View source for Labrador Retriever

{{Short description|British breed of retriever gun dog}}
{{About|the breed of dog|the single by Japanese idol girl group AKB48|Labrador Retriever (song)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2020}}

{{Infobox dog breed
| name           = Labrador Retriever
| image          = Labrador on Quantock (2175262184).jpg
| image_alt      = side view of a yellow dog in a grassy field, facing left
| caption        = Adult male
| altname        = Labrador
| nickname       = Lab
| country        = United Kingdom
| stock          = [[St. John's water dog]]
| maleweight     = {{convert|65|–|80|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}	
| femaleweight   = {{convert|55|–|70|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}	
| maleheight     = {{convert|56|–|57|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}}
| femaleheight   = {{convert|54|–|56|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}}
| coat           = Short, dense, weather-resistant double coat
| colour        = Black, chocolate, or yellow (ranges from pale yellow to fox red)
| kc_name        = [[The Kennel Club]] (UK)
| kc_std         = https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
| kc2_name       = 
| kc2_std        = 
|fcistd          = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/122g08-en.pdf
}}

The '''Labrador Retriever''', also known simply as the '''Labrador''' or '''Lab''', is a British [[list of dog breeds|breed]] of [[retriever]] [[gun dog]]. It was developed in the United Kingdom from [[St. John's water dog]]s imported from the [[Newfoundland Colony|colony of Newfoundland]] (now a [[Newfoundland and Labrador|province of Canada]]), and was named after the [[Labrador]] region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the Western world.

Labradors are often friendly, energetic, and playful.<ref name="akc" /> It was bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is widely kept as a [[companion dog]]. Though content as a companion, these dogs are intelligent and require both physical and mental stimulation. It may also be trained as a [[guide dog|guide]] or [[assistance dog]], or for [[Search and rescue dog|rescue]] or [[therapy dog|therapy]] work.<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm |title=AKC Dog Registration Statistics |publisher=Akc.org |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=9 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511200854/http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm |archive-date=11 May 2012 }}</ref>

In the 1830s, the [[Alexander Home, 10th Earl of Home|10th Earl of Home]] and his nephews, the [[Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch|5th Duke of Buccleuch]] and [[Lord John Scott]],<ref name="Field">Article written for The Field, 30 May 1896, 'Labrador Dogs', by John S Kerss</ref> imported progenitors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe for use as gun dogs. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the [[James Harris, 2nd Earl of Malmesbury|2nd Earl of Malmesbury]], who bred them for their expertise in [[Waterfowl hunting|waterfowling]].<ref name="Field" />

During the 1880s, the [[James Harris, 3rd Earl of Malmesbury|3rd Earl of Malmesbury]], the [[William Montagu Douglas Scott, 6th Duke of Buccleuch|6th Duke of Buccleuch]], and the [[Charles Douglas-Home, 12th Earl of Home|12th Earl of Home]] collaborated to develop and establish the Labrador Retriever breed. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors.<ref>{{cite book |author1=The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XwkPAAAACAAJ |title=The Official Book of the Labrador Retriever |publisher=TFH Publications, Inc. |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-7938-0188-6 |editor1-last=Ziessow |editor1-first=Dr. Bernard W. |edition=1st |location=1 TFH Plaza, Third & Union Aves, Neptune, NJ 07753, USA |pages=24–25 |language=en |chapter=The Labrador Dog |ref=TOBOTL |access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Buccleuch Avon (1885).png|thumb|[[Buccleuch Avon]], whelped in 1885]]

The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s, when [[St. John's water dog|St. John's water dogs]] bred by European settlers in [[Newfoundland]] were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and [[Poole]] in [[Dorset]]. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Its early patrons included the [[Earl of Malmesbury]], the [[Duke of Buccleuch]], the [[Earl of Home]], and [[Sir John Scott]]. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]] and the [[Lesser Newfoundland]], with [[Charles William George St John|Charles St. John]] even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel [[Peter Hawker]] describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an [[Pointer (dog breed)|English Pointer]], more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland.<ref name=Drury1903>{{cite book|last1=Holland-Hibert|first1=A.|title=British dogs, their points, selection, and show preparation|editor1-last=Drury|editor1-first=William D.|publisher=Upcot Gill|edition=3|year=1903|chapter=Ch.XXX - The Labrador|pages=356–358|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/britishdogstheir00drurrich/page/356}}</ref> Hawker distinguishes the Newfoundland from both the "proper Labrador" and St. John's breed of these dogs<ref name=Drury1903/><ref name=Hawker1846/> in the fifth edition of his book ''Instructions to Young Sportsmen'', published in 1846.<ref name=Hawker1846>{{cite book|last1=Hawker|first1=Peter|title=Instructions to Young Sportsmen in all that relates to Guns and Shooting|publisher=Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green|edition=5|year=1846|chapter=Dogs|page=245|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/instructionstoy02hawkgoog/page/n269}}</ref>

