Handsome, athletic, goofy: these are the three adjectives we would use to describe Labrador retrievers. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof, and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia.
- 01 of 16
Labrador Retrievers Have a Nickname
Cheryl94Photos / Flickr / Used With Permission The name “Labrador” stems from their Canadian heritage, but they’re known as "labs" for short. Despite their name, Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador.
Continue to 2 of 16 below02 of 16Water Is No Obstacle
Elena Lemonis / Flickr / Used With Permission Labs love swimming. They were bred as water and hunting dogs, so it’s no wonder they’re naturals. It’s their true calling. A Labrador retriever’s coat is even water-resistant with natural oils to repel excess water and keep their skin dry.
Continue to 3 of 16 below03 of 16They Come in Different Colors
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The three color variations seen in Labrador retrievers are black, brown, and yellow. Yellow labs are often associated with Guide Dogs for the Blind, black Labs are associated with gundog work, and brown or “chocolate” labs are more common as pets and show dogs.
Continue to 4 of 16 below04 of 16The Labrador Retriever Is America’s Most Popular Dog Breed
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That’s according to the American Kennel Club. Though they’re very active, these famously friendly pups love a good cuddle session with their family members.
Continue to 5 of 16 below05 of 16Labs Bring Endless Laughter
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Their goofy antics and lovable behavior will have you in constant giggle fits. There’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly lab at the end of a long day.
Continue to 6 of 16 below06 of 16Want an Obedient Dog? Look No Further
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To say the least, Labs are eager to please. A little training will go a long way. Positive reinforcement is every dog’s favorite way to learn, and labs are typically very treat-motivated, making your job easy.
Continue to 7 of 16 below07 of 16You’ll Need Plushies
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Labs were bred to retrieve birds after being shot during a hunt, giving them naturally gentle jaws and soft mouths. It may require some training, but their instincts will know how to handle soft items. Labrador retrievers go crazy for plush toys and are often found napping with their favorite ones.
Continue to 8 of 16 below08 of 16Get Ready to Play
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These fun-loving dogs will stop at nothing when it comes to playing games with their friends.
Continue to 9 of 16 below09 of 16Labrador Retrievers Are Workaholics
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Jobs give labs purpose. Guide Dogs for the Blind currently uses yellow and black Labrador retrievers as well as golden retrievers and lab/golden hybrids. The agency says their health, temperament, size, coat type and adaptability makes these dogs perfect for the job.
Continue to 10 of 16 below10 of 16Did We Mention They Love to Swim?
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Their rudder-like tails, often called “otter tails,” make them glide seemingly effortlessly in the water. If you need a dock-jumping buddy, look no further. They especially love diving in to fetch floating toys thanks to their retrieving instincts.
Continue to 11 of 16 below11 of 16There Are Plenty of Famous Pet Labs
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U.S. President Bill Clinton has had multiple pet Labrador retrievers. His first, Buddy, was his furry friend in the White House during his presidency, along with a cat named Socks. Buddy and Socks had somewhat of a feud and were often kept in separate quarters.
Continue to 12 of 16 below12 of 16Family Is Everything to Labs
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Most dog breeds are known for their loyalty, but labs go above and beyond. If you choose them to be your four-legged friend, they won’t leave your side. Though they aren’t particularly aggressive, labs will bark when they feel their family needs protecting. When it’s time to settle down for the evening, they are happy to squeeze into your lap for a snooze.
Continue to 13 of 16 below13 of 16One Lab Was an American Hero
Molly & Stitch / Flickr / Used With Permission Jake, a hard-working black lab, burrowed his way through rubble and ran through toxic air to rescue victims in the September 11 attacks in New York City. That evening, he was treated to a free steak dinner underneath the table at a fancy NYC restaurant. Labs are known for their search and rescue skills.
Continue to 14 of 16 below14 of 16If You Hunt, There’s No Better Companion
Elena Lemonis / Flickr / Used With Permission As their name suggests, Labrador retrievers have a knack for retrieving. They were bred as hunting dogs and fishing companions, so they know their way around both water and hunting grounds. Their high level of obedience makes them great candidates for hunting companions and their soft mouths make them even better.
Continue to 15 of 16 below15 of 16Exercise, Exercise, and More Exercise
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Labs are highly active and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Try giving them a puzzle toy, going for a swim, or heading on a hike to tire them out on a regular basis. Feeding them the proper amount of food for their weight will help maintain a healthy figure, too. Don’t let their persuading puppy eyes and hefty appetites fool you into giving them extra food!
Continue to 16 of 16 below16 of 16Labrador Retrievers Get Along With Everyone and Everything
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Labrador Retrievers simply love life and don’t seem to feel threatened unless they have a good reason to. They get along well with friends, neighbor pets, and visiting kids with ease. Labs are often famous for becoming “unlikely friends” with exotic animals like lions and tigers.
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