Labrador Retriever - History and Outline

The Labrador is one of many types of retrievers and are the world's most popular breed of dog. They are exceptionally friendly, happy dog's who are good tempered, very easy to train, eager to please and extremely devoted to their families.

The breed originates from Newfoundland where they were bred for retrieving game on both land and in water. While today Labrador’s are still used as excellent working gundogs, the breeds intelligence and good nature has promoted the Labrador for many more different uses. Labradors are used worldwide as guides for the blind, as ‘sniffer dogs’ in airports, and its lovely nature has made it an ideal therapy dog. Finally, its handsome looks have ensured its success in the show ring, but overall it excels as the perfect companion dog.

Labradors are a large breed with males weighing in between 27-36kgs and females between 23 to 32kgs. Their coat is typically short and smooth and they can black, yellow or chocolate in colour. The bred does shed hair regularly throughout the year, they have a short and straight interwoven coat which is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance when swimming. Their tail is known to be 'otter-like' which they use as a rudder when swimming for changing directions!

The Labrador Retriever is a recognised breed with the Australian National Kennel Council, who publish a 'Breed Standard' outlining all aspects of the breed. This is what judges use to judge labradors in the show ring. To see the Labrador breed standard click here.

I have always said to my puppy buyers and anyone who talks Labradors, the more you put into your dog, the more you will get back. Labradors crave love and attention, and the more you give, it will come back to you fivefold.