| Overview |
The Labrador Retriever, also Labrador, is a type of retriever-gun
dog. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United
Kingdom and the United States.
A favourite disability assistance breed in many countries, Labradors
are frequently trained to aid the blind, those who have autism, to act
as a therapy dog and perform screening and detection work for law
enforcement and other official agencies. They are prized as sporting and
hunting dogs.
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| History |
| The Labrador Retriever (also known as the ‘Labrador’ or ’Lab’)
descends from the Newfoundland Dog and the St. John’s Water Dog in
Newfoundland, Canada. It was bred to hunt in water and pull boats, which
is evident to this day in its natural love for water. Contrary to
popular opinion, the Labrador Retriever’s name likely derives from the
Portuguese ‘lavradores’ or Spanish ‘labradores’, both of which mean
‘farm worker’, rather than the ‘Labrador’ region of Canada. The Labrador
Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 and
thereafter rose slowly but steadily in popularity due to its incredible
versatility, obedience, and rugged good looks. It is now considered the
world’s most popular breed. |
| Size & Weight |
| Male Labs should stand, at the withers, from 22 - 24 inches (56 -
61cm) and females should stand 21 - 23 inches (53 - 58 cm). Size is
important in the show ring and dogs who deviate from these heights more
than half an inch are disqualified. Males should weigh between 60 - 75
pounds (27 - 34 kg) and females should weigh 55 - 70 pounds (25 - 32
kg). No size variation, however, disqualifies a Lab from being a
companion dog. |
| Coat & Color |
| Labs sport a double coat that protects from cold and wet conditions
that retrievers encounter while hunting. The undercoat is soft and
weather-resistant while the top coat is short, straight, and thick. Labs
come in three colors: black, chocolate or yellow. Red and polar white
are variations of a yellow lab, and breeders who charge a premium for
these “rare” colors are simply trying to take an uneducated buyer for a
ride. |
| Temperament |
| The Labrador Retriever has a mellow personality and gets along well
with children, other dogs, and any household pets. Some Labrador
Retrievers may chew, but they can be trained not to. Labradors do not
make great watchdogs because they are friendly with strangers and are
not territorial. |
| Health & Lifespan |
| Labrador pups generally are not brought to the home before they are
8 weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally 10 to 13 years, and it
is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. |
| Training & Activity |
The Labrador Retriever learns very quickly and loves to work for its
handler. Leash training is recommended when young. The Labrador
Retriever is capable of learning a wide variety of dog sports including
Frisbee and Flyball.
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play
hard. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run
alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be
made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's
mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.
They will be in their glory if you give them a job to do. Gain weight
easily, do not over feed. |
