Lardy Labs

A fat Labrador. Photo: pixabay

Labrador retrievers are well known most for their insatiable appetites - but it may all be genetic.

UK-based researchers have found the scientific reason why  the breed is obsessed with food and perhaps leads to their weight gain.

They found a fault in a gene known to switch off hunger, which tips the scales towards a 2kg gain in some Labradors, unlike dogs that don't have it. 

It's also thought that this is why Labradors make such good service dogs because they are naturally more food driven and therefore easier to train.

Dr Elsa Flint is an animal behaviour expert and runs Animals with Attitude. 

She talks to Paul Brennan about Labs and their endless appetites.

And here are some images of unsuitable labs sent by our listeners: 

Meet Eddie. Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. An oil slick found under his basket weeks later was the only evidence of a pound of butter taken off a bench. .. not even butter paper was left to indicate the crime.

Betty Loza, of Napa, California

Millie from Upper Hutt.

this one eats people! image from @ThinkWriteLive

Richie, 13, is a very friendly retired guide dog. His owner, Jill Shaw says they keep his weight down so as not to put more stress on his arthritic joints and spine.

Send pictures of your dog to afternoons@radionz.co.nz