The Labrador Retriever
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The good-natured, loving and loyal Labrador Retriever makes a wonderful companion dog. Labradors thrive on human companionship. These friendly, outgoing dogs generally enjoy company of children. Labradors are rarely aggressive towards other dogs. Most Labradors are eager students and have a strong desire to please their owners.
Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, hardy dogs. Due to their large size, muscular built, and playful nature, Labradors require plenty of exercise. Traditionally, these dogs have been bred for hunting and retrieving. The energetic and versatile Labradors are easily trained for hunting, obedience, agility, and as therapy and guide dogs.
Labs are often classified as field or English type. The English show or bench Labrador refers to a strongly built, stocky, short-coupled dog with a wide back skull and a deep chest. The American show lines tend to produce a slightly more active dog that is a little larger in size and not as compact or heavy-boned as their English cousins. Many show lines produce Labradors with good hunting ability and obedience potential. The American field lines tend to produce dogs with a narrow build, longer legs, a longer neck and a long narrow muzzle. Some field Labs tend to be high energy dogs with a lot of drive in the field. Many lines of Labradors in this country are a blend of show and field lines.