Pets – breeding, nutrition, health

There is no doubt of the fact that the Labrador retriever is the most popular family dog in the world. While choosing a great family dog, you need to consider certain quality like friendliness, how a dog behaves with children, loving, caring nature, loyal etc., and all these qualities are there in this ever so diligent and friendly retriever.

One look at a Labrador Retriever puppy and your heart will melt as it looks at you with its alert eyes. Next to the Golden Retriever, they are most sought after as companion dogs for children and the elderly. They are highly dependable and loyal and very protective of their masters as well.

Noted for their gentle and loving disposition, Labs are highly trainable and displays an above-average aptitude for outstanding obedience and field trial competition.

Compatibility and Usage: The Labrador retriever as its name suggests is a retriever dog but he is not from Labrador but from New Foundland, Canada. He was a fisherman’s dog initially. He is said to have evolved from the Buccleuch Avon and he was originally known as St. John’s dog.

Physical Appearance: Standard Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color, combination of colors or brindling means the dog is not a purebred. Male Labs measure from 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall with weight ranging between 65-80 pounds whereas the female of the breed stands from 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches and weighs between 55-70 pounds.

Temperament: In this category, the Labrador Retriever is hands down considered as the most behaved of all dogs that their benign temper has become the trademark of the breed. They are generally kind and possess an outgoing and obedient nature; they are always eager to please and are not hostile towards man or other animals. Labs are very adaptable to any environment, highly intelligent and are very loyal and overprotective of their owners.

They are very lively and good-natured, making them an excellent playmate for children. They like to get lots of human attention and behave as though they are actually part of the family. They are more of a watchdog than a guard dog because of their sociable behavior but they may display aggressive behavior towards strangers if they are not socialized as puppies. Labradors are very good at hunting, tracking, retrieving, police work, and are easily trained.

Caring & Health: Life expectancy of the breed range from 12 to 13 years. One important aspect of a Lab’s behavior that must be monitored is their penchant for eating all the time as this can lead to obesity.

They are also prone to knee problems, elbow and hip dysplasia and ear infection. The ear infection is much higher in labs as compared to other dogs because they have floppy ears, which can trap moist air and thus fungus and other microbial bacteria formation takes place. Ear cleaning on a regular basis is a must with lab retrievers.

If a lovable and energetic family dog is what you want, you can never go wring choosing the Labrador Retriever!