• Origins and History
• Puppy Care
• Training
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Breed Standards
• The Complete Gundog
• Breeding
• Showing
• The Labrador Retriever Worldwide
• And Much More

For any of us that have seen them at work or play in the fields and in the water, their unique combination of physical attributes and obvious intelligence makes them the ideal human companion. I should know; I live with four of them! The proof of their adaptability to almost any condition and their loyalty, intelligence, and unparalleled work ethic is demonstrated by the wide use of them as guide dogs and as adjunct partners for the physically handicapped. Stories of Labradors crawling out onto the ice to save their masters are legendary, as are the tales of them rescuing children from fires or from underneath rubble. Never has there been a dog superior to them.

The author has recruited a wide variety of experts to testify as to the qualities and abilities of the dog, and one walks away from a reading of the book much better informed as to the all of the many qualities and capabilities of the breed, which seems to represent an astonishing list of useful and worthwhile attributes. We also get quite critical information as to what to look for when choosing a lab, and how to analyze the quality of the puppy you see before you. The author offers a compendium of information regarding genetics, feeding, health care, and inherited dispositions, as well as some sage advice as to how to ensure your puppy becomes the grown up Labrador companion you will come to view as another family member. This is a great book, and one I heartily recommend! Enjoy!


Has it's good points and bad points   December 7, 2003
 12 out of 17 found this review helpful

I don't find this book to be anything special. Although certain things about this book are fantastic, other aspects are annoying or inadequate. Let me start with what is good about the book.

Good points:
Excellent photography, beautiful pictures of dogs.
Outstanding descriptions of the breed standard, presented in a very educational and helpful way.
A good amount of information on competition, breeding and current breeders.

Bad points:
Too much information which is not useful to the typical pet owner, and not enough information that is useful... information is quite sparse on puppy training, socialization, etc.
Annoyingly obvious British colloquial language style, and not particularly well written or readable by any standard.
Lame attempts at scientific presentations of nutrition and anatomy, when this person is obviously not a scientist.
Scattery accounts of the breed history, filled with quotes without much useful elaboration.


The Ultimate Labrador Retriever   May 24, 2000
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This Book is very informative, it covers all aspects of the Labrador Retriever. An interesting history of the Labrador and its development is included. I found the book very helpful in assessing the conformation and pedigree of my puppy. The Ultimate Labrador Retriever gives the reader both UK and US standards for conformation, as well as showing and titles offered. Many of the world's top Labradors and top Labrador kennels are discussed. Genetic disorders and general health care are discussed in depth. AS a first time Labrador Retriever owner, I found this book to contain all the information I will need, starting with choosing a puppy and covering all bases through training and showing in all disciplines. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would, without hesitation, recommend it to any Lab enthusiast.