While they are certainly not the only breed working tirelessly as assistance dogs, Labradors make up a significant proportion of them. Choosing just one breed for this feature was especially difficult this week.

Originally hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, Labradors were bred to assist fishermen by retrieving nets and catching fish. Their friendly and gentle nature made them ideal for working closely with humans, and these qualities have carried through to their modern-day roles as guide and assistance dogs and beloved family pets in homes around the country. Whether guiding a person with a visual impairment, alerting to a medical episode, or offering emotional support, Labradors are exceptional partners. Image 1 of 3

Making a splash — a chocolate Labrador channelling its aqua herit

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