By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever had become common in England.<ref>{{cite web |title=Labrador Retriever |url=https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever |website=vcahospitals.com |publisher=Mars Inc. |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> The liver (now usually called chocolate) Labrador emerged in the late 1800s, with liver-coloured pups documented at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892;<ref>{{cite web |title=Best labrador colour: does coat make a difference? |url=https://www.thefield.co.uk/gundogs/best-labrador-colour-31845 |website=thefield.co.uk |date=19 April 2022 |publisher=Future Publishing Limited Quay House |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> the first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Warwick |first1=Helen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=clq97DJpC4kC |title=The NEW Complete Labrador Retriever |publisher=Howell Book House |year=1986 |isbn=0-87605-230-8 |edition=Third |location=230 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10169 |page=89 |language=en |chapter=5 |access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref> The breed was recognised by the [[The Kennel Club|Kennel Club]] in 1903.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ziessow |first1=Bernard |title=The Labrador Retriever: Origin and Purpose of the Breed |url=https://www.pslra.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Origin-And-Purpose-of-the-Breed.pdf |website=pslra.org |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> The first [[American Kennel Club]] (AKC) registration was in 1917.<ref>{{cite web |title=Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/ |website=akc.org |publisher=The American Kennel Club, Inc. |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Afra 013.jpg|thumb|The head is broad with a pronounced stop.]]
[[File:Labrador retriever bulaj1.jpg|thumb|Black]]
[[File:Labrador Retriever chocolate Hershey sit (cropped).jpg|thumb|Chocolate]]

There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the [[conformation show]] bred (bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard.<ref name="akc">{{cite web
  | title =Labrador Retriever Breed Standard
  | publisher =[[American Kennel Club]]
  | date =31 March 1994
| url =http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm
  | access-date = 13 September 2007}}</ref> Significant differences between UK and US standards are noted.
* '''Size''': Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the [[withers]] to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of {{convert|55|-|80|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}} and for bitches as {{convert|55|-|70|lb|kg|abbr=on|disp=flip|0}}.<ref name="akc" /> The guidelines for height vary between the AKC, which gives {{convert|21.5|to|24.5|in|cm|disp=flip|0}} for dogs and {{convert|21.5|to|23.5|in|cm|disp=flip|0}} for bitches,<ref name="akc" /> The Kennel Club which advises that dogs should be {{convert|56|to|57|cm|in|round=0.5}} with bitches between {{convert|55|and|56|cm|in|round=0.5}},<ref name="kc">[http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/109 Retriever (Labrador) Breed Standard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031032613/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/109 |date=31 October 2011 }}. The Kennel Club.</ref> and the FCI which quotes a range of {{convert|56|to|57|cm|in|round=0.5}} for dogs with bitches ideal at {{convert|54|to|56|cm|in|round=0.5}}.<ref name=fci>[http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/122g08-en.pdf Labrador Retriever]. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed May 2020.</ref>
* '''Coat''': The Labrador Retriever's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate.<ref name="akc.org">[http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm "Get to Know the Labrador Retriever"], 'The American Kennel Club', Retrieved 29 May 2014</ref>
* '''Head''': The head should be broad with slightly pronounced eyebrows. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes.
* '''Jaws''': The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
* '''Body''': The body should have a powerful and muscular build.

The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC.<ref name="akc"/><ref name="kc" /> The AKC adds that the "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."<ref name="akc" />

=== Colour ===
{{Main|Labrador Retriever coat colour genetics}}
[[File:3labradorcols.jpg|thumb|alt=three Labrador retrievers: Yellow, black, and chocolate|The three colour varieties, from front to back: Yellow, black, and chocolate]]

Labradors are registered in three colours: Solid ''black'', ''yellow'' (anything from creamy white to fox-red), and ''chocolate'' (medium to dark brown; originally called "liver").<ref>
{{cite web
 |title=Breed colours
 |website=thekennelclub.org.uk
 |publisher=[[The Kennel Club]]
 |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/colours.aspx?id=2048
 |access-date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110200738/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/colours.aspx?id=2048
 |archive-date=10 January 2015
}}
</ref>

