muscular breed of sporting dog known for its dependability as a guide dog for the blind and as a search-and-rescue dog; coat is water-repellent, short, and dense and has a thick, hard undercoat; may be solid black, dark brown, yellow, reddish, or cream; ears are relatively small, are set far back on head, and hang loosely almost to side of neck; tail is short, thick, and rounded and carried gaily; eyes express intelligence and are either brown, black, or yellow; adult stands 21–25 in. (53–64 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 55–75 lbs (25–34 kg); even-tempered; prefers very active lifestyle; despite its name, originated in Newfoundland (not Labrador) as early as the 17th century; used by hunters to retrieve waterfowl; breed gradually died out in Newfoundland because of a heavy dog tax and strict quarantine laws; breed revived in England soon after; makes an ideal pet for households with children,