Labrador Retriever

Breed:

The Labrador Retriever is one of the oldest of the modern recognized breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, pedigrees exist since 1878.

In the U.S., there are two "lines" of Labradors: field lines which have been bred with an emphasis on hunting ability, and show line Labradors that have been bred keeping in mind structure and temperament.

The Labrador Retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a water-resistant double coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate colour. The Labrador's tail serves as an efficient rudder, aiding the dog in the strongest currents.

The Lab's versatility is not only as a hunting dog but also as good companions.

Origin:

Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The Lab actually developed in Newfoundland, from where it made its way to England, probably with fishermen who worked off the coast of the eastern Canadian provinces. There, in order to avoid confusion with the larger, heavy-coated Newfoundland dog, it was called the Labrador.

The original Labrador Retriever was a versatile working dog, able to rescue drifting nets, bring back shot waterfowl, and drag the catch to market in carts. Once in England, his nose brought him fame as a hunting dog, a job he continues even today.

Personality:

The Labrador Retriever is medium in size, strong, athletic, and well balanced. It is friendly, lively, outgoing, and possesses an extremely sweet personality.
The breed is highly intelligent, loyal and thrives on human companionship and attention. They need to feel as though they are part of the family. They are absolutely wonderful with children and get along exceedingly well with other dogs. They may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. Labs make good watchdogs, but not good guard dogs
If a Labrador is left alone for extended periods of time without attention or stimulation, it becomes lonely, bored, and destructive. Labs are easily trained.

Home adjustment:

Labradors are a well-balanced and remarkably versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions/environments as well as making very good pets.
They are easily trained and are a very obedient breed. They are friendly dogs and are great with children.
Labs are not excessively prone to territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits and thus are good in adjustment.
They are, however, prone to chewing objects, though they can easily be trained. Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.

Care:

The Labrador Retriever requires regular grooming/brushing with a firm bristle brush to keep shedding under control. Special care should be given to the under coat to prevent mats and tangles. Bathing or dry shampooing should only be done when absolutely necessary.
Labrador Retrievers are prone to health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia, arthritis, eye disorders.
Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate food to avoid a tendency to become overweight.
Labs need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
Labrador Retrievers must have regular opportunities to expel their energy and do interesting things, or else they will become bored.

Menu: