The Original Fisherman’s FriendĪs they were originally bred to help retrieve fish and pull fishing lines to shore, Labrador retrievers instinctively love water, so if you love to swim, there’s no better buddy than a Lab to take with you to the beach. In a nod to their origins as a hunting/fishing breed, Labrador retrievers are classified as part of the AKC sporting group, which means they’re willing to retrieve anything-from downed ducks to that Frisbee you accidentally flung in the bushes. One of our favorites, Your Labrador Retriever Puppy is a great resource for all Lab owners. QUICK RECOMMENDATION: We’ve read many books and magazines about Labrador Retrievers. We’re calling it now: Labrador retrievers will be the AKC’s number one most popular dog breed though 2020, and to show you why they deserve the top spot, here are 14 reasons why Labradors are such awesome dogs: As AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo says, “The Lab truly is America’s dog”. Recently, the AKC ranked the Labrador retriever as the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2018-for the 28th year in a row. Photo Credit: © / Drago_NikaĮven before the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1917, the Labrador retriever had been earning praise and admiration for its hardworking, loving nature.įrom its humble origins as a fishing dog in Newfoundland (no, not Labrador!) in the 1700s to rising in popularity as a hunting breed in England in the 1800s to today’s lovable companion, the Labrador retriever is one awesome dog.

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