Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Facts

Labrador Retriever Information

Labrador Retriever Description:

Labrador Retriever Care & Grooming:

Labrador Retriever Health Problems:

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Group:	Sporting
Size:	Large
Life Span:	10-12 years
Height:	Male: 22-25 inches
	Female: 21-24 inches
Weight:	Male: 65-80 lbs
	Female: 55-75 lbs

Coat :	Outer coat is straight & dense. Undercoat is soft & water resistant
Gait :	Free and effortless
Color(s) :	Black, Chocolate or Yellow
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Short
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk and jog
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Canada (Newfoundland)
Todays Use :	Companion Dog, Police Dog and Guide Dog
Originally Used :	Hunting and Water retrieving
Other Name :	Lab, English Retriever and St John's Dogs

The Labrador Retriever is generally considered as the most popular breed in the world. Labs are originally from Newfoundland (Canada) where they were used to help fishermen to catch fish even from icy water. In nineteenth century they were brought to England and for many years the breed was kept pure. Then in the late nineteenth century this breed was crossed with other breeds to improve their hunting ability. Very quickly Labrador Retriever has gained its popularity as Sporting Dog and now has become the most popular dog in the world. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1917.

The Labrador is a medium to large sized, muscular and well balanced dog. This breed has a wedge shaped clean-cut head, broad back skull, powerful jaws and expressive eyes. It has a thick and long nose; ears are medium in size and an otter tail. Its legs are strong and larger then it’s body. It has a double coat with a short, straight and very dense outer coat which is little harsh to touch, and a soft and both water and weather resistant undercoat. The purebred Labradors come only in three colors: Black, Chocolate and Yellow.

The Labrador Retriever is very energetic, friendly, loyal, gentle, hardworking, non aggressive and intelligent. All these characteristics make it an ideal family dog. Labs are friendly with kids and with other dogs also. They love to play with water and are very good swimmer. The even temperament, intelligence, strong sense of smell and quick learning ability of this breed make them suitable for jobs like hunting, retrieving, detection, rescue, service dog for the disabled, police work etc. Labs are not good guard dog as they get friendly with strangers soon and bark less. It is an obedient breed which is easy to train. It adapts well to indoor as well as outdoor environment so is well suited to an apartment life but is more comfortable at least in an average sized yard.

The Labrador puppy should not be brought to home before they are 8 weeks old. This breed sheds seasonally. Its short and thick coat is easy to maintain. Brushing its coat 2-3 times in a week with a firm bristle brush and almost daily brushing during shedding season, and also rubbing its body with a damp towel once in a week are sufficient to maintain a healthy looking coat. It should be bathed only when necessary using a mild shampoo and must be dried properly after each bath. Regular trimming of the nails is advised to avoid any injury. Its eyes and ears should be cleaned properly to avoid any infection.

This active dog requires lots of daily exercise. Daily long walks are essential to keep the dog healthy both physically and mentally. Walks should be supplemented with jogging, running or swimming every now and then. Labs love to eat much and without sufficient exercise, they gain weight easily and become lazy. Lack of exercise may develop behavioral problem in the dog and can also make the dog overweight. It tends to gain weight quickly so should not be overfed. This dog is prone to bloat, so small frequent meals are recommended instead of a large meal.

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The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. They are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Sometimes they suffer from eye and knee problems. Problems like diabetes and osteoarthritis are common in case of older and overweight Labs. Some young adult Labradors tend to suffer from exercise induced collapse (EIC) which causes weakness followed by collapse after 5 to 20 minutes of rigorous exercise.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER OWNED BY USERS

	Breed: Labrador Retriever Name: Sophie Age: 0.1 years Sex: Female About Sophie : Very cute and adventurous!
	Breed: Labrador Retriever Name: Jerry Age: 3.0 years Sex: Male About Jerry : he is very cute and fighting always with another dog
	Breed: Labrador Retriever Name: Tuffy Age: 3.5 years Sex: Male About Tuffy : he s my small little brother of mine...everytime he will safe guard me..and now he has become part of our family... lov u tuffy, lov u loads

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