Labrador Training Not surprisingly, the most popular dog in the United States and the United Kingdom is the Labrador Retriever. Ironically, it’s also the most versatile. This breed was initially bred in Newfoundland , and later developed in England as a gun dog used for hunting small game and ducks. It’s been further distinguished and bred for its varying colors: the Yellow Labrador which includes silver, light tan, golden, and reddish, the Chocolate Labrador which are those Labs from light to dark brown in color, and the Black Labrador which must be entirely black to be included in this color category.
Most shed their short, thick coats in the spring and fall but if you own one of the exceptions to this rule, you’ll no doubt have a vacuum full of an ever present blanket of fur since some do shed year round. Whatever the color, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most personable family dogs around.
It’s for this reason that they’re routinely used as therapy dogs for the temporarily and permanently disabled. However, their talents don’t stop there. They’re renowned for their other abilities too, including detecting drugs or explosives, search and rescue, and as cadaver dogs.
Unlike most other dogs, Labs, as they are affectionately known, have webbed toes, an otter-like tail, and a coat that all help them to be exceptional swimmers. Their coat naturally produces more oil in their coat which repels water to keep them warm in colder seasons. In other words without it, their fur and skin can dry out very quickly and develop into a nasty case of dandruff, brittle fur, or even a rash. To avoid or alleviate that problem, provide lots of poultry fat, fish oil, or vegetable fats; not fat from beef.
A Lab’s system doesn’t assimilate beef, corn, or soy products well, so green vegetables, poultry, and fish should be the bulk of their diet. Since they originated from Newfoundland and England, the most prolific diet for their breed should include those things that are naturally grown there.
If you live near a lake, you’ve probably already discovered just how much your Lab loves the water. Most loving Lab owners, at one time or another, have received the initiating spray from their best friend’s “just-out-of-the-water” shake. Sharing is just part of the friendship!
Generally, Labrador Retrievers are a medium to large dog with a stocky build that is proportionate to their individual height. Of course, with all the swimming they’ve been bred to do, their chest is larger and stronger than most other dog breeds. They range in weight from 55 to 80 pounds and stand 21 to 22 inches tall with males being routinely a little taller and heavier than the females.
Health wise, the Labrador breed has very few major problems. These few have to do with patella problems in their knees, and they can develop hip dysplasia as well, yet not as frequently as some other breeds. Having eyes checked regularly will also help to avoid cataracts or other eye problems that can develop in some Labs over time.
One thing you do want to watch closely is the ears. Labradors have flap-over ears that are helpful in keeping water out of them while swimming. The downside is the flap can also precipitate ear infections since moisture can easily become trapped, which then encourages bacterial growth. So, keep cotton swabs handy to dry his ears after he’s done with his water play.
Labrador Retrievers have a comical side to their personality too and don’t typically completely mature until their three years old. What we see as “funny”, they simply act out naturally in their prolonged puppy stage. So, enjoy your Lab and appreciate his unique personality.
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