Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. They have webbed paws for swimming, useful when they retrieve their prey, hence the name retriever. The Labrador, once known as the Lesser Newfoundland, is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is, by a large margin, the most popular breed by registration in Canada, the United States (since 1991),and the United Kingdom.It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in Canada, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries,[citation needed] as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Typically, Labradors are athletic, and love to swim, play catch and retrieve games, and are good with young children.

.

Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colors: black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to "fox-red"), chocolate (medium to dark brown). Some Labrador retrievers can have markings such as white patches on their chest and other areas, but most commonly they are one solid color.

.

Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter. Color is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (D) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive d allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus.Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's coloration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat color.

.

.

.

Labrador Retriever Dog Club Directory

• The American Kennel Club Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever

- Promotes quality breeding and performance and sponsors field trials, hunting retriever tests, obedience trials and conformation events. Breed standard, rescue program, health articles, publications, events, and links.

• Club du Labrador du Quebec website

- Information on their events, newsletter, membership application, and a breeders list. Available in English and French.

• Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club

- San Francisco Bay area specialty breed club. Calendar of events, rescue information, memorials, membership application, and advice on choosing a puppy.

• High Desert Labrador Retriever Club of California

- Club photographs, frequently asked questions, calendar, and a list of officials.

• Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club

- Members are interested in all aspects of the breed, including conformation, obedience, field work, agility and rescue. Events calendar, directory of breeders, meeting calendar, news, and specialty show results.

• San Diego Labrador Retriever Club

- Providing information about buying, training, and caring for the breed. Code of ethics, breeder directory, membership application, and a list of meeting dates.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.