If you want a dog that has a bubbly personality and a strong desire to make you happy, you may want to consider buying a Labrador Retriever. Of course, these big, exuberant dogs aren’t for everyone. Before you buy one of these roly-poly little puppies, you may want to consider some of the plusses and minuses of the breed.

The Labrador Retriever is a powerful, dependable dog. This breed weighs from 55 to 80 pounds and stand 21 to 24 ½ inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs have quite a lot of stamina and can work or play for hours on end. Labs are known for their soft chocolate brown eyes and thick, rounded tail. Their coats can be black, yellow or chocolate, with black Labs being most commonly available. The dense hair of the Labrador Retriever’s coat is almost waterproof.

Labrador Retrievers are classified as part of the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. These dogs were bred to spend hours retrieving game from areas that hunters had trouble getting in to. Labs usually enjoy the water, which makes them ideal boating or fishing companions.

These dogs require plenty of exercise, especially when they are young and full of energy. They do not make good apartment dogs, as they require plenty of room to run and play. A home with a fenced yard is the ideal situation for a Lab. Even if he has space to play, he may need to go for a daily walk or romp in the park to burn off some energy.

Since Labrador Retrievers are high energy dogs with plenty of muscle, they eat quite a bit of food. While your puppy is growing up, you may want to feed it food that is especially formulated to help large breed dogs develop healthy bones. If you are planning to use your Lab as a hunting dog, you will need to buy dog food that contains plenty of protein.

Most Labrador Retrievers make excellent family dogs and love being around children. However, some Labs do not have good temperaments, so, if it is at all possible, be sure you meet both parents before buying a puppy. If your children are still small, you may want to wait until they are steady on their feet before buying a Lab puppy. These dogs can knock toddlers over just by wagging their powerful tails.

Since Labs are such big dogs, it is important to start training your puppy at eight to twelve weeks of age. Be sure you work with your puppy to keep it from jumping up, as a full grown Lab can bowl people over with an enthusiastic greeting. You may want to take puppy obedience classes to socialize him and get some training help, as Labs can be a bit head strong at times.

Labrador Retrievers need very little grooming. You should brush your dog once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Also, you will need to trim his nails when they grow too long. Finally, you will have to check for ticks after your dog has been playing outdoors.

If you want a friendly dog who is eager to please and don’t mind some occasional stubbornness, then a Labrador Retriever may very well be the perfect breed for you.

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By Ruben Diaz

Dogs are known to be very friendly animals. As you are choosing the dog that you want you may suddenly see a bundle of fluff streaking across your path. What you are looking at is that of a Labrador puppy. These gentle yet highly excited puppies are the perfect pets. You will need to think about which type of Labrador puppy that you want to adopt. This is due to the fact that the Labrador breed comes in two different types.

These breeds are the English Labrador and the American Labrador. These two dogs types have different looks which will help you when you are planning to adopt or buy one of these dogs. In the breed of dog itself there are 4 colorations which informs the breeders of what type of puppy that you are looking to add to your family.

These colors which you can find your Labrador puppy in are silver, yellow, chocolate, and black. The usual colors of the Labrador don’t include silver, this color has caused controversy among dog breeders. Some of the breeders claim that any Labrador puppy which has a silver coat is a cross with a Weimeriner. Other breeders state that the silver coat is that of a true mutation.

For those of you who lead an energetic lifestyle choosing a Labrador puppy will fit nicely into your style of living. The lab – as they are also called – is a dog which loves to swim. Unlike other dog breeds the lab is bred to swim. The webbing which is found on their paws will help them to swim. To help dog owners with grooming their puppy after it has been in a swimming bout you will see that the Labrador breed as a whole has an easy to care for and water resistant coat.

Like all puppies the Labrador puppy loves to socialize. They can be trained so that you have a well disciplined puppy. As these dogs are very active you can exercise them with no problems. You will however need to give your puppy some type of activity to keep them occupied. Without this activity and disciple the Labrador puppy will become highly destructive.

While the Labrador breed was not bred for being a guard dog it does have this capability. You may want to broaden the scope of learning which will influence your puppy when it is a full grown dog. The patience that you show in training your Labrador puppy will help you to have a healthy and very happy puppy.

