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Labrador Retriever Information

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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.

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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. Also the Labrador Retriever is the ideal pet to have around children. They are very good with large and small families. On a side note, Silvers Labs are registered as Chocolates and are a diluted gene of chocolate. Red labs are registered as yellow labs.

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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.

Labradors are some of the best sniffers in the world and make great hunting companions. They love a job or a task that keeps them mentally and physically active. Since not everyone is a hunter, a great substitution could be playing fetch or teaching them to swim. Labradors love the water! Labradors require jobs otherwise they tend to become a bit lazy. They are also known as one of the most affectionate and intelligent dogs. Labradors have a beautiful temperament although they may not do well with cats unless raised with one because they love to hunt and track.

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Size

21 – 24 inches

Female: 21-24 inches Male: 24-28 inches

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Weight

55 – 75 pounds

Females:55-65 pounds Males:75-85 pounds

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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 litter size is 8 puppies. Labradors can live more than 12 years if their body weight is kept under control and the dog undergoes regular natural mental and physical exercise. They enjoy freely running on an open field, searching for toys and sniffing practice. Proper diet is also a major factor in long life. Some Labradors may be prone to epilepsy and all are prone to bloat.

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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 Retrievers have taken over Golden Retrievers in the American Kennel Club list of the most popular dog. Golden Retrievers come in a close second while German Shepherds come in third. (as of 2009

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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.

About 80 percent of Labradors love water and enjoy splashing in their water bowls. The other 20 percent of Labradors do not like water as tested by veterinarians. The results show that yellow labs are more likely to dislike water. Exposing labs to swimming at a young age is recommended.

Labradors won't swim until there about 3-5 months old. Be sure to give them a lot of praise when they do and they will become masterful swimmers.

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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.

The Brittany Spaniel should be taken out for runs, or at least daily walks. It is recommended to have a back yard for it to play in. This dog enjoys strenuous exercise and loves to play and interact with it's owners.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site.

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My 8 month old will not be out side for more than 1 minute before she whimes and barks like CRAZY!! I've tried waiting by the door until she barks and then telling her no in a ferm voice... haven't tried bark collors but SDhe very enoying and I will soon be fined!

All you have to do is put her on a leash and go out with her. Untill she finds the outside world ineresting enough to explore by herself. Keep going out with her every time for 10 min or so, and then start doing it with out the leash. After a couple of weeks, you should be able to be outside but be by your door, and she will go do her thing. It will take time, put out some stuff for her to play with, but only use a bark coller as a very last result, she sound just like she wants to be with you!

Labs are people dogs, they want to be where the people are!!. She wants you to join her outside. At 8 months old, supervising her while outside is a good idea..This will prevent the development of bad habits like digging, barking, also prevent accidents like eating poisinous plants, chewing inappropiate things, or her playing and forgetting to go to the bathroom and having an accident in doors; This is also a good time for training fetch, come, sit, and your term for doing her duty. Wishing you the best, lab puppies are wonderful!!

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We love our 11 month old grandpuppy...a beautiful black lab,Dash. My daughter a single mom has to work and she does walk him and exercise him but he chews up the furniture when she goes to work.She has blocked him into smaller areas but he seems to always find something to destroy. Any suggestions?

Mischievious behavior disapates when a labrador is given things to accomplish, like fetch and catch and the usual commands. The dog wants companionship and interaction and the behavior shows it.

The other consideration, along with upping the exercise is to consider containing him in a crate or kennel when your daughter is gone. In a dog safe kennel or crate he would me much safer. Labs have long puppyhoods and need exercise and proper containment. If it makes her feel better she can have a good neighbor perhaps come over mid day and let him out for some fetch and a potty break. We have 3 labs right now and have had them all our lives, we love them! But you do have to work hard on prevention, rather then clean up.

Puppies can really try your patience, but with training and some maturing on the dogs part, this behavior will pass. My yellow caused alot of trouble when she was a pup. Try some new toys, and be sure to let the dog know its done bad when you come home to damages, and then even tho you are home try giving the dog a timeout, instead of any normal greeting activities. Timeout being inside, no toys, and away from people. Sounds corny i know, but has been effective for me. Labs crave love, attention, and approval, the two things that hit home with mine the most are the words bad dog, and being seperated from the family. I know right away when mine has been up to no good while i was out, because she will not come to greet me at the door, instead she will hide and also avoid the "crime scene". She is very very good these days tho so its sticks out like a sore thumb when she acts that way. When she was in her phase of destructiveness, i got into the habit of coming home and not acknowledging her at all until i had checked the house over for damage. Then we could either have a nice reunion or a punishment session, but i did it this way to avoid mixed msgs. The dog eventually got it that one way was alot more fun than the other. Lucky for you Labs are some of the smartest dogs around, yours will certainly get the hang of it if you are training him correctly.

