The Labrador Retriever belongs to group 8: Game Retriever Dogs – Game Retrievers – Water Dogs. The dogs in this group are specialized in different hunting disciplines using different working techniques. They are dogs that are very focused on smell to follow tracks. A problem with this sense of smell is that they are easily lost. They are also dogs that have a voice, which they use to warn their master when they have found game. The Labrador Retriever joins the first category of this group dedicated to Game Retriever Dogs.

The Labrador Retriever originates from Canada. It comes from the Saint Jones dog living on the island of Newfoundland in the 18th century. It was in England, at the beginning of the 20th century, that the breed was definitively established. It had been imported there after crossbreeding, notably with the Pointer (an English pointing dog). In 1896, the Labrador was introduced to France and a few years later, in 1911, the Retriever Club of France was founded. This is the most common of the Retrievers. His exceptionally balanced character has earned him significant popularity to this day and this is also what has caused him to become above all a companion dog, recognized among other things for his remarkable qualities as a guide for the blind.

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built dog, solidly built, which can give it a rather heavy-looking physique. That said, its appearance remains clear. It is one of the large breeds (25 to 45 kg). More precisely, the male measures 56 to 57 cm while the size of the female varies from 54 to 56 cm for a weight of both 25 to 30 kg. Its body is powerful with rounded shapes. His neck is clean, his chest broad and well set. Its loins are short, broad and powerful. Its limbs have good bones ending in round and compact feet. Its tail is thick at birth and tapers towards the tip over time. Of medium length, it is not fringed but has short, thick, dense hair, which gives the tail a roundness which earns it the name “otter tail”. It can be carried cheerfully but without ever being curved over the kidney. The Labrador's head is broad and round. Its nose is large and its jaws powerful. His brown or hazel colored eyes are of medium size. Its ears are set backwards while being neither too big nor too heavy. They fall against his head. The coat of the Labrador Retriever is either completely black, yellow (from light cream to red fox) or brown (chocolate). Only a small white spot is allowed on the chest. Its hair is short and dense, without waviness or fringes. The undercoat is particularly resistant to bad weather.

The Labrador lives on average 13 years. He is predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. You will therefore need to be vigilant about the results of the parents' tests before adopting a puppy. You should also not ask him to exercise too much during the first year of his life in order to reduce the risk of developing this disease. Subsequently, on the contrary, it will be advisable to provide him with the opportunity to exercise regularly. Indeed, this breed has a tendency to be overweight. Along with a balanced diet, exercise is essential to minimize the risk of having a dog that is overweight and therefore more prone to joint problems. The Labrador Retriever is also subject to certain eye pathologies: retinal dysplasia, cataracts and retinal atrophy. Gastric torsion or swelling should be monitored closely because a swollen and untreated stomach can lead to the death of the animal in this breed.

The Labrador Retriever is a versatile breed: hunting dog, service dog and drug screening dog, he is above all an exceptional companion dog. Very active, agile, confident and tenacious. Endowed with an extraordinary sense of smell and an excellent visual memory, it also swims remarkably well. We must not forget that the Labrador is a dog that was used at the time to retrieve game and fish from land or water. So don't be surprised if he keeps bringing you his toys! He is an easy and happy dog. He needs a lot of contact with his master. Labradors love children but they are obviously not aware of their strength. You will therefore still have to remain vigilant because a Labrador could accidentally run over a child. It is a balanced dog if you pay attention to its origin. Labrador training is quite easy. You have to stay firm and explain things calmly. Like all dogs, they cannot tolerate violence. The expression “an iron fist in a velvet glove” is quite appropriate. On the other hand, the Labrador cannot stand solitude and needs a lot of exercise to master his enthusiasm.