Read More: Labrador Puppy

Product Recommended: How to choose the dog that’s a perfect fit for you! A practical guide to guarantee you and your new “man’s best friend” enjoy a great life together

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By Michelle Bery

Few things can make one’s heart melt like a new puppy, and few breeds of puppies have the enduring charm and warmth like a Labrador puppy. It should come as no surprise that the Labrador puppy is the most popular breed of dog in the United States and United Kingdom. The Labrador puppy is more than cute though, they are also good natured, energetic, and one of the fastest learning breeds. However, despite all of their positive attributes, prospective Labrador puppy owners need to know that it takes some work and research to help them select the Labrador puppy that is best suited for them.

The first thing to remember when considering a Labrador puppy is that it is a pure bred dog, therefore it is incumbent on the potential owner to find a competent, responsible, and knowledgeable breeder. A good breeder of Labrador puppies will conduct health tests on the male and female adult Labradors before breeding. This will help ensure that your puppy is healthy and free of disease. Competent Labrador puppy breeders also consider genetics when breeding dogs, and they will only breed dogs that have excellent temperaments. Good breeding will help give you a Labrador puppy that possesses all the great traits that they are known for.

When it comes time to select a puppy from a litter, be careful and cautious in order to avoid the pitfalls that trap many Labrador puppy owners. It seems natural for someone to see the puppy that approaches them first, or the one that seems the most affectionate and friendly, to be the “pick of the litter.” However, this selection technique can often lead owners astray, and when they select a Labrador puppy with those traits they are often selecting the most forceful and domineering puppy in the litter. Remember that the calmer and gentler Labrador puppy that approaches you cautiously, or watches you from the background, is often the puppy that is most likely to be an obedient, enjoyable pet.

It is equally important to look for the Labrador puppy that seems very shy or even scared. While one should steer clear of the most outgoing and aggressive Labrador puppies, they should be equally concerned with Labrador puppies that are timid, nervous, or shy. The shy Labrador puppy often grows up to be a shy, scared dog that is quick to bark or snap at anything that scares it.

Once you have eliminated the most bold, and the most bashful, your best bet is to focus your attention on the Labrador puppy that possesses traits that are more “in the middle.” A well suited Labrador puppy should be curious, friendly, and cautiously interested in you and what you are doing. Move the puppy away from his littermates and see how he reacts to you. Once you find that puppy that acts well in a crowd, or alone, likes to wag his tail, and likes to be in your company, you may have found that special Labrador puppy that will become part of your family.

For easy to understand, in depth information about labrador puppy visit our ezGuide 2 Labradors.

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Labrador Retrievers – Beloved Companion and Therapy Dogs

By Melanie Bosano

By far the most common use of today’s Labrador is as a home companion, a role at which he excels. Surprisingly, the Labrador Retriever was rarely kept strictly as a house pet until several decades after the breed’s introduction to the united States. The initial fanciers of the breed became acquainted with him through knowledge of the shooting game. When the breed was well established as a sporting companion, his docile, brainy nature won his way out of the kennel and into the home.

The Labrador Retriever’s ability to quickly adapt and respond to instruction made the transition quite easy. Today, puppies raised in the home actually become so entwined in the lives of their owners that they often suffer when relegated to the kennel life. (If you are planning to keep a kennel of Labradors, select puppies that are properly socialized but still familiar with kennel life.)

As a companion, the Labrador Retriever is good-natured and gentle enough to accept the roughhousing of youngsters without returning it. If properly socialized while young, a Labrador will share his “home with another dog, providing there is enough affection for all. It is more common for a Labrador to misbehave out of jealousy than out of dislike for another animal.

Labrador Retrievers are long on self-control and loyalty, but they do not make the most avid watchdogs. As a rule, they are not overly suspicious of strangers or highly protective of loved ones, and when natural instincts are not stimulated they can be inattentive to such a task. Always keen for a scent or sound, a Labrador Retriever would certainly give voice at the approach of an intruder, but he might be won over by a friendly gesture or a luscious piece of sirloin. If left on duty, a Labrador Retriever may wander off in search of a scent that has caught his attention. In short, he is a people-dog. If you really need a watchdog, get your Labrador a German Shepherd friend!

