Labrador Retriever: Origin, Personality, Training

(Lab, Labrador)

Also known as: American Labrador, English Labrador

Ranking: 1 in KCGB

About Labrador Retriever

Country of Origin, History of the Breed The Labrador retriever is originally from Newfoundland Canada and was brought to England in the early 1800s. The dog was once known as “St. John's Dogs”, and is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The dog is not from the Labrador Islands. These dogs were used as retrievers of fish that fell off the hooks of fishermen in the icy waters around Canada and also helped to haul in swimming lines and fishing nets. They are known as strong swimmers and small enough to haul small two-man boats. The dog breed may have been influenced by several breeds of dogs from France, Portugal and the native Indians of Canada.

Description of the Dog

The Labrador is a muscular and solid dog; he is slightly longer than he is tall. They have a slight water resistant double coat. The Labrador has a broad head and fake nose in the eyes are chestnut or hazel and the ears are medium pendant sized ears. They have an Otter Tail that estate near the body and tapers near the end. The feet are webbed are for swimming.

Coat

Solid black, yellow, or chocolate. The silver Labrador is not considered part of the breed standard and is a genetic mutation. There is also suspicion that these dogs were crossed with the Weimeraner.

Water resistant, double coat that is smooth and oily and not wavy.

Height

Male: 22 to 25 inches
Female: 21 to 24 inches

Weight

Male: 60 to 80 pounds, some may grow to 100 pounds or more
Female: 55 to 70 pounds

Temperament of the Dog

The Labrador is a loving, lovable, patient dog, which may be why he is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are very good-natured and they love to play. They are very intelligent, loyal and willing. They may be very dominant and independent. English Labradors may be more calm and laid-back.It is important that you buy a Labrador from a reputable breeder, as there is considerable over breeding of these dogs in the United States.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The Labrador is best suited for the outdoors, as they love to play, run and hunt. They may be destructive, if they are allowed to become bored. Puppies may be very energetic while older Labradors may be fine in the home.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

The Labrador has a very good temperament for children.

How to take care of the Labrador Retriever Puppies?

As puppies, they will be very smart and quick to learn and will only require sufficient exercise. They will also need to be properly fed in order to grow properly.

Training

The puppy is very quick to learn and is very intelligent. The Labrador is easily trained and may also serve as watchdogs. They must be kept busy as they may become destructive when young. The Labrador has many talents including hunting, tracking, retrieving, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility and competitive obedience. These dogs may also be trained for the show ring or they may be trained for the hunting fields.

Activity Level

How active is the Breed?

These dogs are very active as puppies and will require sufficient exercise. They may also require sufficient exercise as adults as they are prone to become overweight. They are very energetic dogs and will require some space to play in.

Exercise Need

These dogs will require exercise at every level of life, especially as puppies.

Grooming

The Labrador has a smooth, shorthaired, double coat that should be regularly combed and brushed with a bristled brush. These dogs are average shedders, but may shed frequently in the summer.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.

Cancer (it is the #1 cause of death in all Retrievers)

Breeding Labs

When breeding Labradors, you should be sure not to pass on any hip dysplasia that has been inherited.

Litter Size: 10 - 12 puppies is the average litter size.

Life Span: 10 to 13 years

National Breed Club:

British: Labrador Retriever Club of the U K
U S Breed club: The Labrador Retirever Club, Inc. - www.thelabradorclub.com

Recognition

AKC, UKC, CKC, FCI, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: http://thelabradorclub.com/rescue/