- Breed name: Labrador Retriever
- Original breed name: Labrador Retriever
- AKC most popular dogs list: 1
- FCI classification: Group VIII – Retrievers and water dogs
- Origin: Newfoundland Island
- Size: Large dog
- Average life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
The Labrador Retriever is definitely one of the favorite breeds of dogs. High intelligence, stable temperament, calm nature, great love for man and desire to work make him an ideal family and working dog, always ready for action.
ORIGIN
The Labrador breed originates from the island of Newfoundland, then they were called Lesser, which means small. These are dogs with excellent swimming abilities who helped fishermen, towed smaller boats through cold water and participated in every task that involved swimming. Due to the high taxes and fees charged by the state, this race almost disappeared from the island. Fortunately, in 1800, several specimens of this breed arrived in England, where they were crossed with retrievers. This is how the Labrador Retriever breed with all its characteristics was created, as we know it today
Initially, breeders favored black dogs, while yellow and chocolate coats were undesirable, but later all colors and variations were accepted. The breed was officially recognized in 1903 by the English Kennel Club, and in 1917 by the American Kennel Club. The popularity of this breed continues to grow all over the world, and in America, the Labrador Retriever has been the most represented family dog since 1991.
APPEARANCE
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat an “otter” tail. The Labrador is a dog of medium size, strong build and strong bones. A wide nose and skull whose foot is clearly expressed, a strong jaw and not very large ears that hang next to the head, slightly thrown back, are the main features of the appearance of the Labrador’s head. The greatest impression is certainly left by the gentle and intelligent, brown or hazel-colored eyes of medium size, which will sympathize with every human mood and constantly remind the owner of sincere friendship and boundless loyalty. The neck is strong and the chest is wide and deep. Depending on the subspecies, the constitution of the Labrador varies.
The English Labrador has a larger constitution and shorter legs, while the American Labrador is characterized by athletic build, it is taller and slimmer. Labrador coat is always solid, black, brown (chocolate color) or yellow, which can vary from cream to yellow-red shades. Regardless of the color of the parents, puppies of different color coat can appear in one litter, since, as with human hair color, the pigmentation itself is influenced by two genes. Short, sharp and straight, thick coat and soft undercoat do not absorb water and do not make it difficult for the dog to swim, while providing good thermal insulation and creating resistance to low temperatures. Labrador paws have floating skins, which additionally provides this dog with the ability to swim fast. The tail is also designed to improve swimming performance. As with the otter, it is rounded, thicker at the base and thins towards the top. The average height of Labradors is 56 to 61 cm when it comes to males, and 54 to 59 cm when it comes to females. The usual weight is 27 to 34 kg for males and 25 to 32kg for females.
CHARACTER
The Labrador is a resourceful and intelligent, but also an obedient and affectionate dog. He is very sociable, but also patient. He is extremely gentle, and you have probably heard somewhere that he is so careful that he can carry a live egg in his mouth without breaking it. However, it is large and can sometimes be very clumsy, which is especially evident when it comes to living in an apartment and in a small space.
As it is a large dog, it is very active and requires a lot of attention and even more play. A Labrador is considered an adult dog at the age of 6 or 7 months, at least in appearance, but the breed reaches mental maturity at the age of three.
When it comes to training, it would be best to start as early as possible, and proper training is extremely important for this breed. Otherwise, your Labrador will forever remain one big, naughty child that you will constantly find in various comic situations. If you’ve spent some time with a Labrador, you’ve probably noticed his interesting game during which he runs in a circle at the highest possible speed, rapidly grabbing his hind legs, buttocks lowered to the ground.
The Labrador loves water, so if you take him to practice, and it is a rainy day outside, it is very likely that your pet will end the walk by rolling in the mud and throwing in the puddles. On hot summer days, water sprinklers are a real party for Labradors.
They have a strong sense of smell, which allows them to smell every bone or every crumb of thrown away food, so be sure to pay attention so they will not to eat something bad or get poisoned. In their more mature years, Labradors also like to enjoy lazing in the house, watching your every step. They are capable of living outside the home, but they are happiest when they spend time with their master. They like to please the owner, and they are extremely sad and suffer if they are neglected. They rarely bark, and because of their attachment to people, they are not the best guards. Rarely do they show aggression and fear. They are great as guide dogs and therapy dogs.
HEALTH AND CARE
The Labrador is a very active dog that requires daily physical activity, which includes walking, running, bringing prey and, whenever possible, swimming. They are very lazy and have a pronounced need to chew. He will try to eat everything that is available to him and looks interesting.
In the absence of physical activity and due to improper diet, he can become obese. Thick Labrador coat is easy to maintain. It is recommended to brush it once a week, and during the molting period more often. Dogs of this breed are prone to heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia. They are less likely to suffer from diabetes and cataracts. The average lifespan of a Labrador is 10 to 12 years.
Statistics
- Energy level: High
- Playfulness level: High
- Attitude towards other dogs: Very sociable
- Attitude towards other pets: Very sociable
- Attitude towards strangers: Very sociable
- Ease of training: Quite difficult
- Protection: Poor
- Maintenance required: A little
- Cold tolerance: High
- Heat tolerance: Medium
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