[note] The Labrador is the most popular breed by registered ownership in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (since 1991) [/note]
History (condensed)
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada and is believed to have descended from the now extinct “St. John’s Water Dog”. Labrador Retriever’s where trained to help retrieve fishing nets from the icy cold waters of the North Atlantic. Their dense, water-repellant coats, swimming skills and hard working nature made them the perfect dog for this task. In the early 19th century, the Duke of Malmesbury began breeding Labrador Retrievers in England. He was also responsible for the name “Labradors”. Labs where first recognized by The British Kennel Club in 1903 and the American Kennel Club in 1917. It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.
Labrador Retriever Makeup
Labrador Retrievers are medium to large sized dogs with a smooth short coat and a powerful, otter like tail. These intelligent dogs make great family pets but they do need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation and training. They enjoy long walks and truly love water. A well exercised Lab is a happy Lab!
The Labrador Retriever makes an excellent sporting dog and excels as a retrieving gun dog. They are also used as guide dogs for the blind as well as therapy dogs.
Height:
American Kennel Club Breed Standard
British Kennel Club Breed Standard
Wait! What’s the Difference?
Appearance
While appearances may vary regardless of American or British, there are some general differences that you can expect to see with some consistency.
Size – American Labs generally run larger (weight wise) than their British counterparts and are, on average, 10-20 pounds heavier than British Labs. The British Labs will generally run 50-70 pounds depending on whether you have a male or female, while American Labs are typically 60-90 pounds.
Color – While both come in Black and Yellow, Chocolate is a common third color for American Labs. British lines will include dogs with a dark (fox) red coat as their third color.
Temperament – The major difference here is one of apparent energy. Both American and British lines produce very social dogs that are playful and intelligent and make excellent companions. My experience has been that the British Labrador generally tends to be somewhat more calm and relaxed. They typically require a softer training hand with less pressure required or desired. American Labs tend to be able to handle a bit more pressure in a training environment. They are naturally more boisterous and tend to exhibit a higher energy level and, consequently, may require more firm correction.
Weight
Male: 65 – 80lbs
Female: 55 – 70lbs
Coat
Short, thick, dense and weather resistant coat in black, yellow, chocolate. There are sometimes other variations of colors that occur from certain types of breeding. However, these colors are not recognized by the AKC therefore not following the best breeding practices for Labrador Retrievers.
Characteristics
Webbed Feet
Otter-Like Tail
Slighlty Oily Coat
Soft Mouth
Ability to Learn
7th most intelligent dog breed
The Labrador Retriever is intelligent, adaptable, obedient, sociable , affectionate and loyal. They are also very energetic, especially when very young. ( I think that is why they are so darn cute. Easy to forgive)
Temperament
One of the reasons the Labrador Retriever is so popular is their excellent temperament. They are friendly, loving and non-aggressive. These outgoing dogs are playful and always eager to please. As someone once said “A Lab never has a bad day”. Due to their easy-going, non-aggressive nature, Labs do not make good guard dogs. They may bark protectively but unlikely to take things further.
Health Problems
As with all breeds Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain health problems.
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Canine Epilepsy
Gastric Torsion (Bloat)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is a family of diseases involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. In the early stages of the disease, an affected dog becomes nightblind and cannot see well in dim lighting. As the disease progresses, daytime vision also fails. Provided that the affected dog’s environment remains constant, an affected dog can adapt quite well to this handicap. As the affected dog’s vision fails, the pupils become increasingly dilated, causing a “shine” to his eyes. The lens of the eyes may also become cloudy, or opaque, resulting in a cataract. It should be noted that while some breeds are affected early in life, others can develop PRA much later. The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds that is affected as an adult and, therefore, the dog’s eyes will appear normal as a puppy.
Because PRA in Labrador Retrievers often does not appear until the dog is an adult (sometimes as late as eight years or more), the disease has been difficult to eradicate. If your dog does appear to be losing his sight, you should see your Veterinarian for an eye exam and if he is diagnosed with PRA, inform his breeder.
Ear infections
Because of their floppy ears and their love of swimming, Labradors can be prone to ear infections. Not all Labs get them, but many that do can be chronic about it.
It is important to check your Lab’s ears regularly. The ear should be light pink or flesh-toned and clean, and there should be no odor coming from the ear or the ear canal.
Upkeep And Maintenance
Labrador Retrievers must be well excercised on a daily basis. Whenever possible, this should take the form of running and swimming. Retrieving is at the top of the list of games that Labradors really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.