Labrador Retriever

File:Buccleuch Avon (1885).png, whelped in 1885]]

The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s, when 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 and the Lesser Newfoundland, with 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 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.{{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}} Hawker distinguishes the Newfoundland from both the "proper Labrador" and St. John's breed of these dogs in the fifth edition of his book Instructions to Young Sportsmen, published in 1846.{{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|pages=245|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/instructionstoy02hawkgoog/page/n269}}

By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever had become common in England.{{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}} The liver (now usually called chocolate) Labrador emerged in the late 1800s, with liver-coloured pups documented at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892;{{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}} the first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe).{{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}} The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903.{{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}} The first American Kennel Club (AKC) registration was in 1917.{{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}}

File:Afra 013.jpg

File:Labrador retriever bulaj1.jpg

File:Labrador Retriever chocolate Hershey sit (cropped).jpg

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.{{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}} 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}}. 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, 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}},[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. 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}}.[http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/122g08-en.pdf Labrador Retriever]. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed May 2020.
• 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.[http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm "Get to Know the Labrador Retriever"], 'The American Kennel Club', Retrieved 29 May 2014
• 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. The AKC adds that the "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."

{{Main|Labrador Retriever coat colour genetics}}

File:3labradorcols.jpg

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").

{{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 |url-status=dead

|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

}}

Puppies of all colours can occur in the same litter. Coat colour is determined primarily by three genes, called MC1R, Agouti, and CBD103. If a dog carries 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.

{{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

|volume=318 |issue=5855 |pages=1418–1423

|pmid=17947548 |doi=10.1126/science.1147880

|bibcode=2007Sci...318.1418C |pmc=2906624

| issn=0036-8075}}

{{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)}}

}}

According to a 2011 study, 13 out of 245 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.

{{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

}}

File:ChocolateLabPup.jpg

File:American and English Labrador heads.jpg 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.{{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|url-status=dead}}

Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to chronic 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/ }} One UK study found a 4.14 odds ratio.{{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 }} Some studies report a predilection for Labrador Retriever bitches. The reason for the predilection is unknown. Ideas proposed include it being hereditary{{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 }} or environmental.{{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 }} The Labrador Retriever also shows a predisposition to other hepatobiliary diseases, including: reactive hepatitis, nodular hyperplasia, and gall bladder disease.

A UK study found the breed's average life expectancy to be 13.1 years.{{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 A joint study by the Royal Veterinary College study and 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.{{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}} A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 11 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.{{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 | page=106155| doi-access=free | pmid=38394961 | hdl=11585/961937 | hdl-access=free }} 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.{{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=}}

Labradors are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia,{{cite web

|title=Labrador Retriever

|publisher=Canine Inherited Disorders Database

|url=http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm

|access-date=14 September 2007

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174957/http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/labradorretriever2.htm

|archive-date=27 September 2007

}} especially in larger dogs.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. Eye diseases may include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia.{{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}} They can suffer from exercise induced collapse, which causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise,{{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 }} or from obesity, which in some cases may be partly due to the absence of part or all of the proopiomelanocortin gene.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}

File:George Digweed's labrador.jpg, 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.{{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}}{{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}}

The Labrador Retriever is a gun dog bred to retrieve on land and water.{{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}} As a dog specially bred for water retrieving, the Labrador has developed various traits for this job. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth, a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it.{{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}} And for swimming, the Labrador is aided by fully webbed paws, an otter-like tail, and a waterproof coat.{{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}}

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.{{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}} A number of Labradors have also been taught to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ATMs with prior training.{{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 }}

The breed is used in water rescue/lifesaving. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger, Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.{{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}}

Labradors have been used as war dogs.

• World War II: Labradors were trained for tasks such as bomb detection and handling dangerous situations.{{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}}
• 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}}{{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}}
• 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.

