Labradors as working dogs

Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and generally good temperaments. Statistics show that 91.5% of Labradors who were tested passed the American Temperament Test. Common working roles for Labradors include: hunting, tracking and detection, disabled-assistance, carting, and therapy work. Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors.

The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is evinced by individuals such as Endal, who during a 2001 emergency is believed to be the first dog to have placed an unconscious human being in the recovery position without prior training, then obtaining the human’s mobile phone, “thrusting” it by their ear on the ground, then fetching their blanket, before barking at nearby dwellings for assistance. A number of Labradors have also taught themselves to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ATMs without prior training.