The value of companionship with this breed should not be underestimated. In recent years, obedience-trained Labradors as well as other breeds are being used as Therapy Dogs to enrich the lives of nursing home residents and even emotionally disturbed children. The process is simple: a group of experienced dog handlers, such as those trained by Therapy Dogs International, bring their dogs to visit, perhaps put on an obedience performance for the audience, and then let animals and humans mingle, if conditions permit. The dogs are all obedience trained and have proven themselves to be extremely gentle and outgoing. Their job is to make people feel wanted, and it works wonders for alleviating the loneliness and depression that often burden such lives. Labradors love people and the few hours Therapy Dogs share with others enrich both dog and man.

Written by Melanie Bosano:

With years of experience in both caring for dogs and training dogs, Melanie is a great dog lover! She also writes for http://www.all-about-labradors.com

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Labradors – Their History And Popularity

By Richard Cussons

As origins go, the one of Labradors (or Labrador Retriever as they are more correctly known) is rather remarkable–most people assume that the dog comes from Labrador. This, of course, is inaccurate. This breed’s origins start in Newfoundland (the actual name ‘Labrador’ may come from the Labrador Current found nearby or the Portuguese word ‘labrador’, meaning laborer). Not so remarkable yet, but the difference between the Retriever’s origins and other breeds is that no one is certain what dogs were crossed to create it. Most assume that the Greater Newfoundland played a part, but the rest is speculation. What is known is the instant popularity of the breed.

Just as it is today, the Labrador Retriever was immensely popular. Its versatility, stamina and eagerness to please marked it as the perfect companion for both worker and noble. Fisherman would take these dogs in their boats to retrieve fish that escaped the nets; landowners would use them for hunting parties and as companions. Whatever the situation, the Labrador Retriever seemed more than capable.

That seems to still be the opinion for the Retriever is most popular of all dog breeds. But why? Why the devotion to this particular dog?

It’s actually quite simple: Labradors have the unique ability to be workers and playmates. Their sweet natures and loyalty make them ideal for families; their physical abilities make them perfect for those needing help with herding, fishing, hunting, serving as guide dogs, etc. And, with its willingness to do whatever is required of it, this is a breed equally suited for watchdog or traveling companion. It only wants to be with you; the rest is just extra.

With this in mind, many believe the Labrador to be the only dog breed to consider. After all, it is the most popular and how can so many people be wrong? This is never the way to think when preparing to buy a dog–what works for one family may not work for yours. The truth is: despite their multiple advantages, the Labrador is not right for all. It is a highly energetic breed and requires regular exercise and activity.

This is not a dog to simply lock in the yard and say, “Go play!” A Retriever requires time and effort from you. Also, this is not a breed that deals well with separation. Labradors want to be with you… at all times. Whether you’re stepping out to get the paper or going to the store, your pet will want to be a part of it. And, since this is not always possible, a Labrador may stoop to tearing or clawing. Not everyone can deal with this. And, if you are looking for a protector, this is not the proper dog. While a Labrador will bark and is fiercely loyal to its owners, it is not an aggressive breed by nature. This type of dog would be more likely to lick a stranger than bite. As watchdogs, they fair better–but, for those seeking something with a stronger temperament, this is not the breed.

Still, if you are looking for a constant companion, this is the perfect dog. Its sweet nature and high intelligence make it easy to train (even if it does have a stubborn streak) and its playful temperament makes for a perfect “family” dog. Labradors are especially good with children and other animals.

The great difficulty in finding a Labrador (after you have decided that it is the right dog for you) is finding a credible breeder. Due to its popularity, Labradors have been the long-time favorites of puppy mills and breeders more interested in selling you a dog, then making sure it’s a proper one. These mills do not check for lineage or even diseases. Instead, they breed as many pups as possible for profit.

You must avoid these mills at all costs! The Labrador you would be sold would not–in almost every case–be a healthy, normal pup. Instead, it would be more prone to diseases and temperament complications. You must, instead, seek out reputable breeders who scan for all problems and only produce pups that will be a credit to the breed.

Labradors, while not perfect for everyone, are some of the most versatile and loving dogs. If you find a place for them in your home, they will be devoted to you and your family.

Rich Cussons is a champion for dogs of all breeds and Labradors in particular. You will find out more about Labradors at the Labrador Savvy website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Some History of Designer Breeds and The Problem

By Steve Allison

Although the concept is by no means new; many people are discovering that some of the latest breeds of super dogs are not as great as their breeders would have you believe.

Of the “designer dog club” the ‘Labradoodle’ is probably the most well known. The ‘Labradoodle’ was originally bred for sight impaired individuals who had severe reactions to dog’s fur. This new hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the Labrador with a non-shedding poodle. However you may or may not have a puppy that will be non-shedding. Labradoodles have been around for over 20 years and are gaining recognition.

