Labrador retriever is a perfect companion and useful working dog. Historically they were raised for the fisherman's help, hauling nets, fetching rope, and retrieving the fish from the chilly North Atlantic. Today, Labrador retriever is good-natured and hardworking like their ancestors and the most popular dog in America. Many modern Labrador retrievers are raised as hunters, assistance dogs, show competitors, and search dogs.
According to American Kennel Club, Labrador retriever is number one in popularity in America. They are built for sport due to their muscular and athletic body. Labrador retrievers are known for their sort, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and energy. Let's know more about this number one breed of America.
History
They originally belong to the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally, they are also known as St. John's dogs. In the 1700s, the Labrador retrievers were raised as fishermen, but today these are the best companions and helpers. In the past, they spend their daytime with their owners, retrieving fish who had escaped the hooks and towing in lines. After that, they spend their evenings with the fishermen's family. Their popularity increases after world war II, and in 1991, they become the top registered dogs with the American Kennel Club. Today, the Labrador retrievers are working in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, and as a retriever for hunters.
Size
Males Labrador retrievers are usually bigger than females. A male Labrador retriever can reach up to 22.5 to 24.5 inches in height with 65 to 80 pounds weight. In comparison, females can reach up to 21.5 to 23.5 inches in height with 55 to 70 pounds weight.
Personality
Labrador retrievers are known for their loyalty and sweet nature. They love the outgoings, eager to please, and friendly with the people and other pets as well. Aside from their personality, their eagerness to please plays an important role in training these ideal family members.
Training is very important for the Labrador retrievers as they have a lot of energy. They need mental and physical activity to stay active and happy.
Health
Labrador retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but they are also prone to certain health issues like the other dog breeds. Not all Labrador retrievers are prone to health issues, but it's important to know about these diseases.
These health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans, Cataracts, Progressive Rental Atrophy, Epilepsy, Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, Myopathy, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Acute Moist Dermatitis, Cold Tail, and Ear Infection.
Care
They are not the usual backyard dogs and love to stay close to their families. If you leave them alone, they will dig, chew, or find some other destructive ways to waste their energy. They need both mental and physical activities daily to burn off their energy.
But make sure to don't take your puppy for too long walks; you can simply play with them for few minutes.
Labrador Retrievers have such a good reputation that many people think that they don't need any training, which is a big mistake. People need to understand that they can build rowdy behavior without proper training. So, try to start their training at an early age.
Feeding
Labrador Retrievers need 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality food daily, which is divided into two meals. The quality of dog food makes a big difference. How much your dog eats? It mainly depends upon their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are also individuals like humans and don't need the same amount of food. A highly active dog needs more food as compared to a lazy individual. Make sure to properly measure your Labrador Retriever food to keep them in good shape.
Coat colors
The Labrador retriever coat
comes in three colors, including chocolate, black, and yellow. Black was one of
the favorite colors of the early breeders, but today yellow and chocolate
colors are more popular among people. Many breeders are also selling rare colors,
which include the white and fox red colors.
Some Important FAQs About Labrador Retrievers:-
Are Labradors Family Dogs?
Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA. They
are excellent companions, as well as assistance dogs due to their loving and intelligent
nature. Labradors perfectly adjust with the individuals and families, especially
with the children and other pets.
How much do Labrador’s cost?
Labrador is one of the most expensive dog breeds, which can
cost you anywhere between $300 to $1000 depending upon different factors. But you
can adapt it from shelter or rescue at a low price, even free.
Is there any problem Labrador has?
Like many other dog breeds, Labradors also have some health
issues, including patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia, and Osteochondritis
dissecans.
Do Labradors bark a lot?
Yes, Labs do bark for a variety of reasons. They bark more
than normal without plenty of physical stimulation and social interaction. Their
pent-up energy is responsible for their excess barking.
Are the Labradors high maintenance?
Yes, it’s a high-maintenance dog breed, which needs plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble. You also need to take care of their health issues, which include hip dysplasia and allergies.