{{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{{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}} and the United Kingdom.{{cite web |title=UK: Top 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}} 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.{{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 |url-status=dead |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}}{{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 |url-status=dead |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 }} If the comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then there are around 3–5 times as many Labradors registered in both countries as the next most popular breeds, the German shepherd dog and Golden retriever.

They are the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries,{{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.}} 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.{{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}} In 2020 the Labrador was the most popular registered dog breed in New Zealand.{{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}}

Seven out of the thirteen "outstanding gundogs" of the Australian National Kennel Council's 2000–2005 appointees to its 'hall of fame' are Labradors.

{{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

}}

{{Main|List of Labradors}}

File:Endal Dickin.jpg wearing his PDSA Gold Medal]]

Notable labradors within various categories include:

{{main|Assistance dog}}

• Endal, a service dog{{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}} in Britain. Among other distinctions, "the most decorated dog in the world" (including "Dog of the Millennium" and the 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, served with former 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.‘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/

• Frida (12 April 2009 – 15 November 2022)

{{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}} 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 ("Chain", or "Shackles"), a detection dog who detected arms and ammunition used in the 1993 Mumbai (Bombay) serial explosions. During his service, he helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175 petrol bombs, 11 military-grade armaments, 242 grenades and 600 detonators. His biggest contribution to the police force and the city was the detection of 3,329 kg of RDX. He also helped detect {{nobr|18 Type 56}} rifles and five 9 mm pistols.
• Lucky and Flo, twin Black Labrador counterfeit-detection dogs who became famous in 2007 for "sniffing out nearly 2 million counterfeit DVDs" on a 6-month secondment to Malaysia in 2007.

{{cite news

|title=Police dogs sniff for pirated DVDs

|date=10 May 2006

|website=ABC News (abcnews.go.com)

|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1944531&page=1

|access-date=17 September 2007

}}

Following the multimillion-dollar, 6 arrest Malaysian detection, they became the first dogs to be awarded Malaysia's "outstanding service award"

{{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

}}

and software pirates were stated to have put a £30,000 contract out for their lives.

{{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

}}

{{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

}}

• Sarbi, an 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.

{{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 |url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121127022136/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698

|archive-date=27 November 2012

}}

{{cite news

|title=Handler never gave up on lost army dog

|date=12 November 2009

|website=ABC News

|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation

|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm

|access-date=14 November 2009 |url-status=dead

|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

}}

• Jake, an American black Labrador who served as a search and rescue dog following the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

{{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

}}

• 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 flights of stairs to escape from the damaged World Trade Center on 11 September 2001

{{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

}}

• 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, Afghanistan, in November 2005; she served with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment

{{cite news

| title = In pictures: Sadie the hero dog gets a medal

| date=6 February 2007

| website = BBC News

| publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333000/6333087.stm

| access-date=27 February 2010

}}

• Sasha, awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. Located 15 improvised explosive devices, mortars, mines, and weapons while serving in Afghanistan, with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. In July 2008 Sasha and her handler were killed in a Taliban ambush by a rocket-propelled grenade.

{{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

}}

{{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

}}

• Former President of the United States Bill Clinton's Labradors Buddy and Seamus.{{cite journal|title=Friend of Bill|journal=People|date=2002|volume=57|issue=2}}
• Russian President Vladimir Putin's Labrador 'Konni'.{{cite web |title=Putin's Pooches |url=https://russianlife.com/stories/online/putins-pooches/ |website=russianlife.org |access-date=2 October 2022}}
• Marley, "The World's Worst Dog", featured in journalist John Grogan's autobiographical book Marley & Me, adapted into a 2008 comedy drama 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.{{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}}

{{Clear}}

{{commons category}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|25em|refs=

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|isbn=9781402754470

|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=qoQgvm5TU8wC&pg=PA278 278]

}}

}}

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

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}}

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}}

• {{cite book

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|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

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|location=North Pomfret, VT

|publisher=Trafalgar Square Publishing

|pages=299–301

|isbn=1-57076-219-8

}}

{{refend}}

{{Gundogs}}

{{British dogs}}

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