The Labrador Retriever
The Ideal Family Dog
Few breeds can rival the Labrador Retriever in adaptability. At home, Labradors are affectionate, steady companions—equally content curled up beside their people or quietly watching the world go by. Their gentle, tolerant nature makes them exceptional family dogs, especially for households with children, where they often become loyal friends and enthusiastic playmates.
Beyond the living room, Labradors are eager partners in adventure. They thrive on human interaction and socializing. They love activities - swimming, retrieving, or participating in structured training. Intelligent and highly food-motivated, Labradors are a joy to train and are known for their willingness to work alongside their people.
This balance of confidence, kindness, and intelligence is why Labradors are among the most successful breeds in service dog programs worldwide. They also excel as therapy dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue partners, and working companions across countless disciplines.
A Breed with Purpose—and Heart
The Labrador Retriever’s enduring popularity is no coincidence. Originally bred for function and partnership, the Labrador has evolved into one of the most versatile and dependable breeds in the world. Whether serving as a devoted family companion, a skilled working dog, or a show-ring representative of the breed standard, the Labrador continues to prove its value generation after generation.
At Greenstone Labradors, we are committed to preserving everything that makes the Labrador exceptional—temperament, structure, intelligence, and heart—so that each dog we produce is equipped to enrich the lives they touch for a lifetime.
Appearance and Care
The Labrador Retriever is instantly recognizable for its strong, balanced build, friendly expression, and playful “otter” tail. Labradors come in three cherished colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. (Dilute colors, such as “silver,” are not recognized as purebred, so we focus on preserving the breed’s classic colors.) Yellow Labradors can range from soft cream to warm gold and even rich fox-red tones, each beautiful in its own way.
Labradors have a dense double coat designed to protect them in all kinds of weather. The outer coat is firm and water-resistant, while the soft undercoat provides insulation in colder months and helps regulate body temperature year-round. They shed twice a year, typically with seasonal changes, but regular brushing will keep the coat healthy and beautiful. Trimming or shaving is never needed, as it removes the coat’s natural protection. With consistent care, your Labrador’s coat will remain a shining example of the breed’s charm and resilience.
A Brief History of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever traces its origins to Newfoundland, where early dogs worked alongside fishermen, retrieving nets and fish from icy waters. These dogs were prized for their endurance, strong retrieving instincts, and love of water—traits that remain hallmarks of the breed today.
In the early 1800s, Labradors were brought to England, where the breed was refined and standardized, particularly for upland game and waterfowl retrieving. The Kennel Club officially recognized the Labrador Retriever in 1903, followed by American recognition in 1917. Over time, breeding priorities diversified, resulting in a breed admired worldwide for its versatility and reliability in countless roles.
English vs. American Labradors
Within the breed, you may hear references to “English” and “American” Labradors. Labradors from show lines are often referred to as English Labradors and typically have a more compact, stockier build with a broader chest and fuller head. They are known for their steady, composed temperament.
American Labradors are generally taller and leaner, with longer legs and a more streamlined head. These dogs are often bred for field work and hunting, with higher energy levels and stamina.
Regardless of type, all Labradors share the breed’s hallmark traits—friendliness, intelligence, and versatility. At Greenstone Labradors, we focus on health, temperament, and balanced structure, ensuring each puppy has the potential to thrive as a loving family companion, a working partner, or a little of both.
For over 25 years, Greenstone Labradors has been dedicated to preserving this remarkable breed, building one of the most respected names in Labradors while sharing dogs with families and partners who will cherish them for a lifetime.