We’d bet the majority of pedestrians would recognize a Lab walking by… but how much do they know about the breed’s origins? Amazingly, Labrador Retrievers were nearly extinct around the late 19th century – crazy to think about, considering that they have been the most popular breed in the U.S. since 1991, and the huge impact that Gunner has had on my own life.
If you follow us on Instagram, you know that Gunner – my British lab, and the namesake of the company – is now the proud father of nine full-bred English chocolate pups. To commemorate the occasion, we put together a short profile on the breed, as gathered from the AKC and UKC websites.
Characteristics of the Labrador Retriever
Breed Group: Gundog
Lifespan: 10+ Years
Temperament: Intelligent, Enthusiastic, Strong Will To Please
Characteristics: Devoted Companion, Adaptable, Agile, Good Tempered, Instinctive
Colors: Black, Yellow, Chocolate
*The black coat is dominant; chocolate is least common & based on a recessive gene
Origin: Newfoundland, United Kingdom
History of Labrador Retrievers
The lab’s prototype was the St. John’s Water Dog – a Newfoundland bred to be a family dog, as well as to help fisherman along the area’s icy coasts. According to the AKC, accurate pedigrees of today’s Labs go back as far as 1878, and the Lab was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903.
Fact: Due to their size, we typically recommend the Intermediate G1™ Kennel for most Labrador Retrievers. Check our Fit Finder to find the best size for your Labrador Retriever.
American vs. English Labs
There’s much debate in the hunting community as to which breed is the better gundog. In addition to distinctions in height (British labs have shorter legs), coat (British labs have a denser, sleeker one) and shape (British labs have a blockier head, and wider build), the two Labs also have unique traits that set them apart. Often called the “Gentleman’s Gundog,” British labs are generally calmer and easier to train, while American version has higher energy and generally a higher drive. These discrepancies are often attributed to their training history and purpose. For a much more in-depth review of the differences with provided background, see Pheasant’s Forever article here.
Fun Fact: Because of its history, Labs often additions to search & rescue teams (remember Jake, who worked at the World Trade Center site for 17 days?), as well as combat and scent detection dogs. They also make excellent service dogs – one of the most recognized dogs in the word is a British Lab named “Endal,” voted Dog of Millennium for assisting (and saving) British Naval veteran Allen Parton through sign language.
“The Labrador is one of the best all-round dogs in the world. Not only used for retrieving game, he has also made his mark in the world of assistance dogs and as a ‘sniffer’ dog for drug and arms detection. A real gentleman, the Labrador adores children and has a kind and loving nature and a confident air.”
–The Kennel Club
Read More Breed Profiles
Rethink The Way Your Dog Travels
100,000 Dogs Protected
Our mission is to build the world's best products for Man's Best Friend. We take safety seriously and are proud that 75,000 dogs and counting are protected by GUNNER.
18,000+ Wrecks per Day
There are 6 million wrecks a year in the US. Accidents + an increase in the risk-taking driving behaviors have increased among drivers in 2021. (Source: NHTSA 2020 Report; NPR 2021 Report)
2,700 Pounds of Projectile
In a vehicle accident at 35 mph, an unrestrained 60 lb. dog can become 2,700 lb. of projectile. Our crate ensures your dog is contained (and safe) before, during & after impact. (Source: Bark Buckle UP)
85% Failure Rate
Nearly 9 out of 10 products FAILED the safety certification when originally crash tested (2015 study) by CPS. Our Intermediate was the only product in the crate category that passed in that '15 study. (Source: Center For Pet Safety)
MY DOG IS NOT AN EGG.
Your dog is not an egg. But this egg test represents how they are protected in a GUNNER Kennel, versus traveling unrestrained in a vehicle.
The safest way for your pet to travel is in a GUNNER, and proper fit is a key part of safety in the event of an accident. Don’t let your dog become the scrambled egg.
