Labrador Retriever Breed Guide
Labrador Retriever Quick Stats:
Description:
The Labrador Retriever is the original water dog, with a weather resistant and waterproof coat and an "otter" tail it uses to steer like a boat's rudder when swimming. Its heavy body set and strong legs enable the Labrador Retriever to powerfully swim and run - and frequent exercise is needed to keep the Labrador Retriever dog breed healthy and occupied. Amicable and sociable, the Labrador Retriever is a playful companion and a calm housedog.
Labs are extremely obedient and eager to learn and have a recognized place in the workforce alongside their human companions as guide dogs, explosive and drug detection dogs. The Labrador Retriever is an excellent therapy dog, a growing occupation for many breeds. These dogs bring company and joy to nursing homes and children's care facilities.
Labradors are the most popular breed worldwide, a record recognized in 1991 and remains true to this day.
Country of Origin:
As the name suggests, The Labrador Retriever originated from the Canadian province of Newfoundland, along the East Coast of Canada. The Labrador Retriever did not come from Labrador.
Height:
Male Labrador Retrievers range from 22.5 inches to 24.5 inches. Female Labrador Retrievers range from 21.5 inches to 23.5 inches.
Weight:
Male Labrador Retrievers range from 65 to 80 pounds (30 to 36 kg). Female Labrador Retrievers range from 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg). Care should be taken as Labs are frequently allowed to become overweight, significantly increasing health risks for any canine.
Colors:
Labrador Retrievers may be black, yellow or chocolate.
Coat:
Labrador Retrievers have a short, straight and dense coat. Their coat is easily cared for with once a week grooming. They do shed, usually twice a year in normal climates so be sure to brush your labradore regularly to keep this to a minimum.
Temperament:
The Labrador Retriever is a kindly, outgoing dog breed. Easy to train, this water-loving dog breed is superb with children. When choosing your Labrador puppy, be sure to check out the temperament of the parents. Although Lab’s tend to have great temperaments for being around a family home and children, pay special attention to how the puppy’s parents behave. Behavior traits can be inherited and good behavior in the parents can indicate the future temperament of your puppy.
Labs are highly intelligent and trainable, love to play and are extremely friendly. They crave human companionship and attention and need to feel like they are "part of the family" to be truly happy. Their loving nature and attachment to humans does not make them good watchdogs, however. For that, think of a German Shepherd companion for your Labrador puppy.
Health Concerns:
The Labrador Retriever is susceptible to skin allergies, epilepsy, eye diseases and joint problems. Labradors can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasias which are potentially crippling abnormalities of joint formation that can be inherited from the dog’s parents or relatives. An x-ray examination of both parents and as many ancestors as possible indicating that they are free of this abnormality will help you avoid this condition in your pet.
Life Expectancy:
The expected life span of the Labrador Retriever is 10-12 years.
Living Environment:
Labrador Retrievers need frequent exercise to stay happy and healthy. An urban or country environment with a fenced yard is ideal for this high energy dog breed. Labrador Retrievers love water and enjoy both swimming and retrieving.
If you have decided that a Labrador Retriever puppy may be the right choice for your family, there are a few other things that you have to consider. You need to be aware that your Lab puppy will grow and will require proper exercise on a daily basis. Do you have the space in your house to accommodate such an animal, or a fenced in yard so that your dog can go out safely? Will you have enough time to spend on grooming your pet, and also on the training that may be required? Are you willing to spend the resources the keep your pet healthy?
AKC Group:
The Labrador Retriever is in the Sporting group.
Labrador Retrievers - In Depth
Health Concerns:
The Labrador Retriever is susceptible to skin allergies, epilepsy, eye diseases and joint problems. Labradors can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasias which are potentially crippling abnormalities of joint formation that can be inherited from the dog’s parents or relatives. An x-ray examination of both parents and as many ancestors as possible indicating that they are free of this abnormality will help you avoid this condition in your pet.
Life Expectancy:
The expected life span of the Labrador Retriever is 10-12 years.
Living Environment:
Labrador Retrievers need frequent exercise to stay happy and healthy. An urban or country environment with a fenced yard is ideal for this high energy dog breed. Labrador Retrievers love water and enjoy both swimming and retrieving.
If you have decided that a Labrador Retriever puppy may be the right choice for your family, there are a few other things that you have to consider. You need to be aware that your Lab puppy will grow and will require proper exercise on a daily basis. Do you have the space in your house to accommodate such an animal, or a fenced in yard so that your dog can go out safely? Will you have enough time to spend on grooming your pet, and also on the training that may be required? Are you willing to spend the resources the keep your pet healthy?
AKC Group:
The Labrador Retriever is in the Sporting group.
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