Labradors are one of the most popular Dog breeds in the world. It's not surprising considering the labradors outgoing, funny and friendly nature. They are good allround dogs capable in many fields - everything from their original purpose of retrieving to detection dogs, service dogs among many other proffessions. While they make excellent companion- or family dogs it's important to know that they are dogs who loves to work, a lot of exercise is a requirement.

Average lifespann: 10-12 years

Height:

• Males: 56-57 cm or 22-22.4 inches
• Females: 55-56 cm or 21.6-22 inches

Weight:

• Males: 29-36kg or 64-79 lbs
• Females: 25-32kg or 55-71 lbs

Looks and characteristics:
A labrador is a big and compact dog with thick, dubble coated, short, and water repellant fur. They have a big chest and strong legs. Their tail is straight, thick and vertical, it is sometimes called "an otter tail" and is used as a powerful rudder when they swim. They have webbed feet feet to assist them in their swimming. There are 2 different types of labradors, the american (working) lab who's generally a bit slimmer and the English (show) lab who tends to be broader and bigger.

Colors:
Yellow, brown or black - monocolored. The hue can vary between yellow labs; from cream colored, almost white:ish to a darker fox red coat. A small white spott on their chest can occour.

History and origins
Named after Labrador Peninsula and Labrador in Canada, labradors were imported from those regions and developed further in Great Britain. They were propably originally used by Canadian fishermen to Help with netting and docking of boats. They developed to be used in duck shooting and thus came to be the waterloving retrievers they are today. Though still used as a retrieving gun dog, labradors will-to-please and easy nature has made them very versitale. Today they are also used as sniffer/detection dogs, rescue dogs, tracker dogs, service dogs etc.

Temperament:
A typical labrador is a friendly, outgoing and intelligent. They are very playful and goofy but they are also very capable when working. Considering they're purpose-bred to be retrieving dogs, it's not weird for a lab to enjoy carrying different objects. Going by the same logic, it's also not weird for them to love water! Something that is very important to be aware of is that labradors are easily excited and hyperactive dogs. It can therefore be necessary for them to focus a lot on being calm and spend some time on passive activities. Their high level of energy makes them need a lot of exercise.

Health
Labradors are overral a generally healthy breeds though they are prone to some health issues, a lot can be avoided by screening and breeding responsibly. These are some conditions they can suffer from:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
• Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD)
• Myopathy

Things to look out for yourself:

• Bloating - it can be deadly
• Obesity - labs over eat easily
• Cold tail - very painful, can happen if the dog swims in really cold water
• Ear infections - drooping ears makes yeast infections easier. Is often related to allergies