Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever would have to be one of the most familiar breeds of dog to many. Labradors are noted for their friendliness, intelligence (though they don't often show it) and their obedience. Because of these traits, they are often trained to be assistance dogs, such as service dogs or guide dogs.

Labradors are relatively large, energetic dogs, and they are either black, yellow, or brown in colour, in that order of frequency. The brown color is unusual and these dogs are called chocolate labradors; they are most frequently found in a litter from one black and one yellow parent. Yellow labradors are often known as Golden Labrador Retrievers, not to be confused with the Golden Retriever which is a different breed.

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.