But the term ‘designer mutts’ can be used to describe any number of endless combinations of dogs who have been bred for particular valued qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? That’s a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. How about a Puggle? That’s a cross between a Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations on breeds with poodles now too. This often results in comical names – the Corgi Poo; or the Shih Poo, the variations are endless.

Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier than average – these dogs are becoming popular throughout the world. Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept these new breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and says that these dogs don’t meet their criteria.

The American Hybrid Club seems to be the answer for the breeders who are rallying to have their new combinations recognized. They argue that in fact all dog breeds exist as a result of some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds.

There are many inherent dangers associated with mixing breeds that would never have bred naturally. The main problem is that you never really know exactly what you will be getting. Most often you can learn a great deal about a dog by the look and temperament of their parents – but with these dogs there is no way to tell if you will end up with a mouse sized dog – or a dog the size of a small donkey.

And it’s not just looks. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your new puppy has the temperament of a hostile dictator; or worse is very aggressive. These are serious faults; especially if you intend to introduce your cute new ‘Schnoodle’ (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a poodle) to your kids you never know what might happen.

Is that really a chance you want to take?

Also, these new breeds are by no means considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix at a shelter for free. But some breeders are charging thousands of dollars for dogs they cannot personally guarantee. They claim these dogs take the best of both breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can end up with the worst from breeds. This seems like a staggering chance to take.

In an attempt to create super dog these breeders are using breeding techniques that seem strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations always require artificial insemination for successful mating to occur. And you can’t count on Caesar section. Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item dogs will create a host of problems for future generations.

If you have your heart set on a designer dog bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests.

There are many well-established variations. Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You can say with greater certainty what your Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater idea of what kinds of health problems to expect in your Dachshund.

You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for families who have children or who need to be sure of the dog’s temperament. And of course giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always a good thing. If you have your heart set on one of the new crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before deciding on the particular dog or cross.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Allison

A Labrador Retriever Is A Man’s Best Friend…and So Much More!

By Sylvie Leochko

Labrador retrievers have been trained for special needs and tasks as well as companionship. Its good nature, patience and affectionate attitude are some of the numerous characteristics that make them so popular…especially with children.

This breed of dog is known to be patient, playful and patient with children and their unintentional rough approach at times, particularly when they are younger and that their motor skills are not as well developed as they will later be with time. It even becomes protective of children which make them ideal to have around your little ones.

This breed is also known as great hunting dogs because of their detecting and retrieving skills. As they are also great swimmers, partly due to their partially webbed paws, you can count on their performance during the hunting season.

Their sensitive nose allows them to have great detection skills which can also be used for detection work in the police crime unit. Rescue can also be part of their duties as they are strong, great swimmers as well as having good detection skills.

A Labrador retriever can also be trained as service dogs to assist people with special needs such as Autism, Epilepsy or any other seizures condition, visual impairment, physical handicap and so much more.

What kind of services can these dogs provide for people with special needs? Well, for people with Autism, they can bond with them and if they are non-verbal, they can understand and identify their needs in several areas. For physically handicapped people, they can retrieve certain things or do particular tasks for them. For the visually impaired, they are their eyes which also help to ensure the safety of its owner. Concerning people with Epilepsy or any other condition related to seizures, especially if they are not under control, these dogs are trained to feel the seizures coming and ask for help even before they happen as they recognize the signs.

As you can see, a Labrador retriever can be so much more than a man’s best friend. So before you get a dog, research the breeds as you could be surprises by the characteristics, qualities and skills that some breeds can have. Before I had a Labrador retriever, I thought they were too big to even consider having at home or around children. Now that ours passed away two years ago, I cannot wait to have another one for my young children. I know first hand how gentle Labrador retrievers are with children and now that mine are also affected by Autism and uncontrolled Epilepsy, my husband and I are even more convinced that this breed is the best one for the needs of our children and our own.

I used to be the former owner of a Labrador retriever that unfortunately passed away two years ago. Also having children with special needs has convinced even more about the positiveness of such a choice. If you wish to learn more about Labrador retrievers, I invite you to visit our site: http://labrador-retrievers.findoutnow.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvie_Leochko

Breed Profile – Labrador Retriever

By Stephanie Bayliss

Labrador Retriever

History

Labradors originated from the coast of Newfoundland in the 17 th Century. They were trained by fishermen, to collect the nets from the icy waters and for this reason, were bought to Poole Harbour in the UK in the 19 th Century.

