Labrador Dog Breed Characteristics

The most distinguishing characteristics of the labrador retriever are its short dense weather resistant coat.

Labrador dog breed characteristics. Labrador retrievers are sturdy solid dogs. The labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds and his popularity comes from his versatility as family companion service dog guide dog as well as a working gundog. A clean cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop. Though bred to be hunting dogs these qualities also make them excellent companions.

The newfoundland dogs were smaller than they are. Labrador retrievers or labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the united states. English type labradors are generally very calm and laidback but american type labradors can become highly strung if they do not receive adequate amounts of exercise. Today the labrador dog works in service and therapy search and rescue law enforcement and drug and bomb detection as well as being a cherished companion animal.

They are almost square in appearance with a strong body and sturdy legs. Labradors are a medium large breed with males typically weighing 29 36 kg 65 80 lb and females 25 32 kg 55 70 lb. Dogs were used there to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. The warm and intelligent labrador retriever is america s number one breed registered with the american kennel club.

However the yellow variety ranges from a light cream to a red fox colour sometimes displaying a white spot in the chest area. They are medium to large sized dogs with sturdy athletic builds. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches which puts them in the medium size dog category but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Physical characteristics of the labrador retriever the labrador retriever is a sturdily built medium to large dog.

The labrador retriever s coat is short and unlike a golden retriever has no feathering at all while the tail a defining characteristic of the breed is powerful and rudder like being thick at the base before tapering away at the tip. Even non dog people can recognize a lab and artists and photographers have. Labs are known for their intelligence fine character and good temperament. The american kennel club akc registered the labrador dog in 1917 and it has maintained its billing as most popular breed since 1991.

Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. He may weigh anything from 50 to 80lbs once adult depending on his breeding. The breed originates from newfoundland which from the 16th century was renowned for the fishing industry with well established trading routes between england and canada. They are widely regarded as being one of the smartest breeds of dog.

He has a well proportioned body with a healthy balance between length of leg and length of spine.