Labrador Retriever

No. Fox red is simply a deep shade of yellow, and kennel clubs register these dogs as yellow Labradors. The color comes from the same genetics that produce pale cream dogs, only with richer pigment. It has become popular again over the last 20 years, largely through working lines, but temperament and health testing should drive your choice far more than shade.

Part of it is breeding and part may be genetics. Many Labradors carry a POMC gene variant that dampens the feeling of fullness, so they keep hunting for food after a proper meal. Weigh portions, use slow feeders and puzzle toys, and resist the pleading eyes. If constant hunger comes with weight loss, heavy drinking or other changes, ask a vet to check your dog.

These are informal names for show lines and field lines, not separate breeds or official types. So-called English Labs are usually show-bred, stockier and calmer, with a broad head and thick tail. American Labs tend to be field-bred, taller, leaner and more intense. Plenty of dogs fall between the two descriptions, so meet the parents rather than relying on the label.

It can, provided it gets out properly every day. A Lab that has had an hour of walking, sniffing and retrieving is usually quiet indoors. The harder part is the first 2 years, when a bouncy puppy in a small space can be destructive, and stairs, which are tough on young joints. Easy access to a park or open ground makes a big difference.

Most Labradors start to settle between 2 and 3 years old, though field-bred dogs can stay lively for longer. Exercise, training and daily routine all influence the timing. You can help by teaching a 'settle on your mat' routine early and offering mental work such as scent games, rather than only more running, which tends to build even more stamina.