Breed Profile: Labrador Retriever

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. (According to AKC registration records). Once the friend of the lonely fisherman in Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever is now a friend to everyone, around the world!

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: A muscular, compact-bodied dog, the Labrador Retriever generally weighs in anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.

Coat & Color: The Labrador Retriever’s hair is straight, short, and very dense. At first touch, their coats can feel hard and coarse; but they have a soft, near water-proof, undercoat. Colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.

Other: They’re known for their “otter” tail! Labrador Retriever’s love the water and their tail not only looks like an otter’s tail, it functions like one too—they use it to steer themselves when in the water.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

First recognized by the AKC in 1917, the Labrador Retriever is outgoing and devoted and supremely useful! Used as guide dogs for the blind, as search and rescue dogs, and as narcotics dogs for Law Enforcement, Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, non-aggressive, and eager to please.

Wags:

Fantastic with people and other animals.
Easy to train.
Easy to groom.

Challenges:

Does not make a good guard dog. Much too friendly. More likely to snuggle up to a stranger than attack them.
Not the best dog for very small children or the elderly. Labrador Retrievers are extremely rambunctious and, with their muscular bodies, they can accidentally injure those of us with a weaker frame.
Requires lots of exercise! And, when their exercise needs are not met, they may become destructive.

If you have a Lab in Sarasota, you’ll definitely want to add Brohard Paw Park – The Venice Dog Beach on your route map. You and your dog will enjoy socializing and playing in the water in this gorgeous Sarasota County park.

Thinking of adding a Labrador Retriever to your family? Please contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida for information on adoptable dogs.