Labradors may be genetically 'hard-wired' for greed

A study of labrador DNA revealed more than a fifth of the dogs carry a genetic variation which could predispose them to food-seeking and weight gain

Labrador dogs are well known for being fond of their food, but new research suggests their greedy nature could be down to genetic mutation.

Labrador retrievers are top dog in the UK, with 32,507 animals newly registered with the Kennel Club in 2015 alone. But the breed is well known for its tendency to develop a portly form, a concern given the variety of health problems - from diabetes to heart disease - linked to obesity.