Labrador Retriever Dog Names

Throughout history, countless Labrador Retrievers have graced both the big screen and the small screen. The breed has also been seen in several books and alongside the many celebrities who love them. They’ve even been depicted on postage stamps and served alongside political leaders and members of the armed forces. Labrador Retrievers are well-known for the capabilities as service dogs, and many have received honors for the contributions to their handlers. They are also incredible working dogs that serve well in jobs that allow them to use their powerful noses.

Few Labradors are as famous as Marley, though. Affectionately called “The World’s Worst Dog” in the novel Marley and Me by Josh Grogan and subsequent film, Marley is a real-life yellow Lab who participated in more than his fair share of mischief.

As a member of the Grogan family, Marley engages in a full range of neurotic behavior. From getting thrown out of obedience school to destroying the entire house during thunderstorms, he provides plenty of material for author John’s newspaper column. The story follows Marley through his entire life and is much-loved by dog lovers spanning the globe. While nearly impossible to train, Marley proves to be a lovable and indispensable member of the family during this 13 years with the Grogans.

A yellow Lab is also in the spotlight in the Disney classic Old Yeller, which is based on the novel of the same name by Fred Gipson. The book tells the story of a young boy, Travis, and a stray dog named Old Yeller in Texas in the late 1800s. The dog has a habit of stealing meat which does not initially earn him any affection from Travis, but he later saves the boy’s younger brother from a bear attack and becomes a member of the family.

When defending the family from a wolf attack, he is bitten. The family quarantines the dog and watches him for several weeks before realizing that he has rabies. Travis is forced to put his companion down. In doing so, he takes his first step toward being an adult and learns of life and death. Though he initially refuses a puppy fathered by Old Yeller, the pup eventually steals a piece of meat (and Travis’ heart) and becomes a member of the family with the name “Young Yeller” in honor of the dog who fathered him. Though his story was cut short by the incurable disease, Old Yeller is one of the most recognized Labs in literature.