Labrador retrievers are known for their amazing good looks, lovability, sweetness, happiness and exuberance for life. They are #1 on the AKC's most popular dog list for a reason. Labs have not only been our loyal companion and family dogs for a very long time, but they have also been bred to be bird retrievers that are made to hunt, run and swim all day by their owner's side. The old English lab has been bred to be a little more on the mellow side, but the American field lab has been bred to be very athletic and full of energy with longer legs. Labs make such wonderful pets, but it's very important to understand that they need a lot of exercise, off-leash fun and play time with other doggy pals.