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Labrador Retriever
The
Labrador Retriever is the most popular dogs in the United States
and belongs to the gundog group. This breed is definitely in the top three when
it comes to choosing a family pet because they are very friendly, intelligent,
energetic and good natured, making them excellent companions and working dogs.
Labrador is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a
sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a
retrieving gun dog. They have a character and quality to win in the show ring
or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses
style and quality without over refinement, and is bred primarily as a working
gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.
Temperament
Labrador desire human attention and need to feel as though they are part of
the family. They are very loving, affectionate, and patient dog. They also enjoy
in water for they love to swim, since they were selectively bred for retrieving
in water environments as gundogs and companions as water fowl hunting.
Size Category
Medium
Height/Weight
Height: Male 22-24 inches (56-61cm.), Female 21-23 inches (53-58cm.)
Weight: Male 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.), Female 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.). Some males
can grow up to 100 pounds (45kg) or more.
Living Conditions
Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if adequately exercised. They
are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized
yard.
Exercise and Activities
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They
need a lot of exercise. They are easily trained, making them ideal for use in
field sports, obedience competitions, as search dogs, as guide dogs and as hearing
dogs. These dogs take a great pleasure in any of these activities.
Life Expectancy
9 - 15 years
Grooming
Their coats are easy to maintain. The coat is thick and dense with
a weather-resistant undercoat. Brush them once a week with more attention during
shredding.
Health Problems
They are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
and epilepsy.
Origin
The breed originated not in Labrador, but on the coast of Newfoundland in the
17th century. They were trained to bring in the fishing-nets through the icy
waters for the fishermen and, in the early 19th century, were brought to Poole
Harbour in Great Britain. These dogs were short-limbed, sturdy swimmers with
short dense coats and an otter-like tail. They were so attractive that the fishermen
had umpteen offers from Englishmen to buy them. The breed was instantly successful
as a gundog. The Earl of Malmesbury was fascinated by these dogs and known at
that time as Saint John's breed of water dogs and he started breeding them,
calling them Labrador dogs. A heavy dog tax in Canada and the new quarantine
laws in Great Britain caused a great reduction in the breed, limiting further
breeding to be done without any more imports.
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