Puppies of all colours can occur in the same [[Litter (animal)|litter]]. Coat colour is determined primarily by three genes, called [[Melanocortin 1 receptor|''MC1R'']], [[Agouti coloration genetics|''Agouti'']], and ''CBD103''. If a dog carries [[Wild type|wild type alleles]] at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of the genotypes at the other two loci. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the black allele of CBD103, will have a black coat.<ref name=Candille-Kaelin-etal-2007>
{{cite journal
 |last1=Candille   |first1=Sophie I.    |last2=Kaelin  |first2=Christopher B.
 |last3=Cattanach  |first3=Bruce M.     |last4=Yu      |first4=Bin
 |last5=Thompson   |first5=Darren A.    |last6=Nix     |first6=Matthew A.
 |last7=Kerns      |first7=Julie A.     |last8=Schmutz |first8=Sheila M.
 |last9=Millhauser |first9=Glenn L.     |last10=Barsh  |first10=Gregory S.
 |year=2007
 |title=A β-defensin mutation causes black coat colour in domestic dogs
 |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]]
 |volume=318  |issue=5855  |pages=1418–1423
 |pmid=17947548  |doi=10.1126/science.1147880
 |bibcode=2007Sci...318.1418C  |pmc=2906624
 | issn=0036-8075}}
</ref>{{efn|
"Production of yellow versus black pigment in dogs is controlled by three genes: MC1R, Agouti, and CBD103. Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for all three genes have a yellow coat resulting from Agouti antagonism of MC1R signaling in melanocytes (yellow Great Dane, top). Dogs carrying a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at Agouti or CBD103 (yellow Labrador retriever, middle). Dogs carrying wild-type alleles for MC1R and Agouti, together with the dominant black allele of CBD103 (KB) have a black coat resulting from the interaction between a β-defensin and MC1R (black Curly Coated Retriever,{{nobr| bottom)." — Candille, Kaelin, ''et al.'' (2007)<ref name=Candille-Kaelin-etal-2007/>}}
}}

According to a 2011 study, 13 out of 245&nbsp;Labradors studied were [[heterozygous]] for the M264V mutation responsible for the [[melanistic mask]], and one was [[homozygous]]. Within this breed, the trait cannot be determined simply by appearance.<ref>
{{cite journal
 |last1=Conant  |first1=E.K.
 |last2=Juras   |first2=R.
 |last3=Cothran |first3=E.G.
 |year=2011
 |title=Incidence of the mask phenotype M264V mutation in Labrador retrievers
 |journal=Research in Veterinary Science
 |volume=91  |issue=3  |pages=e98–e99
 |doi=10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.02.002  |pmid=21353269
}}
</ref>
[[File:ChocolateLabPup.jpg|thumb|The most common places where pigmentation is visible are the nose, lips, gums, and the rims of the eyes.]]

=== Show and field lines ===
[[File:American and English Labrador heads.jpg|thumb|Head and [[Snout|muzzle]] appearance: field (left), and show (right), showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance of the head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter]]
As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English." In fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines.<ref>{{cite web|last=American Kennel Club|first=The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.|title=American vs. English|url=http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=English+vs.+American|access-date=2 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705101113/http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=English+vs.+American|archive-date=5 July 2017}}</ref>

== Health ==
Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to [[chronic hepatitis]].<ref name="hepatitis">{{cite journal | last=Bexfield | first=Nick | title=Canine Idiopathic Chronic Hepatitis | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | volume=47 | issue=3 | date=2017 | doi=10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.11.012 | pages=645–663| pmid=28063746 | url=http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/40734/ }}</ref> One UK study found a 4.14 odds ratio.<ref name="hepatobiliary">{{cite journal | last1=Bandara | first1=Y. | last2=Bayton | first2=W. A. | last3=Williams | first3=T. L. | last4=Scase | first4=T. | last5=Bexfield | first5=N. H. | title=Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=62 | issue=9 | date=2021 | issn=0022-4510 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13354 | pages=730–736| pmid=34155648 }}</ref> Some studies report a predilection for Labrador Retriever bitches.<ref name="hepatitis"/> The reason for the predilection is unknown. Ideas proposed include it being hereditary<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Hoffmann | first1=G. | last2=van den Ingh | first2=T.S.G.A.M. | last3=Bode | first3=P. | last4=Rothuizen | first4=J. | title=Copper-Associated Chronic Hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers | journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine | volume=20 | issue=4 | date=2006 | issn=0891-6640 | doi=10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb01798.x | pages=856–861| doi-access=free }}</ref> or environmental.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Johnston | first1=Andrea N. | last2=Center | first2=Sharon A. | last3=McDonough | first3=Sean P. | last4=Wakshlag | first4=Joseph J. | last5=Warner | first5=Karen L. | title=Hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador Retrievers with and without chronic hepatitis: 72 cases (1980–2010) | journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | volume=242 | issue=3 | date=2013-02-01 | issn=0003-1488 | doi=10.2460/javma.242.3.372 | pages=372–380| pmid=23327181 }}</ref> The Labrador Retriever also shows a predisposition to other [[hepatobiliary]] diseases, including: reactive hepatitis, [[Nodule (medicine)|nodular]] [[hyperplasia]], and [[gall bladder disease]].<ref name="hepatobiliary"/>

