All The Facts & Info You Need To Know About The Labrador Retriever
You’ve probably read all the articles in popular magazines and newspapers, but what do you really know about the Labrador Retriever?
There are many questions about this breed, including its history, ancestors, and physical characteristics.
But how can you ensure that your new dog will thrive? Here are some facts and info you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about the Labrador.
Labrador Retriever Ancestors
The Labrador is a medium-sized dog in the “sporting” group of the American Kennel Club.
They average 22 to 25 inches in height and weigh between 60 to 90 pounds. Their coat consists of two layers, the top being coarse and the undercoat smooth and soft.
They are generally white, black, or a mix of both. They are gentle, friendly, and love attention.
Labs are excellent family pets. They love to play and need plenty of exercises. Unlike other breeds, Labradors are friendly with children and other dogs.
As with any breed, however, they do require obedience training from an early age. If not properly trained, they may become destructive and may be hard to housebreak.
A Labrador’s prickly barking and tendency to dig is not something to overlook.
The Labrador Retriever has long been a popular breed in the United States, having topped the list of most popular dogs for the last 28 years.
It is easygoing, affectionate, energetic, and family-friendly. This breed originated in Newfoundland, where they helped fishermen retrieve fishing nets.
The aristocracy in England imported Labradors from Newfoundland, and they began to use them as gun dogs and service dogs. These days, the breed is still used as a working dog.
Colors
The color of the Labrador Retriever varies in shade, from sedge to a deep chocolate brown.
Labs with a yellow-gold color are known as “Bretts”. They have black mucosa and a small spot of white on the chest. A pure black Labrador’s eyes are dark brown.
Labs with a reddish fox color, meanwhile, are lighter than those with a solid black coat. The black pigment on the Labrador’s nose fades to a pink color in the winter.
The resulting color is known as a “snow nose.” As the weather warms up, the black pigment will return. The fawn Labrador’s coat is softer.
Colors of the Labrador Retriever differ in their physiognomy, temperament, and behavior.
The Labrador is one of the world’s most popular breeds, noted for its beautiful appearance and affection for humans and families.
Their coat is composed of two layers, a dense undercoat, and a glossy waterproof outer coat. Even with its double coat, the Labrador is considered a short-haired dog.
The International Cynological Federation (ICF) recognizes only three colors as the official breed standards: black, chocolate, and yellow.
Physical Characteristics
The Labrador is one of the largest breeds of dog. Its coat is short, dense, and water-resistant.
Its ears are rounded and hang on the sides of its head. Its face is round and slender, and its eyes are coffee or hazel colored.
The Labrador has a well-developed fore chest and a long, slightly curled tail. Labradors are also extremely intelligent.
The Labrador’s tail is similar to an otter’s, and this helps it swim well. The Labrador’s versatility makes it a great service dog, guide dog for the blind, and search and rescue dog.
Several pet therapy programs use Labradors for therapeutic purposes. They are gentle and affectionate, and they enjoy being around children. They are also great companions.
Labradors are classified as working dogs. Their coats are short, straight, and dense, and give the dog a dry, hard feel to the touch.
Labradors range in height from 21 inches to 24 inches at the withers. They weigh from fifty to eighty pounds.
The coat of a Labrador is dense and straight and helps protect the dog’s skin from cold and water.
Health Care
One of the most important aspects of proper Labrador health care is regular physical examinations.
Labradors are susceptible to several musculoskeletal problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia.
Labs must be screened for hip dysplasia at age two and affected animals must be removed from the breeding cycle.
The good news is that there are many treatments available for this painful disease.
A complete blood count, which is normally done twice a year, can help identify lymphoma and other diseases.
In order to avoid developing a health condition, Labradors should be given regular exercise and plenty of water.
Labs also get thirsty easily and tend to drink more water as the weather warms up. Water intake is essential for Labradors, as dehydration can be fatal for a Lab.
Additionally, veterinarians recommend brushing your Lab’s teeth at least once a week. You can buy specialized toothpaste for this purpose.
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is a potentially life-threatening disease for Labradors. Dogs affected by EIC cannot exercise for long periods of time.
Additionally, the condition can lead to heat stroke, so pet owners should be vigilant about overheating in hot weather.
If you suspect your Lab is suffering from this disease, genetic tests are available to diagnose the disease. Genetic screening is recommended before breeding.
Origins
The Labrador Retriever is a famous breed of dog. It is one of the most popular dogs in the world, combining good looks with athletic ability and discipline.
Their origins go back to the 1500s when the dogs were used by English settlers in Newfoundland, Canada.
The dog’s origins can be traced back to the water dogs of Greater and Lesser St. John.
These dogs had a long, dense black coat that was waterproof and able to swim and dive in the icy waters of the Labrador Sea.
Initially, the Labrador was bred in the English countryside on the estates of the rich.
This type of hunting dog was considered a great companion to the gentlemen’s lifestyle of English shooting.
Nevertheless, the American hunting community developed the springer spaniel and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever for the land game.
Eventually, both breeds merged and the Labrador Retriever was born. The St. John’s water dog, whose name is now associated with the Labrador, had a slightly different appearance.
It resembled the British Labrador more than the American one. It had white patches on its chest and was more like an English Labrador.
The St. John’s water dog also had a thick coat, a rudder-like tail, and a slender tail. Both dogs were intelligent and were popular pets in their native lands.
Common Health Problems
A Labrador Retriever’s common health problems can range from minor to life-threatening.
It is important to know what to look for and when to take your dog to the veterinarian. Some diseases, such as melanoma, affect Labradors more than others.
Other serious problems include digital squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal paralysis, myasthenia gravis, and polyneuropathy.
A genetic condition called exercise-induced collapse (EIC) can affect Labradors.
EIC results in a dog that loses muscle control and appears normal after intense exercise but collapses within a few minutes.
While a Labrador is a typically active dog, exercise-induced collapse requires a trip to the vet immediately.
Other possible causes of exercise intolerance include heart, lung, and bone problems.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will perform physical exams and conduct blood work.
Hip dysplasia is another common Labrador health problem. Labradors are particularly susceptible to joint conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
Labs used for breeding must be tested for hip dysplasia at a young age. If they test positive, they must be removed from the breeding cycle.
However, surgery can help mitigate the effects of the condition. Moreover, obesity is common in Labradors and may aggravate hip and joint problems.
Average Lifespan
The Labrador Retriever is a British breed of retriever gun dog.
They were originally imported from Newfoundland and developed in the United Kingdom. The Labrador region of Newfoundland is named for this breed.
The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is around 15 years. However, their life expectancy varies by breed.
In general, they live longer than most dogs. Here are some useful tips to help you determine what’s right for you.
A recent study of over two thousand Labrador retrievers shows that male Labradors tend to live longer than females.
In addition to age, a Labrador’s life expectancy is largely dependent on health and breed. Overweight and degenerative joint diseases are common health problems in the breed.
Male Labradors are heavier than females. And they’re more likely to suffer from skin and ear disorders than female Labradors.
Because the Labrador is a large, sturdy dog, its life expectancy is considered medium.
But even healthy Labs can show signs of aging. Symptoms of aging include thinning fur and graying of the muzzle.
The Labrador’s life expectancy is approximately 12 years, which is slightly shorter than the average human lifespan.
However, Labs tend to be healthier and happier than other dogs, so they can outlive their lifespan by getting plenty of exercises.
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