Try a crate, they give the puppy a lovely 'den' and makes it feel secure.

i think that you should get a crate, that will stop him from chewing the furniture and you could get him some chews as well.

You could get a crate where he will feel safe but don't worry he will stop chewing when he gets older he is probably still teething.

Yeah, I agree with the crate idea. You could allso try and get some of that furniture spray stuff that you spray onto furniture and it usually stops the dog from chewing it. My yellow and chocolate lab used to chew furniture when they were puppys,but they dont chew it anymore. I keep my dogs in a crate too. Just get someone to let the dog out of the crate about every 3 or 4 hours and he should be fine.

you should not have gotten that puppy at 3 weeks at age. Usually puppies cannot leave their mom untill they are 8 weeks, because they still have to learn to interact and play with their litter mates, and learn social skills. Taking a puppy away so young will make it nervous around other dogs and humans. They also do not have control over bowel movement so dont be surprised if you can't potty train it!

I could not agree more. Crate training is the best way to protect your belongings when you are not home. I have been raising Labs for more then 15 years and the first year you need a lot of patience. I also leave the radio or TV on when I am not home. That way the pup does not feel like it has been abandoned without human contact for long periods of time.

Ditt on the crate or confinement. I don't have a crate, but I block my 5 month old lab in my bathroom with a baby gate--she's big enough now that I need two baby gates, one on top of the other...but I also have to pick everything up off of the floor (i.e. the garbage can) because if it's there for her, she's going to chew it or get into it. No need to create a situation where she'll mess up when I'm not there to correct her. I even remove the toilet paper from the roll because she had a field day with that once...the best thing to do is confine to a space where there are no opportunities for chewing anything that should not be chewed. I leave a few of her toys with her and leave her with a Kong filled with peanut butter when I leave so she is quite content to see me go because she's busy with that. And when I get home she's usually snoozing away and happy to see me but not stressed at all.

I have a 5 month old chocolate lab and I think I used the crate 3 times. We emtied a room and put her in but she managed to chew some of the base boards. We found a kind of mussel that she can drink out of. It is netted. So in the mornig we put her mussel on and leave her loose in the house. she is housebroken already so it makes it much easier. But since we started the mussel trick at night she sleeps in our bedroom andnever once did I wake up to find something chewed. I guess it depends on each dog but I lov the mussel. She can drink, break, and she doesn't sweat considering it is a kind of netting. You should try that!

I would put him outside so he will learn to not chew anything up and i know it is hard to do that because he might run away but chain him up ps:if he does run away it is not my fault. but just do it

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I have a chocolate lab who is about 7 years old and he is fat. I don't really know how he got 2 be over weight because we feed him treats like brocoilli. He gets lots of exercize cause we have a kitten that likes 2 chase him. Any ideas?

labs will eat any thing left lying around someones i know once ate a slug farm so just check it's not as simple as he is eating out of the bin!

When you leave the house, make sure you take the bin out with you and dispose of all remains of food lying around. I have had a Labrador that a caught raiding the bin when I came home early from work.

Labs are hearty eaters. You should try measuring your labs food feeding him around two-three cups of his dog food a day. And not offer as many treat during the day. Eukanuba now has a great dog food for labs that is made to help them burn fat instead of keeping it. Labs tend to get overweight more easily if they have been spayed/neutered also.

Yeah I had two chocolates. I filled the bin with a brand new 50lb bag of food. They radied it while I was gone and ate almost half of it! These are very smart problem solving dogs. Mine even taught themselves how to open the gate. As far as weight goes, my vet said that you should be able to see the outline of their hips but you shoulder never see any ribs.

My yellow lab was once severly overweight, he got diabetes, he was old and slow. It was the death of him.NO TABLE SCRAPS AND LOTS OF EXERCIZE. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!