A UK study found the breed's average life expectancy to be 13.1 years.<ref name=McMillan2024>{{Cite journal|last1=McMillan|first1=K. M.|last2=Bielby|first2=J.|last3=Williams|first3=C.L.|title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death|journal=Scientific Reports|year=2024|volume=14|issue=1 |page=531|doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w|pmid=38302530 |pmc=10834484|bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}Supplementary Table 3</ref> A joint study by the [[Royal Veterinary College]] study and [[University of Sydney|The University of Sydney]], concluded that chocolate-coloured Labradors have a shorter average life expectancy than other colours of Labrador (by about 10%) and are more likely to suffer some health problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/chocolate-labradors-have-shorter-lifespan-than-rest-of-breed|title=Chocolate Labradors have a shorter lifespan than rest of the breed|date=22 October 2018|website=VetCompassTM and [[The University of Sydney]] Study|publisher=[[Royal Veterinary College]]}}</ref> A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 11 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Roccaro | first1=Mariana | last2=Salini | first2=Romolo | last3=Pietra | first3=Marco | last4=Sgorbini | first4=Micaela | last5=Gori | first5=Eleonora | last6=Dondi | first6=Maurizio | last7=Crisi | first7=Paolo E. | last8=Conte | first8=Annamaria | last9=Dalla Villa | first9=Paolo | last10=Podaliri | first10=Michele | last11=Ciaramella | first11=Paolo | last12=Di Palma | first12=Cristina | last13=Passantino | first13=Annamaria | last14=Porciello | first14=Francesco | last15=Gianella | first15=Paola | last16=Guglielmini | first16=Carlo | last17=Alborali | first17=Giovanni L. | last18=Rota Nodari | first18=Sara | last19=Sabatelli | first19=Sonia | last20=Peli | first20=Angelo | title=Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy | journal=Preventive Veterinary Medicine | volume=225 | date=2024 | doi=10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106155 | article-number=106155| doi-access=free | pmid=38394961 | hdl=11585/961937 | hdl-access=free }}</ref> A 2005 Swedish study of insurance data found that 25% of Labrador Retrievers died by the age of 10, less than the overall rate of 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Egenvall | first1=A | last2=Bonnett | first2=Bn | last3=Hedhammar | first3=å | last4=Olson | first4=P | title=Mortality in over 350,000 Insured Swedish Dogs from 1995–2000: II. Breed-Specific Age and Survival Patterns and Relative Risk for Causes of Death | journal=Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica | volume=46 | issue=3 | date=2005-09-30 | issn=1751-0147 | pmid=16261925 | pmc=1624818 | doi=10.1186/1751-0147-46-121 | doi-access=free | page=}}</ref>

Labradors are somewhat prone to [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|hip]] and [[elbow dysplasia]],<ref name="UPEI">{{cite web
 |title=Labrador Retriever
 |publisher=Canine Inherited Disorders Database
 |url=http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm
 |access-date=14 September 2007
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174957/http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm
 |archive-date=27 September 2007
}}</ref> especially in larger dogs.<ref>Newton, C. D.; Nunamaker, D. M. (Eds.) "[http://www.ivis.org/special_books/ortho/chapter_83/IVIS.pdf Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927140411/http://www.ivis.org/special_books/ortho/chapter_83/IVIS.pdf |date=2007-09-27 }}." Published by the International Veterinary Information Service (Riser, Rhodes and Newton). p. 2.</ref> Eye diseases may include [[progressive retinal atrophy]], [[cataracts]], [[Corneal dystrophies in dogs|corneal dystrophy]]<ref name="UPEI"/> and [[retinal dysplasia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 1 |url=https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/149/?breed=76#:~:text=Retinal%20dysplasia%2Foculoskeletal%20dysplasia%201%20is%20an%20inherited%20Collagen%20disorder,curved%20as%20the%20dog%20grows. |website=pawprintgenetics.com |access-date=2 October 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002174255/https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/149/?breed=76#:~:text=Retinal%20dysplasia%2Foculoskeletal%20dysplasia%201%20is%20an%20inherited%20Collagen%20disorder,curved%20as%20the%20dog%20grows. }}</ref> They can suffer from exercise induced collapse, which causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise,<ref name="taylor1">{{cite journal |last1=Taylor |first1=SM |last2=Shmon |first2=CL |last3=Shelton |first3=GD |last4=Patterson |first4=EE |last5=Minor |first5=K |last6=Mickelson |first6=JR |title=Exercise Induced Collapse of Labrador Retrievers: Survey results and preliminary investigation of heritability |journal=J Am Anim Hosp Assoc |date=2008 |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=295–301|doi=10.5326/0440295 |pmid=18981194 }}</ref> or from [[obesity]], which in some cases may be partly due to the absence of part or all of the [[proopiomelanocortin]] gene.<ref name="Raffan">{{Cite journal|last=Raffan|first=Eleanor|date=10 May 2016|title=A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs|url= |journal=Cell Metabolism|volume=23|issue=5|doi=10.1016/j.cmet.2016.04.012|pmid=27157046|pages=893–900|pmc=4873617}}</ref><ref name="Freytas-tamura">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/world/what-in-the-world/dog-labrador-retriever-obesity.html|title=The Lab Results Are In: Genes Might Be to Blame for Retrievers' Obesity|last=Freytas-tamura|first=Kimiko De|date=5 July 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=6 July 2016}}</ref>

