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Labrador Retriever Dog Breed
The Labrador Retriever ("Labrador" or "Lab" for short), one of the most familiar breeds of dog, is noted for its friendliness, intelligence and obedience. Because of these traits, they are often trained to be gun dogs and assistance dogs, such as service dogs or guide dogs.
Initially used to retrieve fishing nets and later as a hunting dog, Labrador Retrievers have evolved into a great family pet.
 Their love of family, children and even strangers makes them very suitable as canine goodwill ambassadors. They are excellent guide dogs for the blind and hearing impaired. They have a double coat: the undercoat being weather-resistant and the outer coat being short and dense. Their tails are totally unique being 'otter' like which helps them swim. Labradors are a well-balanced breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. Labradors were bred in the United Kingdom in the mid-1800s as hunting dogs from dogs imported from Labrador and Labrador Retriever. As the name suggests, they are excellent at retrieving game, such as ducks, after the game has been shot. Their coat repels water to some extent, thus the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs, a trait that can get them into trouble with other dogs and with the neighbors who do not appreciate their playfulness. So early training is essential; if you wait too long, he may become difficult to manage. Puppy and basic obedience classes are recommended to teach manners, and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test is a good idea.
Photos courtesy of The Woodbull Farm
Labrador Retriever Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 8 - Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs; Retrievers |
| Utilization: | Retriever |
| AKC Classification: | Sporting Group |
| Personality: | They are friendly, good-natured dogs who show affection to everyone. They are adaptable dogs and very social animals. They bond well with children, being patient and forgiving. |
| Size Category: | Medium-Large |
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Height: | 22-24 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: | Black, yellow and chocolate brown. |
| Other Names: | Lab |
| Average Litter Size: | 8
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| Life Span: | 10-12 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Waterproof, dense undercoat coat requires weekly brushing and combing to prevent matting. |
| Shedding: | Sheds year round |
| Social skills: |
Labrador Retrievers do very well with other household animals. |
| Suitability for Children: | Labrador Retrievers love children. |
| Exercise Needs: | Unless properly exercised, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger, or a chewer. |
| Train Ability: | Intelligent dogs, Labradors are easily trained, making them ideal for use in field sports, obedience competitions, as search dogs, as guide dogs and as hearing dogs. First off, the new Lab puppy should be leash trained and taught to sit on command to prevent his jumping on people in his desire to say hello. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
Comments
I was reading the information on Corneal Dystrophy
I was reading the information on Corneal Dystrophy. I have a 10 year old German Shepherd (Ringo) who was diagnosed with it not long after I adopted him. (He had to be between 2 and 3 yrs old). I started using Young Living products in November of 2010. (He is 9 yrs old at this point). I would put some Ninxgia Red in his food daily. Currently my vet can not find the corneal dystrophy.
My second German Shepherd (Dante-age 5) was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on his front paw(age 4). The surgeon removed this in several pieces. It was impossible to take a large border of tissue with the skin and to keep the tumor intact. I used Young Living Essential Oils and supplements on him also. He developed a small white growth to the area above his nose, near his eye. Again I treated with several different oils and supplements. At this present time I have seem no other growths or signs of illness.
As a nurse, I am not much on chemotherapy for dogs. If the animals can't talk I feel it's best to avoid the chemicals. I'll stay the holistic route and enjoy my boys for as long as they can be with me.
Sincerely,
Jean and the boys!
Posted by Guest_5161 on Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I used to own a German Shepherd who had a small lump on his head above his eye
I used to own a German Shepherd who had a small lump on his head above his eye. It was like a cyst or a wart and did not bother him at all. The vet finally removed it when he was having to have surgery for something else.
I think if you are really interested in buying this dog you should insist on having a vet check the lump out. Hopefully like my dog it will be nothing but surely you have a right to know.
Posted by Guest_5139 on Monday, May 16, 2011
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