Labrador retriever, breed of large sporting dog whose origins are obscure but whose immediate ancestors were developed in Newfoundland and brought to England in the early 1800s. It stands about 23 in. (58.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 75 lb (27.2-34.1 kg). The dense, short coat is flat and oily, providing great resistance to cold weather and icy water. Its color may be black, chocolate, or yellow. The Labrador retriever is widely used to hunt both waterfowl and upland game birds; its loyal and gentle disposition has made it very popular as a companion dog. See dog.