The Labrador Retriever is part of the Gundog group who are often particularly affectionate dogs, having originally been bred to be co-operative and respond to human commands.
Today Labradors make great family pets as they are known for their kindly and adaptable nature, with a strong will to please. They are the second most popular pedigree breed registered with the Kennel Club, with over 33,000 puppies registered annually. There are three recognised colours in the breed - Yellow, Chocolate/Liver, and Black.
When searching for the perfect puppy, it is worth noting that two distinct strains for this breed exist – the ‘show’ type, and the ‘working’ type. They differ in both appearance and temperament, and it is important to match the characteristics with your requirements. .
The Show Type
Characteristics
Appearance - Heavier set with shorter legs, a broader head, and a thicker coat and tail.
Bred to conform to the kennel club breed standard, these are the dogs you will see in the show ring.
The Working Type
Characteristics
Appearance - Taller with lighter bodies, longer legs, and a thinner tail. The head tends to be narrower with a longer muzzle.
Working Labradors have a quick mind and live to please, making them fairly easy to train. They are high energy dogs and may have very strong hunting instincts which can result in them pursuing local wildlife. They are keen to pick up and carry things
Regardless of the type, most Labradors have friendly, affectionate, happy natures, and make wonderful family pets due to their sociable natures and eagerness to be involved in all family activities. Good temperaments depend on good breeding practices so always buy a puppy from an experienced breeder - you can search on our website to find members of our club who are also breeders.
