Labrador Retriever

From Pet Encyclopedia

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Puppy, aged 5 - 7 weeks old

Origin of Breed

Newfoundland

Breed Nick Names

Labrador Lab

[edit] Introduction

The Labrador Retriever dog breed is a very popular breed of retriever. Infact, it is widely considered to be the most popular dog breed in the world. It is very popular in the United Kingdom and United States.

In the UK Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever breed is categorised in the Gundog Dog Group.

[edit] Origin and History

[edit] Appearance

There are 3 different colours of Labrador - Yellow (ranging from fox red to pale cream), black (the original breed colour) and chocolate / brown .They have expressionful eyes and a strong square head with soft drapping ears. A female Lab weighs approximately 28 - 32 kilos. A male lab between 30 - 35 kilos. The coat is short and weather proof but these dogs do moult, they will have two major moults per year and shed a small amount daily. You will need a good vacuum lol. Labradors are keen swimmers and have webbed toes to enable them to swim with ease, their tail is often referred too as an otter tail and helps steer them as they swim, the tail should be thick at the base and gently taper to the end .

[edit] Temperament

In my experience having two female Labs the breed in general are loving , biddable , easy to train , willing to learn & playful . They make excellent family dogs being good with children and other dogs . They are sociable creatures and love greeting people into the home .

[edit] Health

The most common health issue with Labs is hip displacia and arthritis, being large dogs and active this is going to be one to watch for , signs of this can occur in quite young dogs too, its an idea to buy from a good breeder who has bred for soundness and has had health checks done prior to mating to ensure that hip scores are low . Other health issues are weight , these dogs love their food and if given half a chance will eat you out of house and home . You must feed a good quality feed that is lower in fat content and be sure never to give in to those willing eyes , an over weight lab will be less energetic , will possibly have arthritic joints earlier in age , can suffer with diabetes , bloat , and general lack of condition . Generally a lab will be in fine condition if fed well and exercised properly .

[edit] External Links

Labrador Breed Information
Labrador Dogs for Sale

[edit] References