Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches at shoulder
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds (males average 72 pounds, females average 62 pounds)
Coat: short and thick
Life span: 10 to 12 years
Breed Group: Sporting Dogs

The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog. Historically, he earned his keep as a fisherman's helper: hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic. Today's Labrador Retriever is as good-natured and hard working as his ancestors, and he's America's most popular breed. These days the Lab works as a retriever for hunters, assistance dog to the handicapped, show competitor, and search and rescue dog, among other canine jobs.