There
are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador
and the American Labrador. The English bred
lab comes from English bred stock. Their general
appearance is different. The English bred labs
are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American
bred Lab comes from American bred stock and
is tall and lanky. The Labrador Retriever 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. This color is controversial and
some claim it is a Weimeriner cross, while others
say it is a true mutation. The Labrador has
a broad head, thick nose, scissors bite
and a pronounced stop. Its muzzle is fairly
wide and its neck is powerful. The eyes are
chestnut or hazel with an intelligent expression.
The medium-sized ears are pendant. The otter
tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering,
and completely covered with hair. Its limbs
have good bone structure. The webbed feet aid
in swimming.
Temperament
The
Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate,
lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal,
willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured,
they love to play, especially in water - for
they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable,
temperament and are friendly, superb with children
and equable with other dogs. They crave human
attention and need to feel as though they are
part of the family. Labs are easily trained.
Some may be reserved with strangers unless very
well socialized as puppies. These dogs are watchdogs,
not guard dogs, although some have been known
to guard. They can become destructive if left
too much to their own devices. Train Labradors
early not to pull on the leash, as they have
very strong necks. Show lines are generally
heavier and easier going than field lines. Field
lines tend to be very energetic and high strung.
Often the best pets are from combination show/field
stock. This breed is very popular. If you are
planning to show, buy only from a reputable
breeder. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent
than the Golden Retriever. Some of their 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. Labs bred from English
lines (English Labs) are more calm and laid
back than Labradors bred from American lines.
English Labs mature quicker than the American
type.
Height,
Weight
Height:
Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 21-23 inches
(53-58cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.) Bitches
55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)
Some males can grow to 100 pounds (45kg) or
more.
Health
Problems
Prone
to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.
Living
Conditions
Labrador
Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently
exercised. They are moderately active indoors
and will do best with at least an average-sized
yard.
Exercise
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. Labs are
big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate
rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-12 years
Grooming
The
smooth, short-haired, double coat 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. These
dogs are average shedders.
Origin
Once
known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador
Retriever is one of the most popular breeds
in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland,
Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard
into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets
to shore. Specimens were brought to England
in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador,
where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were
honed and developed. One of the best family
dogs and canine companions because of their
gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable
Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a
guide for the blind, and service dog for the
disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience
and field trial competitor.
