If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in the last few years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Labrador Retriever – they were the UK’s most popular pet in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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9. Born to swim
It's no wonder that Labrador Retrievers are such great swimmers - they have webbed feet perfect for powering them through the water. They are also handy in cold climates as they act as snowshoes, stopping the dog's feet from sinking into the snow. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

10. Cover star
The first dog to appear on the cover of Life magazine was a black Lab called 'Blind of Arden' in 1938. He was owned by Averell Harriman, who would become the 48th Governor of New York, and featured in the magazine after winning the title of 'Number 1 US Retriever' at a major American dog show. Photo: Canva/Getty Images