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i have bought a Black Lab, which is just 3 weeks old, What shud i be feeding it and till when(months)? And i one i have is complete black but has some white patches near Neck and on its toes does this colour erase when i grows or would it have an mixed colour of balck and white ?

as i understand it, it is common for labs to have a patch of white on the chest. Ive not heard of white feet tho, but i wouldnt be worried. The white patches will prob become less pronounced as it grows into adulthood but will most likely remain to some degree. I have a yellow female lab and she has a little white and is 5yrs old. For the best feeding advice you should ask your vet, or if you find a good pet store, at least one of the clerks should have good advice for you and be able to answer all your questions. Really tho, any name brand puppy chow should be fine, i have always bought eagle brand.

Ask the breeder what it was feeding the puppy, and if you are happy to carry on with this diet, you can but if not, and you want to give it a different food then you should gradually change it. Such as putting a bit more of the new food into the old food each day. Soon it will live on the new food.

At 3 weeks old, your puppy should still be feeding from their mother. Take your pup to your own or nearest vet as your pup's immune system is not fully developed at this early stage in their young lives. The person who sold you this pup should be ashamed of themselves. The vet should be able to advise of the liquid feed they will be needing. Normally pup's can leave their mums from 6wks onwards. In Great Britain they normally will then need to be vaccinated at 8 and 10 wks, different countries may vary slightly, and require further vaccs and then future boosters. Regarding colour, both yellow Labs, chocolate and black can have small patches of white included in their coat. It stays the same colour throughout their lives.

The white spot if on chest is not a big deal and neither is the white if it's on the bottom of your labs feet. The spot on chest may not go away but be less noticable, and on feet will not be very noticable and will sometimes go away. White on the bottom of feet are called "Bolo Marks". It is named after CH Banchory Bolo an lab from earlier years said to pass this on to his generations. Very strange that the breeder gave you the puppy so young, I never let one leave before 8wks. old.

You should feed a 3 week old puppy, puppy formula in a bottle from a pet store them ween him off in I think when he is eight weeks old.

You shouldve taken it back to the person you got it from unless you bred it yourself. No one would give away a puppy until it was 7 weeks old or higher. Feed it formula until 6 weeks of age. Its not even at weaning age.

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Labrador Retriever, puppy, chocolate,black&white

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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.

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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.

Rating:

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.

Rating:

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

Rating:

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.

Rating:

Awesome Dog

I have owned many different breeds of dog and now have a 2 1/2 year old female Lab. I was very surprised at how much she wants to please. They seem to live for your approval! She is very much a part of our family and we wouldn't have it any other way. I would caution you though...be sure that you socialize them as puppies...OFTEN. I am not good in crowds and though I tried to socialize her when she was young...she must've picked up on my nervousness...not her fault. Now, she does not do well in crowds. She is ok with visitors but only after we introduce her and praise her for approaching new friends by herself. Overall, I would recommend this breed to just about anyone.

Pros: Loyal, great with kids, eager to please, great hunters, very lovable, easy to train, very intelligent, very curious.

Cons: Overeats, can be destructive if left with no bone to chew on. If not socialized properly can be aggressive or timid.

Rating:

Greatest Dog I have ever owned

Highly suggested for anyone who loves Dogs. This Breed is very compatible with families or singles. Very loyal and always by your side to the point I call mine "Shadow". Very loving, enjoys fetching a ball, walks, running after rabbits, and anything else.

Pros: My Black Lab is 4 and I have had him since he was 3 months old. He has gotten between me and a Black Bear to keep me from harm. He knows when my back is giving me a problem and curls up at the small of my back to warm it.. We have 19 grand children and he loves them all. Quick to learn new tricks even today at 4!

Cons: He thinks he owns the entire city block and will bark at everyone and anyone who he can or can not see but can smell!

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Labrador Retriever Information

Labrador Retriever

General Description

Character

Size

Weight

General Health

History

Maintenance

Ideal Environment

Dog Training!

Find your new Labrador Retriever

Puppies For Sale

Find a Breeder

Rescue a Dog

Discuss the Labrador Retriever breed on our Forum!

Ask a QuestionLabrador Retriever Q&A

View more Labrador Retriever Questions and Answers

Ask your Labrador Retriever question on our Forum!

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Write a ReviewLabrador Retriever Reviews

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Review

labs

Buy From A Great Breeder

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Best all around dog

Labrador Retrievers

Labs

Awesome Dog

Greatest Dog I have ever owned

Labrador Retriever Information