With such an attractive dog, the fishermen were often offered money for them and they very soon were found to be extremely effective as gun dogs.

The Earl of Malmesbury was a huge fan and began breeding these dogs, and named them “ Labradors”

Appearance

Labradors are extremely attractive dogs, with kind faces and gentle eyes. They are strongly built and broad through their chest and rib cage.

According to the Kennel Club, Labradors should stand at approximately 55-56 cm tall for females and 56-57 cm tall for males.

Labradors have a short, dense coat which has a waterproof undercoat. They come in 3 solid colours; yellow, black and chocolate. Yellow Labradors can range in colour from a light cream to red fox.

Temperament

Labradors make one of the best family pets, being friendly, kind patient and very forgiving. They will bond with children and adults alike and just love to be a part of the family. They are not a good guard dog, and will welcome strangers like old family friends. They like other dogs and are good with other animals too.

Grooming

With their short coats, they will only require a minimal amount of time spent on grooming.

Exercise

Labradors love to be outside; they appreciate long walks where they can run off lead. But do beware; because of their love for water, it is likely that they will become oblivious to your shouts of “NO”, as they head for the nearest muddy water hole, to wallow like a hippo! Care should be taken around large expanses of water, as they will swim and swim!

Health Problems

When you purchase a Labrador puppy, you must check that the breeder screens for hereditary problems, especially Hip and Elbow dysplasia. You should also be aware that progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy are also hereditary problems.

Henry’s story

Henry is a 7 year old typical Labrador who lives with Kim and Leon, and their 4 year old son, Max. Henry is extremely patient with Max, who has been known to use Henry as a step up to the settee and often follows Henry around, grabbing him and stroking him and generally giving him no time to himself!! Henry sometimes sneaks into Max’s bedroom at night and falls asleep in there – maybe he wants to keep an eye on his buddy.

Stephanie has written many articles on dog training which can be found at the Kennel Corner website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Bayliss

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, A new breed of dogs

by Ruth Bird

A fellow blogger was always mentioning “puggles” to me. Then one day I went for a walk with my 3 dogs and my neighbour and her dog. She mentioned the labradoodles and goldendoodles to me. She had seen them on a t.v. show.

So, I decided to do some investigating. For those who want some information about these dogs, but not long scientific reports, here is my article. I went on a long internet journey, and I found out some amazing facts.

At first I though someone was maybe just getting bored, and decided to create a new breed of dog. But no, there are some very valid reasons for breeding these mixtures. Just read on, and you may find that there are reasons why you may want to look into one of these “oodle” dogs yourself.

As always, do lots of research and get lots of recommendations from current “oodle” owners. There are also forums and clubs that you can find on the internet. These can also help you decide if one of these is for you.

In the meantime, just enjoy learning something new, and when your neighbour tells you about an “oodle” dog, then you will know what they are talking about.

A Labradoodle is a crossbred dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Their temperament makes them good service and family dogs.

The impetus behind experiments with this type of cross was the desire to achieve a service dog that would not shed and so produce a hypoallergenic dog that is suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. This has not yet been reliably achieved, as Labradoodles have varying coat lengths and textures, and crosses beyond the first generation do not yield a predictable coat type.

The result of this cross produced intelligent, easily trainable puppies that were the beginning of the Labradoodle as we now know it. Crossing these two breeds also gave the Labradoodle a hybrid vigor and a variety of coat types.

Labradoodles combine the best of the 2 breeds.

Labradoodles are known to posses the gentle, sweet disposition of the retrievers combined with the intelligence and allergy friendly coats of the poodles. Labradoodles are wonderful with children and people who have special needs. They are non-aggressive, highly intelligent dogs that are extremely easy to train. They want nothing more than to please their people.

The Labradoodle can vary in size: Standard, Medium and Miniature

Color varies from chalk (milky white), shades of cream, gold, black, chocolate, red, caramel and silver.

Coat: Labradoodles usually have no body odor, require minimal bathing and brushing and rarely, if ever, attract fleas. They seldom shed hair but will need to be groomed.

Wooly: Somewhat like a poodle. Requires regular grooming and is allergy friendly.

