The Labrador Retriever, also known as the Labrador, is a gentle, intelligent and great family breed. In addition to being a versatile and agile hunting dog, the breed likes to please and is endowed with a high capacity for adaptation – which is why it stands out as a guide dog and in search and rescue and substance detection work.
Origin: UK and Canada
Weight: 25–36 kg
Height: 54.5–62 cm
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Characteristics
race colors
The standard Labrador retriever colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. Black coats do not show variation in color, while yellow coats can vary from light cream to red (like a fox), and brown coats can be darker or lighter in color.
Labrador retriever temperament
Labrador retrievers are very friendly and, as they love to please, they make great company. Its gentle and docile temperament is a hallmark of the breed, which is why it is one of the most suitable dogs for training as a guide dog.
It is also a very intelligent dog breed, ranking seventh. Sociable, is very good with people in general. They are often playful, especially in the early years, so they are ideal for families with children.
The labrador retriever with children, strangers and other animals
Because they are sociable, easy to adapt and docile, Labradors are great with children and the elderly. They love to play with little ones and, as they are naturally gentle, they tend to protect them. The temperament of this dog breed can be described as friendly and outgoing. Good square, it is tolerant of other dogs, cats or even rabbits, which is why it is a great host. A dog that will make your visit feel at home.
Does the Labrador Retriever bark a lot?
Not. The Labrador retriever is the type of breed that doesn’t make a fuss and only barks when necessary, or when it wants to communicate, whether to report that it has found something or to warn its owner of some danger. But due to his docile personality, he does not usually find strangers strange, which makes him a not very recommendable breed as a guard dog.
Is race destructive?
It might be. The Labrador is a very friendly and playful dog, in addition to having a lot of disposition for his mischief. Therefore, it is not a good idea to leave him alone for a long time, as he loves the presence of his tutor and wants to always be around. Labradors tend to have more energy when they are small and bite and gnaw furniture, but training them can help ease the habit. Do not let him bored, in the name of the safety of furniture and objects in the house!
Is the Labrador Retriever fussy?
Yes! Labradors are easy to get along with and socialize with other dogs and humans. Still, don’t mistake your laid-back personality for low energy. The dog of this breed is very active – he will never find a yard he doesn’t like! As they love to swim and play in open spaces, it is always good to take them on walks and outdoor excursions.
Care
The Labrador retriever does not require much care other than what every dog requires. The highlight is the need to keep you active, directing your high energy to activities that promote your health and well-being.
– Coat: The labrador’s coat requires daily brushing to prevent skin flaking.
– Baths : unless he has found a puddle of mud to rub and play with, bathing can be given every two months.
– Nails : as your nails grow quite fast, they need to be trimmed regularly.
– Ears: Your ears should be checked regularly, to avoid the accumulation of wax or dirt, preventing infections.
– Escapes: if you don’t put your Labrador to spend all its energy, you will see that it will find its own ways to have fun. For many dogs, this means devising new ways to escape the house to explore the world. The good news is that they are not known for being great jumpers, so a 6-foot fence should be enough to contain your Labrador. But as they are very intelligent, they are known to open locks and gnaw wood, make sure your yard is leak-proof, or it will magically disappear from your sight. Stay tuned!
Health
Although it is a very healthy breed, Labradors can have some common health problems, such as their hip, elbow, and eyes.
– Diet: a good diet is essential to keep the dog healthy and strong. As Labradors have unique needs, it’s important to feed them with food suitable for the breed, and according to their age. They have a tendency to put on weight and are very fond of eating; therefore, do not offer more than the recommended amount for your dog’s age.
– Hip: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes malformation of the hip joints during the growth of the Labrador retriever. In addition to making the dog feel pain, this condition often causes arthritis, which exacerbates the problem.
– Elbow: Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a disease that makes the cartilage of the elbow joint thick and damaged. It can cause chronic pain, as well as make them prone to arthritis.
