The Labrador Retriever gives the Golden Retriever a run for its money as to which between the two is the most popular family dog in the world. The Labrador Retriever's friendliness, behavior with children, affectionate and kind disposition and faithfulness are qualities that set it above all other dogs in the world.

The Labrador retriever pups are so cute that you might have a crush the instant you see him. If you bring home a Labrador retriever then you will be assured of constant companionship. He is no ordinary dog; he is a gentle and understanding dog with loads of patience especially towards children. Since 1991, the lab retriever has been the most popular dog based on registrations in the United States.

Labs have a history of assisting in waterfowl hunting and love water. A completely dependable dog, lab retrievers are being trained more and more for assisting blind and disabled people. They are regarded as specialist dogs by K9 units across the United States and in bomb squads or sniffer squadrons across the world. This doesn't mean that the retriever is a working dog only; he is "the" family dog too.

Compatibility and Usage: The Labrador retriever as its name suggests is a retriever dog but he is not from Labrador but from New Foundland, Canada. He was a fisherman's dog initially. He is said to have evolved from the Buccleuch Avon and he was originally known as St. John's dog.

Physical Appearance: The Labrador retriever is comes in three colors: jet black, chocolate and yellow. They are relatively large and the male labs can stand to a height of 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches (55.9 to 62 1/4cm) and weigh 65-80 lbs (30-36kg) while the female stands almost as tall as the male at 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches (54 1/2 to 60 cm) and weighs 55-70 lbs (25 to 32 kg).

Temperament: In this category, the Labrador Retriever is hands down considered as the most behaved of all dogs that their benign temper has become the trademark of the breed. They are generally kind and possess an outgoing and obedient nature; they are always eager to please and are not hostile towards man or other animals. Labs are very adaptable to any environment, highly intelligent and are very loyal and overprotective of their owners.

The popularity of Labrador retrievers is more because of him having become a great family dog and because labs are very gentle with children. A Lab retriever unlike other big dogs is not territorial by nature and aggression is controlled and hence it can mix around with other dogs easily.

Caring & health: As they grow older, the coat of lab retrievers will become whiter mostly around the area near the muzzle. The life expectancy varies from 12-13 years and faces some major health problems. Labs have a great appetite and can eat all the time. This needs to be watched as it can cause obesity.

They are also prone to knee problems, elbow and hip dysplasia and ear infection. The ear infection is much higher in labs as compared to other dogs because they have floppy ears, which can trap moist air and thus fungus and other microbial bacteria formation takes place. Ear cleaning on a regular basis is a must with lab retrievers.

If a lovable and energetic family dog is what you want, you can never go wring choosing the Labrador Retriever!