Labrador Retrievers, after humble beginnings as working dogs from the rugged Canadian Atlantic coast, today occupy the top spot among U.S. canines. Like other youngsters, Lab puppies today are born into a world of endless possibilities: hunter, show dog, leading the blind, using their noses and intelligence to help law enforcement officers or just being someone's best friend. Since 1991, Labrador Retrievers have been among the most popular dogs in America. They are prized for their intelligence, loyalty, friendliness and rugged good looks. But, even for Lab puppies and their adult counterparts, pretty is as pretty does.
Labs have also taken their places among the elite of working dogs. Many Labs are part of the FBI's corps of Chemical Explosives Dogs. Intelligent and quick learners, Labs are ideal for learning the more than 19,000 different combinations of explosives materials they must seek out.
After the destruction of the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001, Labrador Retrievers were among the canine heroes that worked to find survivors and victims in the rubble. One of the most heroic tales of that day was the story of Roselle, a 3 1/2 year-old Lab guide dog who led her blind owner down 78 flights of stairs to safety.
Not all Lab puppies grow up to be such heroes. Still, many have found themselves in the public eye over the years. In 1938, Blind of Arden, a 4-year-old Lab owned by W. Averell Harriman, was the first dog ever pictured on the cover of Life magazine. Similarly, it was a black Lab named King Buck, which was the first dog on a U.S postage stamp. That was in 1951.
Since then, Lab puppies have grown into some very important and even glitzy supporting roles. Basketball great Karl Malone has a chocolate Lab named Abigail; and actress Penelope Ann Miller shares the spotlight with a yellow Lab. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne have two Labs, Jackson and Davey, and Prince William of England has a black Lab named Widgeon as a favorite companion.
In some instances, dogs even become stars. Madison, a young yellow Lab, plays Vincent on the hit ABC series, "Lost". Madison belongs to Walt, a youngster stranded on the island after a plane crash. This may well make him the most recognizable TV dog since Moose portrayed Eddie on "Frasier".
And, then there is the most visible of all Lab puppies, the one who is the star of the Cottenelle bathroom tissue commercials.
But, maybe the clearest indication of America's love affair with Labrador Retrievers is that U.S.A Today has reported that the best selling calendars in the country are those with photos of Labs, including Lab puppies, on their pages. Yes, each year Americans buy more Lab calendars than those with any other theme, including rock stars, super models, NFL cheerleaders, cute babies and exotic travel destinations. If that doesnt' prove that Lab puppies occupy a special place in the hearts of dog lovers, nothing does.
