The following information is copied verbatim from "Your Purebred Puppy, A Buyer's Guide" by Michele Lowell -- an excellent, invaluable book with information on over 160 dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever
Fine for Novice Owners
Good with Children
Large in Size
Short Coat

EXERCISE REQUIRED
TRIMMING/CLIPPING REQUIRED
AMOUNT OF SHEDDING
ACITIVITY INDOORS
EASE OF TRAINING
SOCIABILITY WITH STRANGERS                              
High          Med          Low
                 8=8
                                   8=8
                 8=8
                 8=8
8=8
8=8
Temperament

          This is another of the finest family dogs in the world.  He is so steady, good-natured, and adaptable that he does fine in the city if given vigorous daily exercise and allowed to carry sticks and fetch balls.  Some can be destructive if left alone too much.  He is usually more conservative and more independent than the Golden Retriever.  Most are friendly with strangers, some are slightly reserved.  He gets along well with other animals.  He's willing to please and very responsive to obedience training, but he's spirited, so he should be trained by a strong owner who will work calmly and consistently with him.  Commands such as heel, down, and stay are important in keeping him from becoming too rambunctious.  Some Labs have necks like bulls and barely notice tugs on the leash.
History

          He originated in Canada, but in the province of Newfoundland -- not Labrador.  He was fully developed by the British as a water retriever.  With his speed and drive, he is now the king of national retriever trials.  He is also a family hunting dog, a guide for the blind, a narcotics detection dog, and a companion.  AKC popularity: 3rd of 130 breeds.
Physical Features
1.
2.


3.
He stands 21 1/2 - 24 1/2 inches and weighs 55-75 pounds.
His coat is straight and dense and needs brushing once a week.  He is black, yellow (dark golden or light cream), or chocolate (dark brown).  A little white on his chest is allowed. 
Note
: Yellow Labs are not called golden Labs.
His ears hang down.  His eyes are dark but may be yellow in chocolate dogs.  His nose is black on black and yellow dogs, brown on chocolate dogs, but may fade to pinkish during cold weather.  His teeth meet in a level bite.  His tail is covered thickly with short hair to give a rounded appearance described as an "otter tail."
Health Problems

          He is susceptible to hip dysplasia, PRA, cataracts, eyelid/retinal abnormalities, and bloat.  Buy only from OFA- and CERF-registered parents.
Cautions when Buying

          THERE ARE MANY LABRADORS AROUND -- BE  VERY CAREFUL.  Labs are divided into field types and show types.  A Lab from show lines is heavier and more thickly built, and you shouldn't expect him to work like a Lab from field lines.  The Labs that make the best pets tend to come from the the dual (field and show) or show lines; field Labs are often too packed with energy and drive to be at their best as pets.  If you buy this breed from a poor breeder, you could end up with a tall, rangy, hyperactive Labrador.  Don't choose the boldest, most independent, or most energetic Lab puppy, and don't choose a timid puppy.