A black Labrador Retriever wearing a green search-and-rescue harness.

A black Labrador Retriever wearing a green search-and-rescue harness.

Aciarium, DSC09611a Search and Rescue Dog, Austrian Red Cross Perchtoldsdorf, 2024-10.jpg, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DSC09611a_Search_and_Rescue_Dog,_Austrian_Red_Cross_Perchtoldsdorf,_2024-10.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0. No source-file edits; display resizing/cropping only.

Aciarium · CC BY 4.0

Image source

Breed or variety record

Labrador Retriever

dog breed

Part of Dog

Explore the Labrador Retriever in The Ark Is Earth's educational archive.

Summary

The Labrador's roots are associated with Newfoundland's fishing coast, where dogs retrieved fish and worked in the water. The breed was brought to Britain in the late nineteenth century and developed as a gundog retriever. Good-tempered, energetic, and keen to work, Labradors serve as hunting, assistance, detection, and search-and-rescue dogs as well as family companions. Their water-resistant coat and strong swimming ability suit them to retrieving from water.

Quick facts

  • Size: Males are typically 22.5–24.5 inches tall and 65–80 pounds; females are 21.5–23.5 inches and 55–70 pounds.
  • Coat: The short, dense coat is black, yellow, or chocolate.
  • Lifespan: The AKC lists a typical life expectancy of 11–13 years.
  • Working style: Friendly and high-spirited, Labradors enjoy retrieving, swimming, training, and time with people.

Sources

Species context

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)