In a nutshell: Top of the pops in the UK

Also known as: Labs, Andrex dogs

Description - Well-built dog, coat short, entirely waterproof, available in yellow, black and chocolate, multi-talented dog and used in various jobs.

Temperament - Fantastic temperaments making them the UK's No.1 pet with around 32,000 as pets. Labradors are capable of taking all the knocks of a rough and tumble family. Very loyal and affectionate. The working strain gives a little bit of sharpness but has no aggressive traits.

Advantages as an agility dog:-

• Very intelligent and wonderful ability to learn
• A fit Labrador is an agile dog
• Tend to be very accurate and precise
• Very good stamina. They thrive on huge amounts of exercise
• Good clearance of jumps
• Can turn very tightly round a piece of equipment
• Good turn of speed
• Learn quickly

Disadvantages as an agility dog:-

• Speed. Many are overweight and unfit.
• Prefers working in winter/cooler weather
• Doesn't have quite the flexibility of a collie

Rating out of 10: Purely as an agility dog 8/10. Will give 110% if asked but hasn’t the fluidity of movement of a collie, but as a pet first, then agility dog 9/10.

Examples of dogs that have done well in agility - A true working Lab doesn’t seem to have been around for people to see. The image of a Lab is the Show one which is almost a different breed.

• Echo (Shronerwood Marbled White) - Working Labrador Retriever Owned and handled by The Watts Family - Won Elementary, Starters, ABC, Juniors, two seconds at Crufts Juniors, second Olympia 2000 in Pedigree Chum ABC. A fantastic team/pair dog.
• Jed (Black Jed of Biggleswade) - Working Labrador Retriever owned and handled by Lorrina Gilbert. Won into Seniors and is having continued success in Senior classes.

What is it like to live with? Wonderful. If looking for a dog as an agility dog foremost the Labrador is not a good choice but as a family pet with so many excellent qualities they make a wonderful choice Very easy, adapts to any situation, fantastic temperament. They relax when not wanted for work but will immediately go to full alert if required. Good watchdog and easy coat for maintenance.

Would you buy another one for agility? Don’t know. Ask me in a year’s time.

Source: Sam Watts & Jill Hill

From Paul & Cathy Steacy
In reading other comments it seems to me that people tend to review things too personally. I own Labrador Retrievers and would love to see them ranked in the top three but not so... As an agility trainer of seven years and being exposed to teaching all breeds, I found this study to be an interesting GUIDELINE - not the gospel but a very good guideline when approaching a breed and its owner in class.