Labrador Retriever
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General Description
(Lab, Black Labrador Retriever, Yellow Labrador Retriever, Chocolate Labrador Retriever, ) The Labrador Retriever is a strong, medium-sized dog with an athletic, well-balanced appearance. They are a short-coupled breed with a body that is the same or just longer than it is tall. Their back is strong, their topline is level, and their wide, strong loin denotes flexibility. They have a comparatively long neck that is muscular and rises in an arch from the shoulders. Their underbelly is almost straight, with little to no tuck-up being present in adult specimens. Forequarters of this breed are well-muscled, balanced, and sturdy. They have shoulders that are well laid-back and form a 90 degree angle with the upper arm. In addition to enhancing mobility of the dog’s forelegs, this angle allows the dog to achieve a strong forward reach. When perceived from the front, the Labrador Retriever’s front legs are straight and well-boned. Elbows of this breed are located directly under the withers. Their compact feet are strong and feature a set of well-arched toes and well-developed pads. They have sturdy, well let-down hock joints that do not slip or hyper-extend when the dog is standing. The angulations of the stifle and hock joints are designed to achieve ideal balance, drive, and traction. The tail of the Labrador Retriever is thick at its base, and it gradually tapers toward its tip. It is of medium length and it extends no longer than to the hock. The tail’s peculiar and distinctive appearance is often referred to as the “otter” tail. The skull of the Labrador Retriever is wide and well-developed. They have a slightly pronounced brow that prevents the skull from being in a straight line with the nose. Their wedge-shaped head is clean-cut and the skull’s bony structure is well-chiseled beneath the eyes. They have a well-proportioned muzzle and a wide nose with well-developed nostrils. Teeth of this breed are strong and close in a scissors bite, and eyes are medium-sized, set far apart, and are brown or hazel in color. The breed’s ears are set relatively far back, somewhat low on the skull, and are well in proportion. They hang comparatively close to the dog’s head. The Labrador Retriever’s coat is short-haired, straight, and very dense. They have a soft, weather-resistant, protective undercoat. Coat colors for this breed include black, yellow, and chocolate. A small white patch on the dog’s chest may be present.There are two different types of Labradors, English, which are calmer, and stockier (much better for families) and American which are taller and leaner. (Better for hunting) If you are just looking for a family dog, you should go with a good English Lab breeder.
Labrador Retriever is the ideal pet to have around children. They are very good with large and small families.
Their feet also have webs between the toes to aid in swimming.
Character
The Labrador Retriever is an exceptional family companion. They are sweet, affectionate, and patient, and they constantly aim to please. They are highly intelligent, good-natured, and they love to play. Their temperament is reliable and friendly, and they get along very well with children and other dogs. They need to feel as though they are part of the family. This breed is very easy to train. They are not natural guard dogs, but they will bark if they detect a threat. If left unattended for extended periods of time, the Labrador Retriever can become mischievous. Potential owners of this breed should ensure they purchase specimens from a reputable breeder.They come in black, brown, yellow and sometimes red.
They can even be silver, which is considered by the AKC as a shade of brown.
Silvers Labs are registered as Chocolates and are a diluted gene of chocolate. Red labs are registered as yellow labs.
Labradors are the best sniffers in the World. They can search for things all day if a proper situation is created for them inside home itself. It can keep the dog active & fresh on thinking. Labradors require jobs otherwise they tend to become a bit lazy.
Labradors are excellent hunting companions. This is a "job" that keeps them active, mentally and physically stimulated, and happy. Since not everyone is a hunter, playing fetch and allowing your lab to swim when possible are great alternatives. Labradors love the water!
Labradors are some of the best sniffers in the World.Labradors are excellent at hunting ,and playing fetch.
Labradors are also known as the most affectionate and also one of the most intelligent dogs.
Labradors have a beautiful temperment althogh they don't do well with cats unless raised with one because they love to hunt and track.
Size
21 – 24 inches
Weight
55 – 75 pounds
General Health
Like many other large dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Other health concerns include eye problems like PRA. This breed typically lives for 10 to 12 years.The average puppy litter is 8 puppies. Easy whelpers.
Labradors can live more than 12 years if their body weight is kept under control & the dog is allowed to remain jolly i.e. the dog undergoes regular Natural Mental & Physical exercise like freely running on an open field, searching for games, sniffing practices etc. Proper diet is also a major factor in this. 3 times meals for a puppy & 2wice for an adult (2 years or more) in proper quantity is a balanced one.
Labradors are prone to epilepsy.
History
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds throughout the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, the breed was initially used to haul fisherman’s nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800’s by ships coming from Labrador, the place where the breed’s outstanding retrieving instincts were honed and developed. These dogs are exceptional family companions. They have a number of natural talents and abilities, and they excel in drug detection, guide work, and service work. They are excellent obedience and field trial competitors.Labrador Retievers have taken over the Golden Retrievers in the american kennel club as the most popular dog , in 3rd place the German Shepard ,in 2nd place the Golden Retiever , and in 1st place as the number 1 top dog the LABRADOR RETRIEVERS! (as of 2009)
Maintenance
The smooth, short-haired, double coat of the Labrador Retriever is easy to groom and take care of. It should be combed and brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, and extra attention to be given to the dog’s undercoat. This breed should be bathed or dry shampooed only as necessary. They are average shedders.I have found the yellow labs to shed more, I have a yellow and chocolate and the chocolate is an average shedder, but it shows up more on carpet and tile, but the yellow lab shed more and it shows on the couch and when vaccuming the carpet, as well as showing on almost everything I wear.