The Labrador Retriever is one of the more commonly affected breeds for [[progressive rod-cone degeneration]]. An [[autosomal recessive]] mutation in the [[PRCD]] gene is responsible for the condition in the breed.<ref>{{cite book |author1-first=James A.C. |author1-last=Oliver |author2-first=Cathryn S. |author2-last=Mellersh | editor1-first=Barbara | editor1-last=Cooper | editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Mullineaux |editor3-first=Lynn | editor3-last=Turner |title=BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing |date=2020 |publisher=British Small Animal Veterinary Association |isbn=978-1-910-44339-2 |edition=Sixth|chapter=Genetics| page=131}}</ref>

== Use ==
[[File:George Digweed's labrador.jpg|thumb|Retrieving shot [[Game (hunting)|game]], a [[common wood pigeon]]]]
Labrador Retrievers have proven to have a high success rate at becoming guide dogs. A study published in 2006, tested the suitability of four different breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Mix, and German Shepherds) as guide dogs. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. Labrador Retrievers and the Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Crossbreeds had the highest success rate. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Serpell|first=James|title=The Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions With People|url=https://archive.org/details/domesticdogitsev00serp|url-access=registration|year=1995|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=0-521-41529-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.jveb.2006.06.004 |title=Suitability for field service in 4 breeds of guide dogs |year=2006 |last1=Ennik |first1=Irma |last2=Liinamo |first2=Anna-Elisa |last3=Leighton |first3=Eldin |last4=Van Arendonk |first4=Johan |journal=Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=67–74}}</ref>

The Labrador Retriever is a gun dog bred to retrieve on land and water.<ref name="magazine">{{Cite web|date=2 November 2019|title=Why the Labrador Is the World's Most Popular Bird Dog|url=https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/why-the-labrador-is-the-worlds-most-popular-bird-dog/175457|access-date=27 July 2023|website=GunDogMag|language=en}}</ref> As a dog specially bred for water retrieving, the Labrador has developed various traits for this job. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a [[bite inhibition|soft mouth]], a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it.<ref name="Journal">{{Cite web|title=Your guide to the Labrador Retriever|url=https://gundog-journal.com/article/your-guide-to-the-labrador-retriever|access-date=27 July 2023|website=gundog journal|date=26 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref>  And for swimming, the Labrador is aided by fully webbed paws, an otter-like tail, and a waterproof coat.<ref name="Eight">{{Cite web|date=20 September 2019|title=8 Things To Know About Labrador Retrievers|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/8-facts-about-labrador-retrievers/|access-date=27 July 2023|website=AKC|language=en}}</ref>

The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is exemplified by dogs such as [[Endal]], who was trained to, if need be, put his human who uses a wheelchair in the recovery position, cover him with a blanket, and activate an emergency phone.<ref>{{cite news
  | last =Blystone
  | first =Richard
  | author2=Mallary Gelb
  | title =Assistance dogs are trained as partners for the disabled
  | publisher =CNN.com
  | url =http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/index.html
  | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517024250/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/index.html
  | archive-date=17 May 2013
| date=10 August 2000}}</ref> A number of Labradors have also been taught to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from [[automated teller machine|ATMs]] with prior training.<ref>{{cite web
  | title = thought this was Bark-lays bank
  | date =28 February 2007
| publisher =Metro
  | url =http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=39317&in_page_id=2
  | access-date = 28 February 2007 }}</ref>

The breed is used in water rescue/[[lifesaving]]. It continues in that role today, along with the [[Leonberger]], [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]] and [[Golden Retriever]] dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Manetti|first1=Francesco|title=Italian school teaches dogs to become lifeguards|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/08/italian-school-teaches-dogs-to-become-lifeguards.html|access-date=14 February 2017|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|agency=Associated Press|date=23 August 2010}}</ref>

=== In war ===

Labradors have been used as [[war dog]]s.

*World War II: Labradors were trained for tasks such as bomb detection and handling dangerous situations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grylls |first=George |date=2024-11-08 |title=How the canine Sandhurst prepares dogs for army life |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/how-the-canine-sandhurst-prepares-dogs-for-army-life-zm2sbm38n |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}</ref> 
* Vietnam War: Labradors served as tracker dogs, alerting handlers to snipers, tripwires, and weapons caches. Their training enabled them to locate injured enemies, missing personnel, or enemy positions.{{r|burnam|p=278}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giles |first=Rosemary |date=2023-07-21 |title=5,000 War Dogs Served In Vietnam - The US Government Left the Majority of Them Behind |url=https://www.warhistoryonline.com/vietnam-war/war-dogs-vietnam.html |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=warhistoryonline |language=en}}</ref>
* Modern military use: Labradors continue to serve in roles such as bomb detection and search and rescue operations. Their calm demeanor and adaptability make them suitable for various military tasks.