Fleece: The ultimate coat. It is easily maintained, non shedding, allergy and asthma friendly.

Hair: Anything from flat and straight to curls down the back and possibly wavy. It can vary from minimally to profusely shedding. Not likely to be allergy friendly.

Allergy and Asthma sufferers – Labradoodles may be the breed for you! Check it out…

The Labradoodle is still under development. Strictly speaking, the labradoodle cannot yet be described as a dog breed because it does not breed true. Further, the breed standards of breeds-under-development are invariably freer, more open to interpretation and cover more observable types than those of established or kennel club-recognized breeds.

The term Goldendoodle (Golden Doodle) describes a hybrid dog, crossbred between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This hybrid is often said to have begun in Australia, along with the Labradoodle;

US fanciers challenge this assertion. Poodle hybrids have become increasingly popular and it is likely that the combination of Golden Retriever and Poodle has been duplicated by breeders in various countries.

Goldendoodles are intelligent and obedient. The make great family pets and will be wonderful companions. They are vey social and devoted to family members. They are people dogs, good with kids and other dogs and pets, and friendly with strangers.

Goldendoodles are likely to get into mischief if they spend most of their lives alone or bored. (My golden retriever certainly gets in trouble when bored. I can vouch for that first hand.) They are intelligent and love to please, therefore, they are very easy to train. They are a medium to large size family dog with great temperaments.

When bred correctly, most of your first hybrid crosses are much healthier because they are NOT in-bred or line-bred or back-bred to their cousins, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. The Goldendoodle can work out well for those who suffer from allergies. They shed little to none, and they are very loving dogs. If you have allergy or dog hair concerns, look into a goldendoodle.

There are some amazing Labradoodle and Goldendoodle sites on the internet, with references to breeders in USA and Canada, and World Wide. These sites have some beautiful pictures of dogs and puppies. You will fall in love with them. I did instantly. That is why I posted about these dogs on my blog. And that is why I was so compelled to write about them.

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About the Author

My name is Ruth Bird. I have been married for 27 years to my husband, Chris. Chris has been battling the monster, MS, for a number of years. Pet Health Care is my passion. My pet blog is: http://mypetplace.blogspot.com/

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Labrador Retriever Complete Profile

by Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large
Height: 54 – 57 cm (21.5 – 22.5 inches)
Weight: 25 – 35 kg (55 – 77 lb)
Life Span: 15 years
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Demanding
Feeding: Reasonable
Temperament: Friendly & intelligent
Country of Origin: England
AKC Group: Sporting

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Solid, strongly built and friendly.
Colour: Black, yellow or liver/chocolate.
Coat: Straight, dense, short, hard and weather resistant.
Tail: Tapering and carried fairly high in action but should never curl over the back.
Ears: Set far back, pendant and hanging close to the cheek.
Body: The chest is deep and wide with well sprung ribs. The back is long and level with a wide loin. And the shoulders are long and oblique.

Temperament:
Active, gentle, easy-going, bold and intelligent. Labrador Retrievers are very popular household pets as they are people-orientated and extremely devoted to their family. They get on well with children, strangers and other dogs. Their intelligence makes them very trainable and obedient. These dogs are capable of taking all the knocks of a rough-and-tumble family and their even-temperament means they never take offence at any insult.

Grooming:
The coat of the Labrador Retriever is easily maintained with an occasional brush. More attention is needed when the coat is moulting.

Exercise:
These retrievers adapt themselves to their family, but they also need additional exercise such as long walks or playing and retrieving in the water. They need regular exercise to prevent them from becoming too boisterous and exuberant.

Feeding:
Labrador Retrievers can consume any quantity of food and need rationing to avoid them becoming overweight.

History:
The labrador comes from Newfoundland and is thought to have evolved from the St. Johns dog and a water spaniel. It was in the 1800s that these dogs were used by fisherman for retrieving hooked fish from the water. Eventually some of these Labradors arrived in Britain and their qualities were retained through crossing them with other retrievers. This cross-breeding stopped once the breed was high in numbers and quality to maintain the desired breed type.

Additional Comments:

Labrador Retrievers are multi-talented dogs as they are used as guide dogs and also for drug searching.
A distinct characteristic of this breed is the tail. It is often called the ‘otter tail’ with its relatively short length and thick covering of hair.

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About the Author

This article provided courtesy of www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/labrador_retriever/