Labrador Retriever Information

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(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

21-28 inches

Female: 21-24 inches Male: 24-28 inches
Male: 24-28 inches Female: 21-24 inches
Male: 51-57cm Female: 56-52 cm
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Weight

55 – 100 pounds

Male: 75-105 Female: 55-85
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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.

This breed is prone to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures of the knee. Avoid running them down hills and never throw toys underhand, forcing them to jump.

This breed is also prone to ear infection. Buildup will occur in the folds of the ear and will need to be cleaned regularly.

Average life expectancy is 10-13 years.

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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.

This breed requires a fair amount of daily exercise. At least two 30 minute walks a day and off leash time if possible.

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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. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Labrador Retriever Q&A

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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our 2yo male purebred lab is not desexed and has a great temperament. he has gone through all the normal puppy stages and is now generally well behaved, with the exception of having to 'mark' everything when we are out for a walk... will he grow out of this??? my main question, though, is that we have been asked if we are interested in mating him, and have heard that undesexed males can tend to want to roam once they have been mated.. is this true? because we are happy with him now, we don't want to have to get him desexed if we go ahead with this 'proposal'. also what is the going rate for his services?

I have had a couple of labs that were never cut and they never grew out of it. Its just a male thing. I have seen cut ones do the same thing so dont tell them they are doing wrong they are just dogs.

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when will my yellow lab, Pearl, come into heat and how long will it last.

correct time to breed your bog is after its above 20 months

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I have a three year old female yellow lab. I am thinking about getting another dog. What breed would be the best companion for her? Does it matter if the other dog is male or female?

i would think about your dog's temperment. any of the "water" dogs would be a good companion as long as the dog has the same energy level. i have had issued with female dogs not getting along with other female dogs. (worst dog fight i ever saw was between two females who were trying to kill each other) another lab or maybe a golden would be a good mix. but only if your current dog wants to share her family with another dog. try her out at a dog park to see how she responds when you fuss over another dog.

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At what age are Yellow Labs full grown?

9 months

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where did they originate? where did they come from and what is the best climate for them?

Labrador Retriever's area of origin is Canada. Best if the climate is 60% cold and 50% hot.Its the best climatic condition for them. Hope this helps :) _sreemoyee

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Our English breed Lab has had cists on his feet since he was a puppy which has him constantly licking his paws. The vet says he possibly has allergys but since he has had the problem all his life I don't understant why. Do you have any labs with this problem? We have tried antibiocs to treat the problem but they don't seem to work.We feal so bad for him.

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