LABRADOR RETRIEVER

APPEARANCE
The Labrador Retriever is a handsome, sturdy, and robust dog that is large in size. The coat is straight, short, dense and, most notably, water resistant. The three coat colors for a Labrador Retriever are black, yellow and chocolate. The muzzle is of medium length; the nose is brown on chocolates, black on blacks, and either black or slightly pink on yellows. Ears are set back and low on the skull, hanging close to the head. The weight is around 55-70 pounds for females, and around 65-80 pounds for males. Height is around 21-24 inches for females, and around 22-25 inches for males.

PERSONALITY
Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. The Labrador Retriever is well suited to both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. He is very quick to learn, and is friendly and sociable, with a mild manner and a very amiable attitude. The Labrador Retriever need human attention and to feel they are part of the family.

TRAINING
These dogs are intelligent, responsive, and obedient, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to obedience train. They needs fairness, firmness, consistency in training and do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Labrador Retriever have very strong necks and must be train early not to pull on the leash. They excel in tracking, police work, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, guide for the blind, and as service dogs for the disabled.

EXERCISE
The Labrador Retriever is full of energy, loves to join in with a wide range of activities, and has plenty of love and affection to shower upon his family. They enjoy family play sessions, securely leashed walks, swimming, and a safely fenced yard to run and romp freely. This dog must be given sufficient exercise, especially outdoors.

SOCIALIZATION
This breed gets along with just about everyone, from children and strangers to pets and other animals. Labs are not on the whole noisy or territorial, and are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as guard dogs.

LIVING CONDITIONS
This breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

GROOMING
Labrador Retrievers are average shedders, and should be brushed once a week. Its short double coat only needs regular brushing using a firm bristle brush. It should also be given bath and shampoo only when necessary. He is a medium shedder, and can shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not the ideal choice for those with allergies.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Labrador Retriever is around 10-12 years. There are a number of health issues and disorders linked to this breed, and some of these include: eye problems, HD and elbow dysplasia, CMO, thyroid problems, vWD, diabetes, PRA, OCD, allergies, seizures, and heart problems.

HISTORY
Originating on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, during the 1700s, the Labrador Retriever were brought to England in the early 1800s by English fishermen. The Labrador Retriever is the result of selective breeding between the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog, the Newfoundland, and some native water dogs. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1917.

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