Ranked the number one breed for families by A and E, the Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular dog breed in America (according to AKC registration statistics) and with good reason.  He is adaptable, steady, good-natured and able to adapt to new surroundings easily.   

The Labrador's short coat requires little more than an occasional swipe with a brush.  More conservative and independent than Golden Retrievers, this is a high energy sporting dog who will play fetch with you until your arm is gone and yet he'll ask for more.  Labradors require daily exercise to be the calm natured pet indoors that's expected.  Pool owners and lake front land owners should know that your Lab will spend every available moment in the water.  

Like the Golden, a Labrador Retriever remains a puppy until his 2nd birthday.  A very oral breed, many Labs are voracious chewers until that magical 2nd birthday.  Crate training will save not only your possessions but also your sanity.  

Labradors are divided into two types: field and show.  A Lab from show lines is heavier and shorter in the leg than a field type.  As a general rule, field type Labs are too energetic to make good pets.   Look for a Lab from show lines for the best family pet.

As with any popular breeds,  screen your breeder carefully.  Begin by visiting local AKC Conformation events to find a breeder who cares more about the breed than making a profit.

NOTE:  Some Labrador breeders are observing a breeding freeze in response to the explosive number of Labs ending up in rescue.  Some rescues have reported entire litters being dropped off at shelters as young as 8 weeks old.  This means it's increasingly difficult to find a reputable Labrador Retriever breeder.  One way to spot a caring breeder is one who participates in rescue and/or insists upon a contract in which the dog returns to the breeder if the owner is unable to keep the dog for any reason.