Labs possess the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions. The Labrador Retriever is well balanced, enabling it to work in the field with little or no effort. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gundog, so their structure is greatly important. Their temperament and gentleness with children make them an excellent family companion. The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever is its dense, short, weather resistant coat, and thick tail.
Labs have a clean-cut head with a broad back skull and moderate top.
They have very powerful jaws, with a very soft, gentle mouth. L abrador Retrievers are enthusiastic, but not overly hyperactive bird dogs. Most require moderate amounts of attention, but relative to other bird dogs, they seem to acclimate well to their environment. M ost Lab owners will attest to the exceptional intelligence and high level of obedience the dogs frequently show when working or playing. Labrador Retrievers are considered by many to be not only one of the most intelligent bird dog breeds, but also, one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds.