Retriever (Labrador)

Origins and History

The Labrador Retriever originated on the island of Newfoundland (now part of Canada) in the early 19th century. Originally called the "St. John" dog, it was used by fishermen to retrieve netted fish and escaped game. In the 1830s the breed was imported to England, where it was refined for field work and later for show. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1917, and today the Labrador is the most popular sporting breed worldwide.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑large, well‑balanced, athletic build with a deep chest and strong hindquarters
• Friendly, outgoing temperament; eager to please and highly trainable
• Developed as a gun‑dog for retrieving game; excels in field trials, hunting, and assistance work

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 22.5–24.5 inches (57–62 cm); Females 21.5–23.5 inches (55–60 cm)
• Weight: Males 65–80 lb (29–36 kg); Females 55–70 lb (25–32 kg)

Coat and Color

• Dense, water‑resistant double coat; outer coat short, straight, 1/4–5/8 inch (6–16 mm) in length; undercoat thick and soft
• Accepted solid colors: black, chocolate, yellow (ranging from pale cream to fox red); no white markings or patches permitted

Temperament Considerations

Labradors are highly sociable and motivated by food and play, which makes them quick learners but also prone to over‑excitement if not properly channeled. Their strong retrieving instinct can lead to a tendency to chase moving objects.

Training Essentials

• Early, positive‑reinforcement socialization with people, other dogs, and varied environments
• Minimum 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily to satisfy energy needs and prevent obesity‑related behavior
• Consistent obedience work focusing on recall, “leave it,” and controlled retrieval to manage the breed’s natural drive

Daily Grooming

• Brush 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush or rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and distribute oils
• Bath as needed; avoid over‑bathing to preserve the coat’s natural oils
• Trim nails regularly; clean ears weekly to prevent otitis externa; brush teeth several times a week or use dental chews

Show Preparation

• Begin a full coat trim 7–10 days before the show; clip the coat to the standard length while maintaining the natural texture
• Perform a final brush‑out the night before the ring to eliminate loose hair and achieve a sleek appearance
• Ensure the dog is well‑conditioned, rested, and hydrated; present with a confident, balanced gait in the ring

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia – screen with OFA or Penn‑HIP and ELPO
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal degeneration – DNA testing recommended
• Exercise‑induced collapse (EIC) – DNA test available
• Hereditary myopathy – DNA test recommended for breeding stock
• Obesity – monitor diet and exercise to prevent joint strain and metabolic disease
• Ear infections – regular ear cleaning due to floppy ears

General Care

• Provide at least 1–2 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise daily to maintain musculoskeletal health
• Feed a balanced, age‑appropriate diet; monitor body condition score to avoid excess weight
• Average lifespan 10–12 years; regular veterinary wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are essential