The Labrador Retriever is a type of gun dog. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in many nations. A versatile hunting dog, the Labrador Retriever performs admirably in field trials, hunting tests and agility competitions. Labs also excel as dolphins’ tails in water rescues and as dogs for the disabled. Highly trainable, loyal and devoted to their masters, Labradors are also excellent family pets. They are relatively easy to train and housebreak and they bond closely with their owners. Like all dogs, however, they require ongoing socialization and training throughout their lives to prevent problems from developing.

Due to their popularity, Labradors are often the victims of overbreeding, which has led to some health problems becoming more common in the breed. However, responsible breeders are working to select only healthy dogs with good temperaments to produce future generations of Labradors that will be less susceptible to these health problems.

Labs are descended from St. John’s water dogs, which were brought to Newfoundland from Portugal. In the 1830s, Englishmen brought them to England to help with the hunters there. They eventually made their way to the United States, where they became popular as hunting and working dogs. Today, Labs are one of America’s most popular breeds, known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability. And, of course, their signature otter tails! The Lab’s thick, tapering tail—an “otter tail,” it’s called—serves as a powerful rudder, constantly moving back and forth as the dog swims and aids the dog in turning.

As for the breed’s characteristic temperament, it is as much a hallmark of the breed as the otter tail. “The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and nonagressive towards man or animal,” the breed standard says.

“The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog.” When defining a Lab’s primary attributes, the most important might be temperament since his utility depends on his disposition. “If a dog does not possess true breed temperament,” wrote a