20 Things You Need to Know about the Loving Labrador Retriever

Posted by donna@pethangout 11/13/2018 0 Comment(s)

20 things you need to know about the loving Labrador Retriever

 

 

Our wonderful next breed.... 

 

Keep reading to discover 20 things you need to know about the loving Labrador Retriever.

 

Name: St. John’s water dog; St John’s dog, or Lesser Newfoundland

 

General Description:

The Labrador Retriever is ranked # 1 in registrations across the United States thus considered America’s most popular dog breed.    They are considered “famously friendly” and will be sociable with the whole family, your neighbors’ pets, and most anyone that is nice back to them.   Being a larger dog, they require a good bit of exercise like swimming and games of fetch to stay in tip top shape.

 

Overview:

The male ranges from 22-24 inches tall  and 64-79 pounds.   The female ranges from 22-24 inches tall and 55-71 pounds.   Their life expectancy is anywhere from 10 - 14 years.   Their colors range from Black, Chocolate, and Yellow.  Traits like being even tempered, trusting, and intelligent make them very popular not only in the US, but in the United Kingdom and Canada.    They are also referred to as just the Lab or Labrador and is a type of retriever-gun dog.

A lab puppy is going to need lots and lots of toys and interaction.     They love to chew, chew, chew so make sure you provide them with lots of balls and tug toys.    Their inquisitive nature make them perfect for puppy training classes and obedience school.

The are the ultimate family dog with kind eyes and a very gentle nature.   We like to call them “gentle giants”.  

White Lab at the ocean.  Chocolate Lab puppy.

Black Lab chilling.  White Lab looking alert.

 

Profile of the perfect Labrador Retriever dog parent:

  • Is okay with lots of dog hair/ vacuuming often. 
  • Willing to keep your lab around you - they are very loving and need your time.
  • Willing to train your lab for proper socialization with children and strangers.    
  • Willing to give your energetic lab great exercise/retrieving opportunities.

 

Questions to ponder before taking the leap with this dog:

  • Do I mind my lab wanting to be with me a lot?
  • Can I make it through the massive chewing puppy stage?
  • Am I willing to get their dense undercoat removed by a groomer?

 

Check out this intro video on the Labrador Retriever...

 

Labradors at a glance (score 1 - 10  1 = low/small; 10 = high/large)

Care Demand:   6

Social:  9

Good with children/elderly:   8

Needs to be around humans:  9

Can be independent:  7

Likes to be around other animals:  8

Loud - barks often:   5

Destructive as a puppy:  9

Destructive as an adult:  4

Health issues:  6

Life Expectancy:  9

Playful:   7

Needs lots of exercise:  8

Whiney grade:  4

Needs lots of grooming:  5

Amount of Food/Day:   7

Puppy Troubles: 9

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White Lab chewing on a stick  Black Lab playing with a ball.

 

More about the Labrador:

Notable Cool Facts:  Has an otter-like tail (flat and wide) and webbed feet.  This helps them be great swimmers as the tail serves as a type of rudder and the feet as paddles.    It normally takes them 2 years to reach adulthood.

History: Originated as the traditional waterdog of Newfoundland.  Worked as retrievers of duck and friends of the fisherman.   Noticed by English nobles in the 1800s,  fine specimens of the breed were brought back to England.   By the late 19th century, the British breeders had refined the Labrador breed.

Behavior (personality):

  • Children -The sweetest ever with children.
  • Elderly - An older, less energetic Lab would be a wonderful companion to seniors.
  • Play - Very playful and energetic - Needs many toys/challenges to stay entertained and to fend off boredom.   A bored puppy will get into all kinds of trouble!   Has a fervent need to run and retrieve!!
  • Other Pets - Will be everyones friend - whether they are large or small.
  • Strangers - Will normally bark at strangers but can be befriended quite easily.     Probably not the best in terms of being a strong guard dog.
  • When in a new environment - Normally will warm up quickly, especially if their owner is there to help them.   Will expect everyone to give them a pet.

 

Care:

  • Feeding -  Feed a grown Lab twice / day.   The amount of food depends on the weight.   As a general guideline:  50 lbs (feed 2 2/3 cups);  60 lbs (feed 3 cups); 70 lbs (feed 3 1/2 cups); 80 lbs (feed 3 3/4 cups)
  • Grooming - Every 4 - 6 weeks.   When undercoat feels very thick, you should consider having their undercoat removed by a groomer.
  • Exercise - They need 1/2 - 1 hours of brisk walking / retrieving per day to maintain a healthy weight.
  • As a Puppy - As the puppy matures, they will need more exercise.   A good starting point is to provide 5 minutes of exercise / month of age.   For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, he should get 20 minutes of exercise daily

Common Health Issues:  dysplasia (both hip and elbow), bloat, obesity, diabetes, ear infections (due to their floppy ears), and heart disease.

 

Rescues:  

 

Breeders:  It is important to do thorough research before buying a lab from a breeder.    Some breeders compromise the integrity of the bloodline by using less than desirable breeding practices.    A good place to begin your research is with an organization named Ashland Labradors.   They are of the upmost integrity and truly care about the breed.

Black Lab retrieving from the water.  Chocolate Lab about to retrieve.

Labs playing together with a ball.

 

Do you think you want a Labrador Retriever?

     Talk to us - let us know why below...

For more dog knowledge, read 22 Facts About the Amazing and Loyal German Shepherd, Top 6 Incredible Dog Parks in the United States, and How To Train Your Puppy Like A Dog Whisperer.

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