Labrador Retriever

Posted on 28. May, 2009 by admin in Canadian Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds L, Medium Sized Dog Breeds, Short Coat Dog Breeds, Sporting Dogs, Straight Coat Dog Breeds


Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, also called “Labrador” or “Lab” for short, is one of the most popular breed of dog in the North America and England. One of the oldest recognized breeds, there are more Labrador Retrievers officially registered with breed registries in the beginning of this century than any other purebred in the US or UK.

Originating on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, during the 1700s, the Labrador Retriever were brought to England in the early 1800s by English fishermen. The Labrador Retriever is the result of selective breeding between the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog, the Newfoundland, and some native water dogs.

He was first used to jump overboard into the icy waters of the North Atlantic to retrieve large fish escaping from nets or to haul fisherman’s nets to shore. There are two types of Lab, the English and the American lines. The English bred Labrador are more calm, thick and heavy, while American bred Lab mature slowly and are tall and thin.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

21 – 24 inches tall (at shoulder)

WeightLabrador Retriever

55 – 80 lbs, but some males can grow up to 100 lbs.

Color(s)

The Labrador Retriever coat colors are solid black, yellow or pale to deep “chocolate”, in that order of frequency and popularity and it’s possible to have all three colors within a single litter.

Coat

The Labrador Retriever is a short, straight, easy-care and very dense water-resistant double coat breed, thus protecting this breed from the extensive use of the dog in all types of ground and water environments.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Labrador Retriever puppyPersonality

The highly intelligent Labrador Retriever is a loyal, affectionate, patient and high-spirited dog. They are good-natured, outgoing, and possess an extremely sociable temperament, they love everyone.

They are kind to children and friendly to other dogs and animals. They may be aloof with strangers and make good watchdogs, but not guard dogs.

The Labrador Retriever need human attention and to feel they are part of the family. Known as docile and reliable, these active dogs have even been put to work as service dogs for the handicapped person and numerous guide dogs for the blind in the world are Labrador Retrievers.

Care

Labrador Retrievers are a generally healthy breed with few major problems. However, they may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye disorders and skin tumors. The smooth, short-haired, double coat requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when absolutely necessary.

TrainingLabrador Retriever puppy

The versatile Labrador Retrievers is easy to train and open minded to new things, some of their talents include; hunting, police work, search and rescue, watchdogging, agility, and competitive obedience. They needs fairness, firmness, consistency in training and do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Labrador Retriever have very strong necks and must be train early not to pull on the leash.

Activity

Labrador Retrievers breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard to run without a leash. They enjoy work and play (especially in water), family play sessions, swimming, retrieving a ball and fetch Frisbees.

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11 Responses to “Labrador Retriever”

  1. Jinny

    28. May, 2009

    Interesting, I`ll quote it on my site later.

  2. Eric taylor

    06. Aug, 2009

    Hey nice post …. Keep up the great work

  3. Candice

    20. Aug, 2009

    I am getting my very first lab puppy and he is a light yellow(almost white) and Im trying to figure out a really good name that isnt overly common…any suggestions??

  4. Stacey

    31. Aug, 2009

    Heey all, i have been wanting a puppy for 2years now and i think a lab puppy is the one for me, but i dont know where to get one.

  5. Dani

    02. Sep, 2009

    We have a Black Lab named Blue & he is a fabulous dog!! He is a stick monster, swimmer & a chocoholic! He has a great personality and can patiently wait for my husband to fall asleep before sneaking up on his side of the bed.

  6. Lynn

    23. Sep, 2009

    I’ve found that sometimes you think of a pup’s name after you get him and see his personality. Here are a few suggestions of mine for a male Lab.

    GUNNARR [it's a Norse name. I thougt of this as the Vikings were Norsemen who came to Labrador centuries ago].

    VALDY [he's a Canadian folk singer and Labrador is in Canada].

    ELVIS [my sister has a dog named Elvis and I always thought it was a cool name].

    TITAN [name of a former dog of ours]

    TIMBER [name of our present dog].

    Good luck. Have patience, patience, when you get your new family member. :)

  7. Dog Training Essex

    09. Nov, 2009

    Be very careful with lab puppies – do not over walk them. Ours had to have both elbows operated on at 14 months. 6 weeks of cage rest.

    Take care

  8. Proud Lab Owner

    06. Jan, 2010

    We have had out black lab Jett for almost ten years now. He is a great family member with tons of energy. He is still often mistaken for a puppy. His favorite thing other than going for a walk is climbing up on the couch and falling asleep with us. He does however still sleep overnight in a kennel he has never been able to settle at night without being in his kennel with his favorite blanket. He loves people more than anything and really needs that human bond. Labs are very loyal dogs that always look out for others.

  9. AKSHAYKIRAN.S

    10. Jan, 2010

    ARNOLD

  10. Justin Resough

    17. Jan, 2010

    I have an engllish black lab and she is the sweetist dog ever. Labs are such great family dogs too. My grand-kids love Theo.

  11. LAB LOVER!

    17. Jan, 2010

    I love my lab so soooooo much we have had her for 8 years and my grand children love her! I am recomending labs to everybody with kids that want a great compainion. ( Just make sure to brush their fur if you get an english lab) We love Jessie and I am sure when you get your lab, you will love her/ him as much as we love Jess.

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