Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever originated as a working water-retrieving dog and still carries the traits that job demanded: stamina, a soft mouth, a love of water, and a strong desire to work with people.

Size and build. Labradors are medium-to-large dogs with a solid, athletic frame. Males typically stand a little taller and heavier than females. They are powerfully built rather than fine-boned, and it is easy for a well-fed, under-exercised Lab to become overweight, so monitoring body condition matters.

Coat and grooming. The Lab has a short, dense double coat that is fairly water-resistant. Grooming needs are modest — weekly brushing most of the year — but the breed sheds noticeably and "blows" its undercoat seasonally, when more frequent brushing helps. The coat comes in black, yellow, and chocolate.

Temperament. Labs are known for being outgoing, gentle, and people-oriented, which is a large part of their popularity and their success as assistance and detection dogs. They are typically sociable with people and other dogs, though as with any breed, early socialisation and individual variation matter.

Exercise and enrichment. This is an active working breed that generally needs substantial daily exercise plus mental stimulation. Without enough activity, a bored Lab may chew, dig, or become unruly. Retrieving games, swimming, and training suit the breed's instincts well.

Living with a Lab. Their trainability and food motivation make them rewarding to train but also prone to weight gain. Because Labs are enthusiastic and strong, teaching calm manners early pays off.

Remember that these are breed tendencies, not guarantees — the individual dog's upbringing, health, and personality shape who they actually are, so meet the specific animal and speak with a veterinarian about its needs.