Originally bred to help fisherman gather nets and grab slippery fish in Labrador Canada, Labs have always held jobs working alongside humans. Branching out from retrieving and hunting to military service, bomb sniffing, and as assistance dogs, Labs are doing it all.

The playful, trainable, sporting dogs have been the most popular breed in the U.S. for 20 years in a row, according to registration stats kept by the American Kennel Club.

While popular, Labs may not be the right dog for every family. Labs are at their best when they get a lot of exercise, human interaction, and obedience training. It’s not uncommon for well-meaning dog lovers to be overwhelmed by an adolescent Lab. An adorable, easy to handle puppy will eventually mature into a 60 pound adult, and if you are not prepared, could be more than you bargained for. Most labs mellow with age but maintain their playful spirit - so stick with them.

Before you bring home any pet make sure they are right for your lifestyle. You can learn more about more than 170 breeds by going to www.akc.org.