About this breed:
The Labrador Retriever is a strong, powerful dog. They have a powerful physique and sturdy legs, and they almost have a square appearance. Male dogs can grow to a maximum height of 24 inches, which classifies them as medium-sized dogs, although their strong build can make them appear much larger. A huge male weighs 85 pounds, whereas a smaller female weighs 55 pounds. Field line bred dogs frequently have a higher stature and a slimmer frame.
The broad head, drop ears, and huge, expressive eyes of labrador retrievers make them simple to identify. The thick but relatively short double coat, which is particularly water-resistant, and the well-known “otter tail” are two characteristics that distinguish Labs. The tail is substantial and thick, and it almost perfectly follows the topline. In order to facilitate swimming, the feet are said to be “webbed” and have longer skin between the toes. Colors can be anything from black to chocolate to red-orange or even nearly white.
The Labrador retriever is a breed with a somewhat quick maturation rate; it can achieve adult height between the ages of six and twelve months, but may continue to fill out up to two years of age. A lot of labs live to be 12 to 14 years old.
Personality:
If you bear in mind that Labrador retrievers need training and exercise, they make great family pets. These dogs were bred to work tirelessly, and they enjoy having things to complete, especially retrieving.
As long as training has tamed their innate energy, labs are typically good with other dogs, other pets, and kids. They are powerful canines that require early obedience training to prevent them from pulling their owners down the street at will.
Due to their excitable nature, Labradors who are not properly exercised or who are left alone can become destructive, excessively chewing, digging, and barking.
While some of the show line dogs grow up to be excellent couch potatoes, the field line dogs are particularly high-energy pups. Since they have a great drive to retrieve things, chewing might be problematic. Exercise, training, and sturdy chew toys all support this.
Living With:
Evidently, Labradors have a variety of lovable characteristics, or else they wouldn’t be so well-liked. The fact that they want to work with people contributes to their intelligence and relative ease of training. They are “easy keepers” and risk gaining weight if not given the proper amount of activity and food quantities. Due to their want to be around people and the fact that many do not fare well in kennels, labs make wonderful family dogs.
Labradors do have a tendency to guard their families and homes, but they also like meeting new people. If they are not given the right toys and direction, they may turn into destructive chewers due to their strong retrieving instinct. The easiest way to stop a lab from “mouthing” someone is to give them a toy to carry around, filling their mouths with toys already. Due to their strength, these dogs require early training in order to develop good lead manners.
This breed earns top marks for shedders thanks to the excellent double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in freezing water. In most cases, a short weekly grooming is sufficient for their coats, but during shedding season, daily grooming is required. The different lines have varying requirements for exercise; field line dogs can run nonstop, whilst show line dogs only require moderate exercise.
History:
Some of the versatile dogs employed by hunters in North America (mostly Canada) in the early 1800s were sent back to England. However, the smaller ones were frequently referred to as “St John’s” dogs. Many of these “water dogs” were of the Newfoundland breed. The modern breed that we know and love was created in England, likely with some flat-coated retriever contribution.
Labrador retrievers were bred and chosen for their exceptional retrieving skills, particularly in water, as suggested by their name. They have collaborated with duck hunters in a variety of climates and circumstances. Their wit and eagerness to collaborate with humans have led to a variety of various careers and their current status as well-liked pets. Today, Labradors are excellent service and guide dogs, companions on the hunt, family pets, military scenting dogs, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs, and performance dogs.
The breed has become the most popular in America thanks to its sweet disposition, and it plans to stay there. Despite being well-known as house pets, they actually feel more at home outside. Always keep in mind that Labradors are water retrievers at heart, and that’s why puppies exhibit strong urges to carry objects and a strong interest to water, even puddles, from an early age.