Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information
The Labrador Retriever is one of the top dogs in many categories: finest scent detecting; most trainable; most friendly with children and other dogs; most successful guide for blind; best swimmer; and, many people claim, best pet. There are three main types of Labrador Retrievers: Yellow Lab (sometimes called Golden Lab), Chocolate Lab, and Black Lab.
Larbradors are quick, intelligent, strong, and playful. They have fantastic endurance. Not really popular in the United States until the 1930s, the Labrador Retriever is now one of the most desirable dogs in the nation. Labrador Retrievers are very loyal and obedient. According to a survey of veterinarians and dog breeders, the Labrador Retriever is the most trainable of all dogs. Even more trainable than the German Shepherd, the Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Blue Heeler), or the Golden Retriever.
Description
- Coat: thick and rough outer coat over soft down water-proof coat
- Colors: yellow, chocolate, black
- Height at withers (withers are the tops of the shoulders): 21.5 - 23.5 inches (55 - 60 cm)
- Weight: 55 - 70 lbs (25 - 32 kg)
- Height at withers (withers are the tops of the shoulders): 22.5 - 24.5 inches (57 - 62 cm)
- Weight: 65 - 80 lbs (30 -36 kg)
History
Labrador Retrievers are actually from Newfoundland. Beginning in the early 1800s, the dogs were imported to England and trained to be gun dogs. Gun dogs used in hunting; and, they must have an even temperament and be trainable. Webbed feet and a water-proof down coat make the Labrador Retriever an excellent swimmer in any weather. The Labrador is an exuberant hunting companion as well as an enjoyable household pet.
Traits
Labrador Retrievers play very well with other dogs and are very well behaved with children, even children they don't know. Labrador Retrievers must be trained not to jump up on visitors. A full-grown Labrador could easily knock a child over. They are so friendly that they are not very likely to bark when strangers come around. Do not get a Labrador to ward off burglars. Of course, for a pet, a dog that doesn't bark much is great.
Labradors have very strong tails that wag almost constantly, so if the dog is inside the house, be prepared for anything on low tables to be knocked over. They have a thick, rough coat; and, shedding will affect furniture, clothing, and carpets anytime Labrador Retrievers are allowed inside.
Larbrador dogs also have a tendency to scavenge for food, get into trash, and other unhealthy activities. If not trained properly, they can become beggars for food anytime someone is eating. Be sure not to reinforce this begging tendency in your Labrador Retriever.
Labrador Retrievers require lots of exercise. They do best with a large yard and a family that is around most of the time. Leaving a Labrador alone for long periods of time makes them anxious. They can become destructive, not out of spite, but out of boredom and nerves. Yellow Labs are slightly more likely to whine or bark for attention and be destructive when left alone.
Health Issues
Pure Bred Labrador Retrievers can have health issues. A few of the more common are hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and laryngeal paralysis. Hip dysplasia is a partly hereditary disease that can be exacerbated by over-weight or excessive rough play as a puppy. The hip joints do not sit properly in the sockets and creates pain for the Labrador. Most eye diseases can be avoided by careful breeding. Laryngeal paralysis is caused by the larynx collapsing on the windpipe resulting in rough breathing, coughing and muted bark. Of all dog breeds, Larbadors are the most susceptible to laryngeal paralysis. Some people have begun to breed Labrador Retrievers with Standard Poodles in order to minimize the health risks and to try for a hypo-allergenic dog. This combination dog is called a Labradoodle.