Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. It is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat that does not have any waves and comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also said to be a rare silver or gray color that is referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. It is wide over the loins and strong and muscular hindquarters. The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, active dog; it is easy to train and is good with children and other dogs. The Labrador Retriever is good-natured, mild mannered, loyal and hardworking. It makes a good gundog. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; its gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make it an ideal dog.

TEMPERAMENT

This breed is loving, affectionate, lovable, and patient. It is high-spirited, lively, loyal, and willing. The Labrador Retriever is friendly, good-natured, and loves to play; it is superb with children. This dog loves to swim. It should never be aggressive. It is highly intelligent, and easily trained. This dog needs to feel as though it is part of the family; it craves human attention. It has an excellent, reliable, temperament. It may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. It makes a good watchdog. It is important to train the dog early not to pull on the leash, as it has very strong neck. It is an energetic dog, delighted to work and play hard. This breed is a big eater and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight. The Labrador Retriever is a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of its talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience.

GROOMING

Smooth, close, short, dense double coat without waves or feathering. It is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise and should not be kept in a locked space. Minimum light brushing of the Labrador Retriever's coat every once in a while will keep it in great shape.

HEALTH

Usually hardy. Potential problems with hip dysplasia, epilepsy, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), arthritis and skin allergies.

EXERCISE

Labrador Retrievers needs daily contact. The Labrador Retriever also loves vigorous exercise including swimming. Labrador Retriever puppies are easy to raise and train and should be introduced to people at an early age. Beware of overfeeding your Labrador Retriever as it is easy for them to become lazy and obese.

TRAINING

Labrador Retrievers are happiest out in the countryside, but will adapt to an urban environment with a fenced yard when sufficient exercise is given. Labrador Retrievers are active and enjoy human interaction. The owner of a Labrador Retriever needs to be able to spend time to exercise, train and play with them. They can become obese if not exercised regularly. The best owner for this breed would be an active family living in a rural or suburban environment.