== Demography ==
{{Main|List of most popular dog breeds}}
{{Update section|date=March 2024}}
The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. As of 2006, it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world,{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} and it is the most popular dog by ownership in [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand: Leading dog breeds |year=2019 |website=Statista.com |publisher=Statistica Research |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/991534/new-zealand-leading-dog-breeds/ |url-access=registration |access-date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web |title=UK: Top&nbsp;20 dog breeds by registered number 2021 |year=2022 |website=Statista.com |publisher=Statistica Research |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/915202/top-dog-breeds-by-registered-number-united-kingdom-uk/ |url-access=registration |access-date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 2006 both the United Kingdom and the United States, there are well over twice as many registered Labradors as the next most popular breed.<ref name=uk_kc_stats>{{cite web |title=Registration statistics for all recognised dog breeds, 2005 and 2006 |year=2006 |website=thekennelclub.org.uk |publisher=[[UK Kennel Club]] |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=238&f=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904034036/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=238&f=0 |archive-date=4 September 2009 |access-date=13 September 2007}}</ref><ref name=akc_stats>{{cite web |title=AKC Dog Registration Statistics |year=2006 |website=AKC.org |publisher=[[American Kennel Club]] |url=http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909132539/http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm |archive-date=9 September 2007 |access-date=13 September 2007 }}</ref> If the comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then there are around 3–5&nbsp;times as many Labradors registered in both countries as the next most popular breeds, the [[German shepherd dog]] and [[Golden retriever]].<ref name=uk_kc_stats/><ref name=akc_stats/>

They are the most popular breed of [[assistance dog]] in the United States, Australia, and many other countries,<ref name=Alecia>{{cite book |first1=Alecia T. |last1= Devantier |first2=Carol |last2=Turkington |year=2007 |title=Extraordinary Jobs with Animals |publisher=Ferguson |isbn=978-1-4381-1170-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/extraordinaryjob0000deva_m5m9/page/20 20] |url=https://archive.org/details/extraordinaryjob0000deva_m5m9 |url-access=registration |quote=Labrador retriever: Most popular breed of assistance dog.}}</ref> as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In 2022 Labrador Retrievers were the second most popular breed in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most Popular Dog Breeds 2022 |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2022/ |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref> In 2020 the Labrador was the most popular registered dog breed in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kirkness |first1=Luke |title=Figures reveal the dog capital of New Zealand and most popular breeds |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/figures-reveal-the-dog-capital-of-new-zealand-and-most-popular-breeds/DSNWYE3OAF3GNTTHELADQI5D44/ |website=New Zealand Herald |date=4 January 2021 |publisher=The Herald |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>

Seven out of the thirteen ''"outstanding [[gundog]]s"'' of the [[Australian National Kennel Council]]'s 2000–2005 appointees to its 'hall of fame' are Labradors.<ref>
{{cite web
  | title = ANKC hall of fame
  | year = 2000–2005
  | website = ankc.aust.com
  | publisher = [[Australian National Kennel Council]]
  | url = http://www.ankc.aust.com/hall_of_fame.html
  | access-date = 13 September 2007
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070919113122/http://www.ankc.aust.com/hall_of_fame.html
  | archive-date = 19 September 2007
}}
</ref>

==Famous Labradors==
{{Main|List of Labradors}}
[[File:Endal Dickin.jpg|thumb|[[Endal]] wearing his [[PDSA Gold Medal]]]]

Notable labradors within various categories include:

===Assistance dogs===
{{main|Assistance dog}}
* [[Endal]], a [[service dog]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/10/super.dog/ |title=Endal the super dog |publisher=CNN |date=10 August 2000 |access-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> in [[Great Britain|Britain]]. Among other distinctions, "the most decorated dog in the world" (including "Dog of the Millennium" and the [[PDSA Gold Medal|PDSA's Gold Medal]] for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty), the first dog to ride on the [[London Eye]] and the first dog known to work a '[[chip and pin]]' [[ATM card]]. By Endal's death in March 2009, he and his owner/handler Allen Parton had been filmed almost 350 times by crews from several countries, and a film of a year in Endal's life was in production.
*[[Sully (dog)|Sully]], served with former [[George H. W. Bush|US President George H. W. Bush]] during the last six months of his life; noted for his role during the president's funeral. A form of [[Parkinson's disease]] confined the former president to a [[wheelchair]] or motorised scooter in the final years of his life. Among the services that Sully was able to perform for Bush were retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, pushing an emergency button and supporting him when standing.<ref>'Mission complete': Sully, Bush's service dog, stays at the former president's side for one last journey. (3 December 2018). ''The Seattle Times''. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/mission-complete-sully-bushs-service-dog-stays-at-former-presidents-side-for-one-last-journey/</ref>

