This affectionate, hardy sporting dog loves cool temperatures. Its dense, short coat comes in three colours, black, yellow to golder and liver, and provides protection in harsh conditions.

The Labrador Retriever originated from dogs brought to Britain by Newfoundland fishermen who used them to retrieve their nets from the water. Their general hardiness both on land and in water, their soft mouths and scenting ability were immediately appreciated by sportsmen who later broadened the limited stock lines by introducing other sporting breeds of water spaniels retrievers. The breed was well established in Britain by the end of the 19th century, by which time it had ceased to be popular in Newfoundland: a local dog tax and the introduction of strict quarantine laws in Britain presumably meant that breeding Labrodors ceased to be profitable. Today the Labrador Retriever is Britain's most popular gundog, as well as one of the most loved family dogs. In the domestic environment it is gentle, quickly trained and friendly. It will run to fat if not well-exercised.