No one particular color sheds more than the others. It may be that yellow shows up more, but it does not shed more.
Labrador's natural shedding tendency should not be stopped in the puppy stages. They will shed throughout the year when they are puppy & it will continue upto their 1-1.5 years of age. By proper shedding they achieve harder outer coat & dense & softer inner coat within that time. After this stage they molt generally 2wice a year which is quite natural. Whether they are shedding or not, proper brushing 2-3 times a week is required for them to remove the dead hair & skin if any. Some veterinery lotions & conditioners are also available in the market by which they can be softly washed 2-3 times a week. it increases the smoothness of skin & shine of the coat. On an average Labradors are low maintenance dogs compared to other dense coated breeds. Another easy way of grooming is natural grooming for which more than 1 dog is required in the house.
About 80 percent of labs (specificly yellow) on averge love water and will splash their bowl water alot and make a big mess also they play in the mud like they whould in a pond and tear up the lawn. About 20-30 percent of yellow labs DO NOT LIKE WATER as tested by veternariens. The results show that yellow labs are more likely to dislike water. Exposing labs to swimming at a young age is recommended.
Ideal Environment
The Labrador Retriever is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively active breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least an average-sized yard. They are a highly energetic breed that is eager for any opportunity to run around and play. They require a substantial amount of daily physical activity. They like to eat and they have a propensity to become overweight.They should be trained for containment inside the house or the apartment as they have tremendous chewing tendency. It not only harms the household commodities but mostly it harms the dog's health. Once properly vaccinated they should be shown the outside world & the training for their "ALL PLAY OUTSIDE & CALM DOWN INSIDE" starts from there. Like other dogs Labs also shoud not be exposed to outside world freely, for a longer period of time. Their outside & inside timings has to be divided & it will keep the dog satisfied too. One should always remember inside a house a dog will always remain clean & free from diseases. But, obviously they require proper outside exercise as well.
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Review
These dogs are great for families any age or size. They will always be there when you get lonely. they have great senses. Fun to be with. And always can crack a simle on your face. =]
Pros: they love to be your companion and are great for a family with the little ones.
Cons: they tend to be very good hunters so they will hear everything and probably bark.
Review
they are great for all families. Will keep you amused. Also good hunting dogs. They will be there for you when you need it most. And always crack a smile on your face. =]
Pros: they are great companions
Cons: they hear everything and bark whenever.
labs
overall a wonderful dog, but one that requires a lot of time for exercise and play.
Pros: loyal, love kids,and never had one that didn't love to play.
Cons: lots of separation anxiety, they will destroy the house if left unattended but seem to get better with age.
Buy From A Great Breeder
If you buy from a great breeder, as we did with both our labs, you will find a perfect pet for your children. Ours are 15 yrs old, and were raised with our two children. They have been perfect companions. Always well mannered, patient, and affectionate. Our two labs were bought two weeks apart, and that helped to keep them occupied when we were not around.
Pros: The BEST with children, fun personalities, affectionate, loyal, intelligent
Cons: Shedding, can be stubborn, digging, overeating
Review
All around a great dog. Our Yellow Lab Clyde is fantastic with our kids, tends to eat way too much and easily gains weight but has a multitude of stored energy. Extremely muscular and fast in the shoulders great swimmer most of the time thinks he's a member of the family(human) and not a dog. The BEST babysitter in the yard ever!! We love him!!!
Pros: Extremely gentle,loving,protective the BEST dog hands down with children
Cons: A little too protective if not leashed any strange Large dog that comes into the area of myself or children gets beaten up before we even know it has happened
Best all around dog
Our female yellow lab Shammy is the light of our lives! She is VERY smart, VERY loyal, GREAT companion and watch dog. She is very friendly with everyone but can become weary or dog aggressive with large dogs that come into our yard or take her ball or stick. She loves children (but keep in mind if the small child has a ball or toy in his hands the labs natural reaction is to want it) But all around best dog, hands down. Will (and wants) to do whatever you want them to do.
Pros: Very smart/intuative dogs. Great family dogs.
Cons: They can become overweight easily. And if let alone, they become bored/mischievous.
Labrador Retrievers
Labs are great dogs, great for hunting and child companions. Love to be with people and are very easy to train. They are an awesome breed that is great with kids and other dogs.
Pros: Good with kids and other dogs. Also very nice and sweet.
Cons: Destructive if left alone long sections of time.
Labs
For me Labs are just a plain breed, just like terriers, golden retreivers and pugs. They are great to have as pets. They're not too fancy, but they're great companions for many people. I really love Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Huskys, King Charles Cavalier, Pomeranians, Beagles, Greyhounds and all those fancy types. But I think that Labs are easy to take care of and they are practically the best companions for anyone. Though they have many issues with their joints because they run a lot, they are amazing pets. They have a kind heart and are ready to care for you. Labs are highly intelligent.
Pros: They are very loyal, great hunters, strong swimmers.
Cons: They have many joint problems and theres too many of them.