Since 1991 the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in the US every year bar one, according to the American Kennel Club. (And even in its year off, it came second). In Britain, too, it holds the number one spot as most popular pedigree breed. They appeal to a wide variety of people, as there are so many different reasons to love Labradors Retrievers.
The breed, which originates on the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in northern Canada, was initially used as a working dog to help fishermen retrieve their nets, and lost lines, and pull carts loaded with fish. It was further developed across the pond in England, where its retrieving skills were much admired by the sporting gentry. The Earl of Malmesbury gave the breed its name, and the first breed club was officially founded in 1916.
