Labrador retrievers have become one of North America's favorite dogs over the past few years. At 21 ½ inches to 24 ½ inches, and 55 to 80 pounds, the lab is a medium sized dog. Labs are muscular with short coats that can be black, brown (or chocolate), or yellow. Their ears are medium sized and fold close to the head. Their tails are uniquely broad near the body and tapered at the tip. The coat is smooth and glossy, and the hair is short, straight, and thick. Labs have warm, friendly eyes that few other dogs have. Black and yellow labs have brown eyes, while some chocolates have hazel eyes.

      Labs descended from dogs used by fishermen in Labrador, Canada. Later, they were brought to England to become gun dogs. In Newfoundland, there were two kinds of fishing breeds, but both were called Newfoundland dogs. One was larger and called the Greater Newfoundland, the other was smaller and called Lesser Newfoundlands. Europeans heard of the smart Lesser Newfoundlands and brought them to England. The Lesser Newfoundlands were eventually named Labradors by the Earl of Malmesbury so they were not confused with the Greater Newfoundlands. In 1885 Canadians were taxed for their dogs. Since most Canadian fishermen were poor they could not pay for their dogs and they stopped raising the dogs. With changes in the law the breed started making a comeback in the 1930s. Labs are now the most popular dogs in both Canada and the United States.

      Labrador Retrievers can still be used for many hard jobs. A sporting event in which labs excel at is a Field Trial. In the field trial dogs are judged on how well they find and retrieve animals for their owner. Labs can also be used in law enforcement. One reason labs are so good at police work, is because they have very strong noses that enable them to find illegal drugs, bombs, and guns. They also do not scare people like dobermans and german shepherds do. Fire departments and the army use Labradors as well. Another job labs are good at is search-and-rescue, because they are gentle. One of the most popular for labs is being a guide dog or a signal dog, because they are so obedient, intelligent, and they are just the right size for work.

        Labradors don't usually need much grooming. Brushing the dog once a day is pretty much all they need. A lab should have a bath with dog soap only when necessary. You can clean your dog's teeth with a soft, wet brush or cloth, or just give the dog a rawhide bone to chew on. When necessary you can trim your dogs nail, it is a good idea to have a veterinarian or groomer do this for you.

Finding a place to buy your Labrador puppy can take some consideration, but once you have bought your puppy you will know why it's America's favorite dog. The Labrador retriever club in your area could help you find a good breeder to buy your puppy from. Another place to get your puppy is at a rescue shelter. Rescue shelters find homes for dogs that are abandoned and orphaned. Some shelters don't charge a fee for dogs, but most have a small fee. Many dogs for sale at shelters have already been trained and checked for health problems.