nutrition books offer comprehensive information on caring for Labrador Retrievers.
– Labrador Retriever History and Performance highlight the breed’s working roles and abilities.
– Labrador Retriever Breeds and Varieties describe the different coat colors and variations within the breed.
– Books on Labrador Retrievers offer additional resources for understanding the breed and providing proper care.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_retriever