George and Gracie rescued by the Central Indiana Lab Rescue and Adoption, Inc. Photo by Paula Cole	Duke rescued by the Central Indiana Lab Rescue and Adoption, Inc. Photo by Judy Kowarsch (Duke's foster mom)	Cocoa was rescued from the Ft. Wayne, Indiana Shelter. Photo by Paula Cole

By far the most popular breed, Labrador Retrievers have either yellow, black or chocolate coats. From Newfoundland rather than Labrador, these dogs have a short. smooth coat that sheds water like oil. Labs have webbed feet making them excellent swimmers. They are medium-sized dogs, strong, energetic, intelligent and even-tempered.

As all retrievers, Labs need the time and place to exercisse. They are generally wel-behaved, easily trained, and good with children. Labs are one of the breeds of choice as guide dogs in part because of their devotion to their master.

The AKC standard states that the Lab is a strongly built, short-coupled, very active dog (Coupling refers to that part of the body between the ribs and the pelvis/hindquarter). The head is wide-skulled and full from fleshy cheks. The jaws are long and powerful, not pointed or weak. The neck of a Lab should be powerful, of medium length meeting a well-developed chest that is wide and deep.

The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed. It should be very thick near the base, tapering toward the tip. It should be of medium-length, free from feathering, and covered thickly with the short dense coat, giving it a rounded appearance -- " otter-like". The tail should never curl.

AKC Breed Description

Labrador Retriever Club

The Labrador Retriver Club Rescue

Comprehensive Labrador Retriever Resource

The Labrador Lifeline - Financial Aid Organization

LabMed - Financial Aid Organization

Labrador Harbor Provides charitable funds to private citizens or non-profit rescue organizations that directly benefit the immediate physical well-being of Labrador Retriever.

The American Pointing Labrador Association

Breeder Listing

Labrador Education and Rescue Network