Characteristics, history, care tips and other useful information for Labrador dogs The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are medium to large sized dogs with a sturdy, athletic build. Labradors are known for their intelligence, gentle nature and good temperament.
Although bred to be hunting dogs, these qualities also make them excellent companions. In addition to their sporting abilities, Labradors can make excellent companion dogs.
They are often trained to become guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the disabled and therapy dogs. You can also see them employed for drug and explosive detection, water rescue dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Overview
GROUP: working dogs
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HEIGHT: : Male: 57–62 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
WEIGHT: Male: 29–36 kg, Female: 25–32 kg
FUR AND COLOR: short-medium long hair, double layered, golden, chocolate or black.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 years
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Characteristics of Labrador dogs
| Level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | Mare |
| Friendship with other animals | Mare |
| The need for physical exercise | Mare |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | Mare |
| Training | Mare |
| Intelligence | Mare |
| Tendency to bark | Mare |
| mute | Mare |
History of the Labrador Retriever breed
Labradors, despite their name, actually originate from Newfoundland. The breed was developed from the St. John’s Water Dog, which is a combination of Terra Nova (Newfoundland) dogs and other small water dog breeds. At the same time, the Terra Nova breed originates from Labrador, so the names of the two dogs are geographically reversed.
In the early 19th century, the Duke of Malmesbury developed an interest in the breed and brought them to England to serve as gundogs in retrieving waterfowl while hunting. The breed became extinct in Newfoundland due to a dog tax intended to protect the quarantine of sheep and English rabies laws. But the English managed to preserve and develop the breed standards known and loved today. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917.
Grooming Labrador Retriever Dogs
Their fur is smooth, water resistant and their tail is similar to that of an otter, making them excellent water dogs. Since they don’t have long hair, it doesn’t take a lot of work to maintain.
The coat cleans itself naturally, so it is not necessary to brush the dog after every walk. However, because Labradors shed a lot, routine weekly brushing is helpful to ensure the distribution of natural oils and the removal of dead hair.
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You’ll need a good vacuum cleaner and expect all your clothes to have at least some dog hair on them. A Labrador Retriever is likely to need a bath every couple of months.
If your dog gets a lot of exercise, his nails will usually dull naturally. But if you hear «click-click» on a hard floor, be sure to shorten your nails if necessary. This may be necessary once or twice a month.
Attention to dental hygiene is important for health and longevity. It is good to brush your dog’s teeth every day or at least two or three times a week. Check his ears weekly for signs of infection, which is common for dogs who get their ears wet from swimming.
The Labrador is best suited to homes where he can get plenty of exercise, attention and training. Labradors have high energy levels and are not suited to apartment living. You’ll want to take your dog for 30-minute walks several times a day and, if possible, visit a dog park where he can burn off his energy. If you have a fenced yard, you can play there with your dog. Keep in mind that Labradors can be escape artists and make sure your dog is tagged and microchipped. Bad dog behavior can develop if the Labrador is left alone for much of the day and doesn’t get enough exercise.
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Labradors love to fetch things and have a tendency to put them in their mouths. Provide them with durable toys and balls to gnaw on.
Train your Labrador at an early age to ensure he behaves well on a leash and follows your commands. This will ensure a good canine companion and not a rowdy, uncivilized dog. Socialization will also help your dog learn to be around visitors, dogs, and other pets without being fearful or defensive.
As true family dogs, Labradors usually get along well with children and are known for being incredibly loyal, loving and active. However, young children should always be supervised around a dog until they learn how to behave around a pet. Once children are old enough to respect a dog, a Labrador Retriever is a good choice for a large family.
Labrador retrievers also do well in multi-pet households, especially if they socialize with other dogs and cats. Always monitor any new additions to ensure all pets are behaving appropriately.
Common health problems
Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some breed-specific hereditary health problems may occur. Below are some diseases you should be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Osteochondrosis (OCD)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Diet and nutrition
Feed your Labrador Retriever two meals a day of 1.25 to 1.5 cups of dry dog food. The amount will vary depending on the size of the dog and its activity level. Nutritional needs change throughout a dog’s life and you should discuss this with your veterinarian at each visit. Make sure you provide your dog with fresh, clean water at all times.
It is common for Labradors to gain weight and become obese, partly because they love food and do not self-regulate well. It’s up to you to distribute the food so that the dog doesn’t eat too much. If you notice that your Labrador has gained weight, discuss with your veterinarian how to change the feeding schedule, type of food, amount of food and exercise. Obesity can shorten a dog’s lifespan.
Advantages
- Intelligent dogs, often used for therapy, to assist the blind or as police dogs
- Loyal, they do well in families with children and other pets
- Good at retrieving items
disadvantage
They need a lot of exercise, attention and training
I lost a lot
Prone to overeating and gaining weight
Other dog breeds and additional information
As with any breed, if you think a Labrador Retriever is right for you, be sure to do your research before purchasing one. Talk to your vet, other Labrador owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers and rescue groups to find out more. If you are interested in similar breeds, research them to compare the pros and cons. There is a whole world of breeds that could be right for you. With a little research you can find the perfect puppy to bring home.
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