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Labrador Retriever

Description:

The Labrador Retriever is medium sized, short-coupled and athletically built. The coat is straight, short, dense and, most notably, water resistant. The three coat colors for a Labrador Retriever are black, yellow and chocolate, with yellows having the greatest variation in shading (from cream to fox-red) and blacks having the least. The skull is wide with a moderate stop, the head clean-cut rather than fleshy cheeked. 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 Labrador Retriever’s expression is affectionate, friendly and alert, with expressive and intelligent eyes. The dog is short-coupled, with a strong back and fairly wide chest. The tail is medium length and free from feathering, distinctly thick at the base and tapering toward the tip – some describe the Labrador tail as “otter-like.” 

Temperament:

The Labrador Retriever has an enviable reputation among dogs, and one which is well deserved. His gentleness and tolerance of people and other animals make him an ideal addition to a house with small children and other pets, while his tractability and athleticism earn him points in the field. These traits, coupled with his friendly nature and inherent eagerness to please make him a perennial favorite among dog enthusiasts. Labs are both highly intelligent and obedient, and are thus relatively easy to train. The dog loves to play and retrieve, and has what can sometimes seem to be a limitless store of energy – daily exercise is an unquestionable requirement. The Lab’s social nature makes it a mediocre protector of the household, and its abundant energy can lead to destructive and hyperactive behavior if it is not sufficiently exercised, but aside from these minor shortcomings, the breed makes for a nearly perfect companion and friend. 

Caring for a Labrador Retriever:

Labradors Retrievers are very active and among the most sociable of dogs. The breed should exercise with people and / or other dogs every day, and should be given every opportunity available to socialize. Favorite pastimes of the Labrador Retriever include retrieving and swimming – if you have a pool, the dog will use it. The dog is fairly adaptable to both hot and cool climates but is much happier living indoors with its family rather than in the yard. Labrador Retrievers are average shedders, and should be brushed once a week. Primary health issues associated with the breed include canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, tricuspid valve dysplasia, OCD and obesity. Less common problems include cataracts, CPRA, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia and hypothyroidism.