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Revision as of 13:08, 17 April 2004 by Peter Chapman (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Labrador Retriever | ||||||||||||
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| Labrador Retriever (larger version) | ||||||||||||
| Country of origin | ||||||||||||
| Canada | ||||||||||||
| Classification | ||||||||||||
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| Breed standards (external links) | ||||||||||||
| FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC |
The Labrador Retriever, one of the most familiar breeds of dog, is noted for its friendliness, intelligence (though they don't often show it) and obedience. Because of these traits, they are often trained to be assistance dogs, such as service dogs or guide dogs. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in both the United States and United Kingdom.
Labradors are relatively large, energetic dogs, and they are either black, yellow, or brown in colour, in that order of frequency. The color is determined by two sets of genes; one determining coat color (black and yellow) and the other determining nose color (black and pink/brown). The black coat gene is dominant in both cases. Chocolate labs are the result of a black coat color gene and a pink/brown nose color gene.
Labradors were bred in the United Kingdom in the mid-1800s as hunting dogs. As per the name, they are excellent at retrieving game, such as ducks, after the game has been shot. Their coat repels water to some extent, thus the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.
