The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador, once known as the Lesser Newfoundland, is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in Canada, the United States (since 1991),and the United Kingdom. It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in Canada, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Labradors are very athletic: they love to swim, play catch/frisbee, and are great with young children.