===Police, military, rescue and detection dogs===

* [[Frida (dog)|Frida]] (12 April 2009 – 15 November 2022)<ref>
{{cite news
 |title=Murió Frida, perrita rescatista de la Marina |language=es |date=15 November 2022 |website=Excélsior (excelsior.com.mx) |place=Mexico|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/murio-frida-la-perrita-rescatista-de-la-marina/1552586 |access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> was a yellow Labrador Retriever who worked as a [[search and rescue dog]] for the [[Mexican Navy]] (SEMAR). She was deployed to help the rescue efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters.
* [[Zanjeer (dog)|Zanjeer]] ("Chain", or "Shackles"), a [[detection dog]] who detected arms and ammunition used in the [[1993 Bombay bombings|1993 Mumbai (Bombay) serial explosions]]. During his service, he helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175&nbsp;petrol bombs, 11&nbsp;military-grade armaments, 242&nbsp;[[grenade]]s and 600&nbsp;detonators. His biggest contribution to the police force and the city was the detection of 3,329&nbsp;kg of RDX. He also helped detect {{nobr|18 [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]]}} rifles and five 9&nbsp;mm pistols.
* [[Lucky and Flo]], twin Black Labrador counterfeit-detection dogs who became famous in 2007 for "sniffing out nearly 2&nbsp;million [[Copyright infringement|counterfeit]] DVDs" on a 6-month secondment to [[Malaysia]] in 2007.<ref>
{{cite news
 |title=Police dogs sniff for pirated DVDs
 |date=10 May 2006
|website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] (abcnews.go.com)
 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1944531&page=1
 |access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref> Following the multimillion-dollar, 6&nbsp;arrest Malaysian detection, they became the first dogs to be awarded Malaysia's "outstanding service award"<ref>
{{cite news
 |last=Blass |first=Evan
 |date=20 August 2007
|title=DVD-sniffing dogs awarded medals, returning to NYC
 |website=[[Engadget]]
 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/dvd-sniffing-dogs-awarded-medals-returning-to-nyc/
 |access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref> and software pirates were stated to have put a £30,000 [[Contract killing|contract]] out for their lives.<ref>
{{cite news
 |last=Chan |first=Sewell
 |date=28 August 2007
|title=Fresh off Malaysian triumph, DVD-sniffing dogs tackle New York
 |work=[[The New York Times]]
 |department=Cityroom   |type=blog
 |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/28/fresh-off-malaysian-triumph-dvd-sniffing-dogs-hit-new-york/?hp
 |access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news
 |last=Blass |first=Evan
 |date=22 March 2007
|title=DVD pirates put out hits on Lucky and Flo the crime dogs
 |website=[[Engadget]]
 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/dvd-pirates-put-out-hits-on-lucky-and-flo-the-crime-dogs/
 |access-date=17 September 2007
}}
</ref>
* [[Sarbi]], an [[Special forces of Australia|Australian special forces]] [[explosives]] [[detection dog]] that spent almost 14 months [[missing in action]] (MIA) in Afghanistan before being recovered safe and well in 2009.<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09>
{{cite press release
 |title=Australian dog returns home after a year in the wilderness
 |date=12 November 2009
|publisher=[[Australian Department of Defence]]
 |website=defence.gov.au, Defence Media Release
 |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698
 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121127022136/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698
 |archive-date=27 November 2012
}}
</ref><ref name=ABCNews12Nov09>
{{cite news
 |title=Handler never gave up on lost army dog
 |date=12 November 2009
|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]
 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]
 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm
 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115020852/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm
 |archive-date=15 November 2009
}}</ref>
* [[Jake (rescue dog)|Jake]], an American black Labrador who served as a [[search and rescue dog]] following the [[September 11 attacks]] and [[Hurricane Katrina]].<ref>
{{cite news
 |first=Nick |last=Glagola
 |date=27 July 2007
|title=Jake, the rescue dog: An impressive life
 |website=[[NPR]].org
 |publisher=[[National Public Radio]]
 |url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12301482
 |access-date=18 November 2013
}}
</ref>
* [[Salty and Roselle]], awarded the [[Dickin Medal]] for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. They led their blind owners down more than 70&nbsp;flights of stairs to escape from the damaged [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] on [[9/11|11&nbsp;September 2001]]<ref name=wtc>
{{cite report
 |title=Life saving: Animals' war photos
 |publisher=[[Imperial War Museum]]
 |place=London, UK
 |website=london.iwm.org.uk
 |url=http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf
 |access-date=17 January 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108200858/http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf
 |archive-date=8 January 2009
}}
</ref>
* [[Sadie (dog)|Sadie]], awarded the [[Dickin Medal]] for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. She detected explosive devices, which were subsequently disarmed, while serving in [[Kabul|Kabul, Afghanistan]], in November&nbsp;2005; she served with the [[Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment]]<ref>
{{cite news
 | title = In pictures: Sadie the hero dog gets a medal
 | date=6 February 2007
| website = [[BBC News]]
 | publisher = [[British Broadcasting Corporation]]
 | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333000/6333087.stm
 | access-date=27 February 2010
}}
</ref>
* [[Sasha (dog)|Sasha]], awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. Located 15&nbsp;[[improvised explosive device]]s, [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]], mines, and weapons while serving in [[Afghanistan]], with the [[Royal Army Veterinary Corps]]. In July&nbsp;2008 Sasha and her handler were killed in a [[Taliban]] ambush by a [[rocket-propelled grenade]].<ref>
{{cite news
 | title = Army dog killed in Afghanistan given posthumous medal
 | date = 29 April 2014
| website = [[BBC News]]
 | publisher = [[British Broadcasting Corporation]]
 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27186205
 | access-date = 29 April 2014
}}
</ref><ref name=guardiansasha>
{{cite news
 |title=British army dog awarded bravery medal for work in Afghanistan
 |date=29 April 2014
|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] 
 |location=London, UK
 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/29/uk-army-dog-sasha-pdsa-dickin-medal-afghanistan
 |access-date=29 April 2014
}}
</ref>

