Labrador retrievers are from water dogs that originated in Canada. They are an intelligent, gentle breed that love to play, and are notorious for their appetite as well. Regular walks and exercise will take care of the Labrador's occasional bursts of energy, while sufficient and consistent training can produce a guide animal loyal to its owner and reliable for tasks needed done by handicapped people.
Labahoulas can come in a variety of solid colors and patchwork fur, courtesy more of the Catahoula breed than the Labrador. Labradors tend to be in solid white, yellow, brown or black, with the other colors coming out on top of the white in some dogs. Not often, a Labrador will be tri-colored. Catahoulas, on the other hand, frequently have the Merle gene and appear in 'leopard' pattern, with black, red, brown, white and tan base colors overlaid with patches of the same color, but lighter in shade. Due to this, Catahoulas can be tri- or even quad-colored.
Most Labahoulas will have a single coat, but some inherit the Labrador's double coat. Single 'coarse' or 'slick' coats are desired, rather than double coats that can grow to be woolly or shaggy in appearance. Coarse coats will be slightly longer and thicker than slick coats, which are shorter and grow close to the skin.
Labahoulas are intelligent animals with stable temperament. They rely more on human interaction than other breeds, however, and may misbehave if left alone for long periods of time. They are naturally wary of anything or anyone out of the ordinary, and with a little training, can be effective watchdogs. They can be pushy when their regular routine is disrupted or neglected, but are usually gentle and protective, especially with children.
Single coats will benefit from once a week brushing, while regular bathing may be necessary for an active service animal.
Labahoulas thrive on constant attention from their owners. Training should not be problematic for this breed. Sessions should be brief and repetitive for each command, with consistent signals and occasional treats, as well as verbal praise.
If used as service animals, Labahoulas will not want for physical exertion. They valued in hunting, and, with training, can herd livestock as well. Otherwise, an hour of daily exercise is sufficient.