Labrador Retriever Dog
Other names
Labradour
Nicknames
Lab
Country of origin
Canada
Weight
Male - 27–40 kg
(60–88 lb)
Female - 27–35 kg
(60–77 lb)
Height
Male - 56–63 cm
(22–25 in)
Female - 54–60 cm
(21–24 in)
Coat
Smooth, short, dense and
straight
Colour
Black, chocolate, or yellow
(pale cream)
Litter size
5–10 puppies (avg:
7.6)
Life span
12–13 years
Breed
The family-friendly Labrador
retriever has won over the hearts of families across the country. This loveable
breed continues to be the most popular breed in the U.S., according to American
Kennel Club registration statistics. It has held that title since the early
’90s. Millions of households count a Lab among their family members, and it’s
easy to see why. Labs display a well-mannered temperament and are eager to
please their owners.
Personality
The Labrador retriever
originated in Newfoundland, where it aided fisherman with their catch. After
being crossed with setters,
spaniels and other retrievers, the Lab sharpened its skills as a true
retriever. But what makes Labs even more popular is their kind, outgoing nature.
“My Lab is the sweetest dog
I’ve ever known. He greets all my friends whenever they come to my house, and
he always wants to be in the same room with everyone, like he’s part of the
group,” said Geoff Rudolph of Newport Beach, Calif., owner of Champ, a 1½-year-old
yellow Lab.
This people-friendly quality
also makes Labs great dogs for children. The Lab thrives in an active
household, where he can have lots of interaction. Kids will also love the Lab’s
easy nature and trainability (Labs love to “shake hands”). In turn, Labs tend
to be very patient with kids.
Training and Exercise
Labs are very excitable dogs.
They are full of energy and often want to play. But their size and stature make
it necessary to harness some of that energy. Labs can reach almost adult weight
by 6 or 7 months of age, which can make them a handful if untrained.
“Champ was a little hard to
deal with when he was a younger. His greeting was to jump up on people, but he
was so big he could throw you off balance,” Rudolph said.
Because Labs are eager to
learn, they are very open to gentle but firm discipline. At an early age, they
should be leash trained and taught to sit on command. They are also quick
learners when it comes to fetch and other games.
This dog
training is also important for a Lab’s health. Labs love to eat, and
can be prone to excessive weight gain. Therefore, they need to be walked daily.
Games like fetch and hide-and-seek are also great exercises for Lab pups. Labs
that are untrained and not exercised frequently can become hyperactive. They
need love, attention and exercise in order for their good temperaments to shine
through.
The Labrador retriever’s
eagerness to please its owner and desire to be part of the family makes it the
ideal family dog.
Health
Labradors are susceptible to
hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Your dog’s breeder should provide you
with proof that such problems are not present in your Lab’s family line. Labs
are also at risk of developing eye problems such as Progressive Retinal
Atrophy, cataracts and retinal dysplasia. It is also important to take your Lab
to the veterinarian at the slightest sign of sight problems.
Facts
·
The term
“retriever” refers to a type of dog that was originally bred to retrieve game.
Other retrievers include golden
retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, flat coated retrievers, curly coated
retrievers and Irish water spaniels.
·
Labrador
retrievers can be yellow, black or chocolate.
·
Labs love to swim.
·
Labs are often
used as guide
dogs.
·
This breed excels
at Search and Rescue work. Labs also are a great help to law enforcement as
bomb, narcotic and arson dogs.
·
The average cost
of purchasing a Lab pup is $400-$800.
Truly, Man’s Best Friend
The Labrador retriever’s eagerness
to please its owner and desire to be part of the family makes it the ideal
family dog. A Lab’s soft, loving eyes and kind disposition make it a trusted
lifelong companion. Proper care, training and exercise, along with regular vet
visits, will ensure that your Lab will remain part of the family for a long
time to come.
