Last Updated on October 21, 2022 by Pets Feed
The Labrador Retriever is without a doubt one of the favorite companion dogs in the world. The proof is that the number of specimens registered each year increases exponentially in many countries, so that the breed enjoys great health and popularity.
All this good reputation is mainly due to an exceptional temperament, where intelligence, energy and kindness stand out. The Labrador Retriever has the ideal characteristics that every animal should have, and that is why it is recommended as a pet for people of all types and ages, although it also offers unbeatable results as a working dog.
Although we generally talk about a kind, docile and very patient dog, we should know that he is also a tireless friend who will need long hours of exercise and games to stay in shape and avoid being overweight, a common problem in this breed.
| Breed name | Labrador retriever |
| Country of origin | Great Britain, Canada |
| Weight | 25 – 35 kg |
| Height (at the withers) | 54 – 61 cm |
| Life expectancy | 13 years |
| Size | Big |
Labrador retriever photos
Characteristics of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is medium in size, very muscular and compact. Genetics are very special in this animal and can sometimes have unexpected effects on the pigmentation of their skin. It is not all that strange to find a specimen of labrador with clear eyes or the pink truffle, because these animals tend to carry recessive genes which mix colors.
The Labrador is a medium-sized breed that should not exceed 61 centimeters in height to the withers, and that generally has a minimum of 54 centimeters. As for the weight, it is generally maintained between 25 and 35 kilos, from which it follows that it is a very muscular and strong dog. It can be difficult to handle due to its power and high energy, as it is a much more robust dog than it seems at first glance.
- Head: The head is compact. The skull is wide. The transition line from the forehead to the muzzle is clear. The muzzle is massive and visually heavy.
- Teeth: The jaws are strong and strong. Teeth in an upright position with a regular scissor bite.
- Ears: The ears are of the hanging type, not very heavy, of harmonious size, located far behind the head, close to the head.
- Eyes: The eyes are small in size with a slightly oblique set. The color of the iris is golden hazel or brown.
- Frame: The body is athletic, strong, slightly rectangular in shape. Collar of noble lines, powerful. The back is straight, spacious with a short but broad and muscular loin and the same croup. The chest is wide and deep. Barrel type fins. Athletically shaped abdomen.
- Limbs: The legs are straight, parallel with well developed bones. The paws are rounded, medium in size with well-developed elastic pads. The toes are strong, webbed, arched with powerful claws.
- Coat: The hairline is short, even, hard with a shiny sheen. Ripples and feathers are absent. The undercoat is dense, water repellent, soft. The color is solid light cream, liver-brown or chocolate, red and black. There may be a small white patch on the chest.
Behavior and character
Note
Labrador is one of the most intelligent dog breeds known, being in seventh place in the Stanley Coren ranking, which shows that it is unique in obedience work and that it is very easy to make him learn new tricks. The Labrador Retriever has its own temperament, but it is also a caring and loving pet with everyone.
The Labrador Retriever is a sociable pet with an endless stream of activity and an impeccably friendly character. Sincerely trusts people, expects a good attitude from them, appreciates human attention and care.
He loves his master and tries to please him, while remaining faithful for life. He treats family members with kindness and gentleness, he is always happy to communicate. He absolutely does not tolerate separation from loved ones, designed from boredom spoils furniture and household items.
The Labrador is wonderful with children, even at a respectable age he loves to play with them. Do not hesitate to be an attentive and responsible nanny for the baby, she will try to avoid a dangerous situation for him.
He gets along well with cats and other pets in the house, but on the street he can chase a flying bird.
Labrador as a guard dog
As a guardian, the Labrador Retriever, due to its friendliness, is not a very suitable option. In the eyes of the dog, any visitor is a potential companion to play and spend time together. However, with a real threat to the owner, he will certainly come to his defense.
Labrador Retriever Health
The Labrador Retriever is generally healthy and rarely needs medical attention. However, some issues remain, including:
- Hip dysplasia – is an inherited disease;
- Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disease;
- Osteochondrosis;
- Cataract;
- Progressive retinal atrophy;
- Epilepsy;
- Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a growing congenital heart disease in the Labrador Retriever;
- Myopathy – this is considered an inherited disease;
- Volvulus of gastric dilatation, popularly – volvulus of the intestines;
- Acute moist dermatitis;
- A cold tail is a mild but painful condition common to Labradors and other retrievers. It is believed to be a muscle problem between the tail vertebrae. The dog may bite its tail, but don’t worry, it usually goes away on its own after a few days.
- Otitis.
Basic care
The Labrador Retriever breed needs to be brushed twice a week. The eyes should be cleaned of deposits daily, the ears are usually cleaned two to three times a week. You need to bathe the dog once or twice a week, trim the nails three times a month.
Important
The Labrador Retriever loves water. If you have the opportunity to travel out of town to a lake or river, the dog will support such a decision with joy.
Exercise
The Labrador Retriever is a breed with a lot of energy and requires a lot of exercise. Therefore, although this dog can be adapted to live in an apartment, it is necessary that it receives long walks and that it can play with other dogs.
The hobby the Labrador Retriever loves most is water, which is one of its behavioral characteristics. The breed also has a remarkable predisposition to charge, so it’s easy to teach them to bring things.
These dogs will easily adapt to the time you can devote to their physical exercise, but remember that the ideal for a healthy adult is to spend a few hours of exercise a day.
Origin of the Labrador Retriever
Despite its name, which refers to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Cynological Federation (ICF) recognizes the origin of the Labrador Retriever in Great Britain. However, the history of this popular breed is related to the island of Newfoundland and specifically to the Canadian city of San Juan (Saint John).
It is likely that the St. John’s dog, the direct ancestor of the Labrador Retriever, was a descendant of British water dogs. These water fishermen were reportedly taken to the island of Newfoundland by English fishermen. On the island, the San Juan dog, used by fishermen to help them in their fishing activities, has been developed by dragging lines of fishing nets on the shore.
These dogs had to be tough, hardworking and good swimmers. They also had to have dense fur that would protect them from the icy waters of the north and thick tails acting as a bar. The smallest variety of San Juan dogs would have given birth to different breeds of retriever dogs, including the Labrador Retriever dog.
In the mid-nineteenth century, St. John’s dogs were exported to England, where a handful of breeders used them to obtain the “perfect” retriever dog. Thus, after several generations and a careful selection, the dog Labrador Retriever was born in England. During the first two decades of the twentieth century, the morphological bases of the breed were established in England, as we know it today. At that time, several collectors were already registered at the Kennel Club in England.
Labradors were imported to the United States during the First World War. The Second World War had disastrous consequences for this breed, as for all other breeds, and dog breeding was relegated to a lower level.
After the Second World War, the Labrador Retriever began to gain popularity. Gradually, he showed his great qualities as a hunting dog, but what got him the most popularity is his good character, associated with its pleasant appearance.
Today, the dog Labrador Retriever stands out in many activities. It is one of K-SAR’s favorite dogs (search and rescue dogs), as a guide for the blind, assistance dogs, therapy dogs and the most popular dog pet in the world.
