The adorable Labrador Retriever is a friendly and intelligent dog popular in the United States. Labs are loyal companions, ideal for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER BREED SUMMARY
- Group: Sporting Group
- Country of Origin: Newfoundland-Canada
- Weight: Male: 65-80pounds (Kilos) Female: 55-70 pounds (kilos)
- Height: Male: 225.5-24.5 inches (cm) Female; 21.5-23.5 inches (cm)
- Grooming: Occasional
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Tendency to bark: Low
- Amount of shedding: High
APPEARANCE
The labs are friendly dogs who bond with the whole family and socialize well with other dogs and humans.
This breed is robust, and depending on the sex, they usually measure from 21.5 to 24.5 inches.
Their fur is hard and dense and comes in yellow, black, and chocolate. Its head is broad, and the tail is thick and tapered.
The Labrador is an athletic dog that requires daily exercises, such as swimming and fetching games, to stay physically and mentally fit.
HISTORY
The breed was developed in the 19th century in Newfoundland as a water dog. Their original name was St. John’s Dog in honor of the capital of Newfoundland. Labrador Retrievers worked alongside local fishers to retrieve their fish.
In 1830, England imported Labradors to serve as hunting retrievers.
However, the Kennel Club in England recognized the Labrador Retriever as an official breed in 1903, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) did the same in 1917.
This dog breed became popular after World War II, and in 1991, Labs were the most popular dogs in the US, still holding the top spot ever since.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER TEMPERAMENT
Labrador Retrievers are friendly and outgoing, devoted to their families, eager to please, and calm yet energetic.
As an athletic breed, Labs love to swim and retrieve. They also make excellent search and rescue dogs and service dogs.
EXCERCICE
Since Labrador Retrievers are a large breed with a lot of energy, puppy training classes are necessary as a part of the socialization process. Daily exercise burns off pent-up energy and avoids destructive behaviors like barking or chewing.
GROOMING AND CARE
The Labs have a thick double water-repellant coat that sheds a lot. Labradors need occasional baths to keep them clean.
They need regular nail trimming and frequent teeth brushing.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER HEALTH
Although Labradors are generally healthy dogs, they can suffer from a few health conditions as:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia.
- Heart disorders
- Inherited myopathy (muscle weakness)
- Eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy.
Like other large, deep-chested dogs, Labs can develop a life-threatening stomach condition called bloat. Owners need to know about the symptoms that indicate this is happening and what to do in that case.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER DIET
- Labrador Retriever needs high-quality dog food, either commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of the vet.
- Some dogs are prone to being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight level.
- Treats can be a training aid, but giving too much can cause obesity.
- Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.
- Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
- Clean water must be available at all times.
CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER
- The breed was almost extinct at the end of the 19th century. But the English fanatics imported and saved the dogs from extinction.
- Labrador Retrievers remain the most popular dog breed in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.