Labrador retrievers regularly top the list of the most popular dog breeds in both the UK and US. Intelligent, devoted and adaptable, it's easy to see why. Yet despite their widespread acclaim, there are one or two unusual facts about the breed that may surprise you.
We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out more about the Labrador retriever, from its fishy origins and its webbed feet to why it is such a popular dog breed.
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Labrador characteristics
Regularly topping the list of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, Labradors are versatile, intelligent, adaptable and devoted four-legged friends.
Labradors have a strong will to please and, due to their kind, friendly nature and positive energy, they have become a firm family favourite.
Where did Labradors come from?
The breed originates from Newfoundland in Canada, where they helped fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines, as well as pull carts loaded with fish.
They were smaller than the breed we know today, and were known as the St John’s dog. It is thought that the modern Labrador was a result of the St John’s dog crossed with dogs that had been taken to Newfoundland by English traders and fishermen.
Some of these dogs were taken back to England where their strong retrieving skills were recognised.
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What colours are Labradors?
Labrador retrievers can be one of four colours:
- Black
- Chocolate
- Liver
- Yellow
Suitable owners
Crowned as the UK’s most popular breed for decades, Labrador retrievers are a versatile breed suited to a variety of owners, particularly families and those with access to lots of space. They also make great assistance dogs, working as guide and therapy dogs.
How much exercise does a Labrador need
Their large size and energetic personality means Labradors require access to a big garden and need more than two hours of exercise per day. The breed also has a keen love of water (they have waterproof coats and webbed feet!), so will enjoy opportunities to swim.
Why do Labrador retrievers have webbed paws?
Whilst all dogs have webbing of some kind between their toes, some breeds, such as the Labrador retriever, have much more than others. Many hunting dogs were developed this way to make them more agile in water and thus better at retrieving game.
Fun fact
The Labrador retriever was named by one of the early patrons of the breed, the Earl of Malmesbury, in the late 19th century.
To find out more about all 223 different dog breeds and discover which could be your perfect match, check out The Kennel Club's A to Z of breeds.
Words: Laura Lloyd, The Kennel Club