Among all the breeds of the Sport/Hunt classification, the Labrador retriever is the most popular. Behind its popularity, this breed has endured a lot to enable it to be the most coveted and favored kind. Originating from Newfoundland, it was mislabeled as a Labrador retriever by the Earl of Malmesbury. The Newfoundland of 1800's (labs as we know them), were of different sizes. The best known size type of breed was the "Lesser" or the "St. John's", it was a medium sized dog with a sleek black coat. At that time it impressed most by its swimming ability. They would retrieve game and fish, pull fishing boats to the shore through icy waters and delighted in swimming. England was impressed with this breed, since it was strong, sturdy and had the demeanor of a proper dog. As the dogs had died out in Newfoundland due to heavy dog tax, retrievers brought to England continued the line of this dog breed. At that time the accepted and favored color of the Labrador was black, any Labrador of another color were culled.

Presently, the color of the Labrador retriever doesn't matter at all. Much attention is given to the type of Lab (which you'll read on in a while).

After much inter-kennel discussion, the Labrador has (4) types:

English type

This type is described by experts as short, stocky and heavy boned. They have wider heads and relatively square short muzzles. Their tails are fat, considered proportionate to their stockiness. English Labs are broad at the hip and their muscle tone doesn't parallel the bones development. Aside from being prone to hip dysplasia, this type carries a predominant epileptic gene. Though most English labs suffer from the disease, exclusion from breeding is not thought of. This type is friendly and fun loving but has proper decorum.

New England Water Lab type

This type is barrel-chested coupled with strong short legs. This type is said to be a refined version of the English type minus the wideness of facial features. The New England Water Lab type is selected for being good retrievers at the same time compact in size. This type makes great family dogs (-but are notably more energetic than the English type).

 American Show Type

This type of Lab is an over-all moderate version of all the types. Its head and jaws are medium in size. Their face is more expressive than other types. They are very active as puppies and tend to tone down on rowdiness by its adult stage.

American Field Lab Type

As its type name connotes, this lab is bred with speed and endurance in mind. Overall, the American Field lab is long-legged and well muscled. Full attention is called to its character and temperament. This type of lab is highly intelligent and headstrong. Field training and game is a high endurance activity, requiring Labs of headstrong energy and drive. They are very loyal and tend to form a strong bond with their owner. They'd make good family companions, but an experienced handler/ owner is needed to keep it in check.

Generally a Labrador retriever is a stocky dog of heavy build. Its head is large, with jaws that are wide enough to clamp on big fur or feather game. This breed is known for its strong and powerful leg muscles, enabling it to swim effortlessly. Being able to swim in water of any temperature and depth, a Labrador retriever has a straight short coat with soft undercoat. As it was distinctly known for in the 1800's, its coat is thick that water seems to run off its surface.

When Labrador retriever was an Englishman's dog, its preferred color was black. Though today, AKC has standardized the colors black, yellow and chocolate as the acceptable hues fit for qualification. Disqualification means another color or combination of colors.

To be clearer the AKC has defined what the colors black, yellow and brown are, officially:

Black is black, no brindle marks or tan markings (though white hair due to aging or scars are not considered brindling)

Yellow ranges from fox-red to light cream with various shading at the ears, back or under parts are okay.

Brown shades from light to dark are qualified, brindling is not qualified.

 Despite the mistaken identity in the 1800's, the varying types and the limitations to coloring; the Labrador is a dog holding the #1 spot among the different dog breeds of the AKC. Advertising and overly used photographs of this animal speak of it as a dog icon. Besides, a Labrador Retriever is a dog of smart and balanced disposition. When needed in the hunt or game, a Lab is fast and adaptable to changes in the activity. In a non-sport setting, a Labrador charms people with its gentleness, playfulness and silent strength.