Origin: Pedigrees of the modern Lab exist back to 1878, making it one of the oldest recognized breeds. Believed to have originated on the island of Newfoundland, which is now part of Canada, it is thought that the Lab is the result of selective breeding between the now-extinct St. John's Water Dog, the Newfoundland, and native water dogs. Initially called the Lesser Newfoundland or the St. John's Dog, the Earl of Malmesbury and other English breeders gave it the name Labrador to avoid confusion with other breeds. Today, the English and American lines are somewhat different; the English type is shorter and stockier, while American breeding creates a dog of a bigger frame.
Labs are a larger breed; on average males weigh 60 to 80 pounds, and females 45 to 70 pounds. They have stocky, solid bodies with webbed toes and an otter-like tail, which acts as a rudder, for swimming assistance.
True Labrador Retriever temperament 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 non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; their gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult should be severely penalized.
Their fur is short, straight and thick, with an undercoat for water repellency. They shed moderately throughout the year. Their coats come in black, yellow and chocolate, in that order of frequency and popularity. It is possible to have all three colors within a single litter. Very pale variations of chocolate and yellow are sometimes called "silver" however, they are not officially recognized.