===Pets===
* Former President of the United States [[Bill Clinton]]'s Labradors [[Buddy (Bill Clinton's dog)|Buddy]] and Seamus.<ref name="Bill Clinton Labradors">{{cite journal|title=Friend of Bill|journal=People|date=2002|volume=57|issue=2}}</ref>
* Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]]'s Labrador '[[Koni (dog)|Konni]]'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Putin's Pooches |url=https://russianlife.com/stories/online/putins-pooches/ |website=russianlife.org |access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref>
* Marley, "The World's Worst Dog", featured in journalist [[John Grogan (journalist)|John Grogan]]'s autobiographical book ''[[Marley & Me]]'', adapted into a 2008 [[comedy drama]] film [[Marley & Me (film)|of the same name]].
* Canadian singer [[Celine Dion]]'s labradors Charlie and Bear. They were represented in numerous magazines with the singer and her family, becoming pets celebrities in their own names.<ref>{{cite web |title=Céline Dion Shared a Rare Photo of Her Three Sons |date=10 May 2021 |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a36383495/celine-dion-sons-mothers-day-photo/  |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref</ref>
{{Clear}}

{{commons category}}

== Footnotes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|25em|refs=

<ref name=burnam>
{{cite book
 |first=John C. |last=Burnam
 |year=2008
 |title=A Soldier's Best Friend; Scout dogs and their handlers in the Vietnam War
 |place=New York, NY
 |publisher=Sterling Publishing
 |isbn=978-1-4027-5447-0
 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=qoQgvm5TU8wC&pg=PA278 278]
 }}
</ref>

<!-- <ref name=dk>
{{cite book
 |first=Kim |last=Dennis-Bryan
 |year=2020 |orig-date=2012
 |title=The Complete Dog Breed Book |edition=2nd
 |place=London, UK
 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley
 |isbn={{Format ISBN|9780241412732}}
}}
</ref> -->

}}

== Sources ==
{{refbegin|colwidth=25em|small=yes}}

* {{cite book
 |last=Douglas |first=James
 |year=2003
 |title=The Complete Gundog Training Manual
 |location=Shrewsbury, UK
 |publisher=Swan Hill Press
 |isbn=978-1-904057-05-5
}}

* {{cite book
 |last=Fogle |first=Bruce |author-link=Bruce Fogle
 |year=2009
 |title=The Encyclopedia of the Dog
 |location=New York, NY
 |publisher=DK Publishing
 |page=195
 |isbn=978-0-7566-6004-8
}}

* {{cite book
 |last=Hancock |first=David
 |year=2013
 |title=Gundogs: Their past, their performance and their prospects
 |location=Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK
 |publisher=The Crowood Press Ltd.
 |isbn=978-1-84797-492-1
}}

* {{cite book
 |last=Hudson |first=David
 |year=1995
 |title=The Shooting Man's Dog: A complete guide to gundogs
 |location=Shrewsbury, UK
 |publisher=Swan Hill Press
 |pages=28–32
 |isbn=1-85310-560-0
}}

* {{cite book
 |last1=Jones    |first1=Arthur F.
 |last2=Hamilton |first2=Ferelith
 |year=1971
 |title=The World Encyclopedia of Dogs
 |location=New York, NY
 |publisher=Galahad Books
 |pages=238–243
 |isbn=0-88365-302-8
}}

* {{cite web
 |title=Retriever (Labrador) breed standard
 |date=January 2018
 |website=thekennelclub.org.uk
 |publisher=[[The Kennel Club]] Ltd.
 |place=UK
 |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
 |access-date=10 February 2022
}}

* {{cite book
 |first1=Kerry V. |last1=Kern
 |first2= Michele |last2=Earle-Bridges
 |year=1995
 |title=Labrador Retrievers: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, diseases, breeding, and behavior
 |publisher=Barron's
 |isbn=978-0-8120-9018-5
 |url=https://archive.org/details/labradorretrieve00kern_0
 |url-access=registration
 |page=[https://archive.org/details/labradorretrieve00kern_0/page/9 9]
 |via=Internet Archive (archive.org)
}}

* {{cite book
 |last=Morris |first=Desmond |author-link=Desmond Morris
 |year=2001
 |title=Dogs: The ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds
 |location=North Pomfret, VT
 |publisher=Trafalgar Square Publishing
 |pages=299–301
 |isbn=1-57076-219-8
}}

{{refend}}

{{Gundogs}}
{{British dogs}}

[[Category:Labrador Retriever| ]]
[[Category:1830s introductions]]
[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Lifesaving]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Newfoundland and Labrador]]
[[Category:Retrievers]]
[[Category:Gundogs]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in England]]