Chapter One

A Labrador Retriever puppy is a bouncy bundle of black, yellow, or chocolate fun and energy. Versatility is the breed's middle name. A Lab might be a guide dog, an assistance dog, a hunting companion, a therapy dog, or work in law enforcement.

If you decide to show your dogs in conformation or to compete in obedience or field trials, once again, Labs are a very popular choice. Because of their happy-go-lucky attitude, Labs are great with children and adults. When it's time for your family to choose a pet, you probably can't go wrong with a Labrador Retriever if you are an active family on the go and want a dog who will be on the go, too. A Lab is never happier than when he's with his family or his person.

The Sporting Breeds

The Labrador Retriever is a sporting dog, as classified by the American Kennel Club and other breed registries. The Sporting Group includes the other retrievers, such as the Golden Retriever and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as well as the setters, spaniels, and pointers. The breeds that make up the Sporting Group were all bred to work alongside and help out hunters.

Their hunting skills varied according to the purpose for which they were bred. But most of the dogs in the Sporting Group have some characteristics in common. First of all, they are intelligent and quick to learn. Training is easy when you have learned how to motivate the dog. But these dogs can also think for themselves, and when they do, training can be a challenge.

Sporting dogs are also athletic and busy, especially as puppies. They need daily exercise and activit