In the UK there are more than twice the number of registered Labradors than the next most popular breed, while in the US they have been top dog every year since 1991.
They also lead the pack in many other countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand.
With dog ownership surging over the global pandemic, and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends remaining high, many of us will currently be considering a new puppy.
And, while there are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, the loyal Lab has never been in such demand.
Here are 11 reasons the Labrador Retriever makes such a perfect pet.
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5. They are simple to train
The combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes the Labrador one of the easiest dogs to train without expensive obedience classes. More intelligent dogs can be stubborn to learn new tricks on command, while many of the other biddable breeds just find it difficult to understand what you want them to do. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. They are great swimmers
Labs are one of the most talented swimmers in the dog kingdom, making every trip to the beach or a river an entertaining adventure. It's an attribute that dates back to their days retrieving fishing nets - they even have webbed feet to help power them through the water. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. They are very intelligent
Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology, is the world expert on how clever different breeds are. His landmark book 'The Intelligence of Dogs' ranks the Lab as being the seventh most intelligent of all the breeds. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. They are low maintenance
There's no expensive trips to the dog grooming salon for Labrador owners. The Lab's coat may moult, meaning a powerful hoover is a must, but otherwise the occasional bath if they've rolled in something smelly is all that is required to keep them looking pristine. Photo: Canva/Getty Images