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The Labrador Retriever worked alongside local fishermen to help haul-in fishing nets when it was originally bred in Colonial fishing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

Today, as household pets the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, and in 2009 was voted the No.1 dog in the USA for 18 years running. Intelligent and easily trained, the breed also remains useful to local authorities on search and rescue missions, or by working with security forces to help sniff out contraband at major transportation hubs.

It's winning personality was most recently on display in the Hollywood film "Marley & Me" (also starring Jennifer Aniston) and was the No. 1 movie hit for weeks after its release in late 2008 — confirming once again the love affair America has with its favorite pooch.

Labrador Retriever behavior & personality

Much like Golden Retrievers, Labs are boisterous as puppies and often will be found chewing on just about anything.

As they grow, (they are fully mature at about 3 years of age) early training is important for socialization.

However, their friendly natures and response to praise make them very amenable to training.

Labs naturally love retrieving toys, balls or frisbees in endless hours of exhuberant fun, and have an inordinate love of splashing around in water. With their adoptive family they are calm, gentle, and generally patient around smaller children and other pets.

Thier love of people do not make them the best of watchdogs. However, when alarmed their ferocious bark can sometimes be enough to scare away any intruder.

Labrador Retriever care & health

Lots of play and exercise are very important to this breed. Labradors have equally active appetites (some owners say ravenous), so a commitment to keeping them on a proper diet is important for their overall health as they grow older.

Possible health concerns arising in Labs may include hip dysplasia and bowed legs caused by weakened knee joints. Other known conditions, especially in old age, include cataracts and related eye diseases.

More about Labrador Retrievers around the Web:

Labrador Retriever - Helpful tips for new or prospective owners incuding an extensive FAQ, guide to buying a Lab puppy, advice on their temperament & behavior, care & feeding, health conditions, related resources.

The Labrador Retriever Club - Illustrated standards, breeder directory, how to's on selecting a puppy and other informative articles, labrador rescue resources, recommended reading, show & event calendar.

Just Labradors - Online community with tips & advice on Lab care & feeding, puppy training tips, picture gallery, photo essays, feature articles, active forum.

Dog Owners Guide Profile: Labrador Retriever - Fact sheet including information on breed standards, general care, diseases & conditions, Lab rescue resources.

Labrador Retriever Dog Chat Boards - Very active forums with member postings on training & care, health issues, rescue & adoption resources, related tips & advice.

also see -> Golden Retrievers | Labradoodles | Pet Sitters

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