Labrador (Canis familiaris)
With a playful temperment, Labradors love to use their webbed paws to go for a swim.
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world.
- Conservation Status: Domesticated (DO)
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Global Home:
Worldwide
Worldwide
Originally from Newfoundland -- not Labrador -- where they retrieved fishnets and lines for fishermen, Labradors are perfectly bred for swimming in cold water. Their outer coat is short, straight, and very dense, but they also have a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that provides protection from icy water. And their webbed feet help them swim quickly! They can have black, yellow, and chocolate-colored coats. They're friendly, outgoing, and easily trainable, which is why they're such popular pets and why so many work as seeing-eye and rescue dogs, although they can get bored if they don't have anything to do. Labradors love children and other pets and make a valuable asset to any family. They'll even alert their owners if a stranger is around.
