About The Breed

For an overview of this wonderful breed, read AKC Labrador Retriever. Check out the breed's history; it's interesting.

Milestones

Learn about what care and training are important during the puppy's first year of life, see AKC How to Train a Labrador Retriever Puppy: Milestone Timeline.

Engage

Dog sports are one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. Become a dream team, AKC Get Started in Dog Sports and Events.

Join A Club

Get involved with your local breed club. It's a great way to make friends passionate about the breed and find out about fun events and training in your area. Look into Rose City Labrador Retriever Club (Oregon) and Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association (Washington). Consider following the national clubs,  The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. and American Kennel Club (AKC) too!

Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs lend comfort and affection to people at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and in disasters. To learn if your dog is suited for therapy work start with AKC How to Train a Therapy Dog.

Retriever Hunting

Train your dog to be that great hunting companion you want. Local clubs often host training days to help prepare you and your dog for AKC Retriever Hunting Tests. Hunting tests evaluate your dog's learned retrieving abilities—steadiness, control, response, and delivery.

Good Owners, Great Dogs

A training manual by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson on how to raise a puppy into a happy, well-behaved dog. You'll learn the secrets to being "fun, fair, and firm."

Child-Proofing Your Dog

Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson tell you step-by-step how to prepare your dog for the children in your life.

The Ultimate Labrador Retriever

In the second edition, editor Heather Wiles-Fone covers the origins, history, and breed standard in detail. The importance of training and socialization is emphasized throughout the book, as well as detailed information on feeding, genetics, health care, and inherited conditions.

Canine Herpes Virus

Canine herpes virus, commonly known as fading puppy syndrome, can strike quickly and cause high mortality in a litter. To learn about this disease and the steps to prevent it, read Allison Rogers' flyer, Canine Herpes Virus (2024).

Breeder Judge List

A tool for club judging committees, the Breeder Judge List provides a list of licensed breeder judges and breeder judges interested in sweepstakes and match assignments. Check on how you too can be added to the list.