Labrador Retriever
Good-looking, smart and fun-loving, the Lab has a a lot going for him. He’s large, but not too large, he’s calm and easygoing when he’s not exuberantly fetching a tennis ball or a bird. He’s a do-it-all kind of dog.
The Labrador Retriever has consistently ranked as the most popular purebred dog in the United States for more than 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club. The AKC registers more than a hundred thousand new Labrador Retrievers each year, but when you take into account all the Labs never registered at all, or registered with another organization such as the United Kennel Club, the popularity of this stable, family-friendly dog is truly staggering.
A Labrador Retriever has the kind of versatility that other dogs only dream of. He can be a companion, show dog, hunting dog, canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog, and therapy dog. He enjoys jogging (health permitting), boating, swimming, hiking and more. If it’s active, outdoors and with his people, the Lab is ready and willing to participate in any activity.
All of those characteristics make the Labrador well-suited to a variety of active families. He’s perfect for homes with rowdy older children, but may be a little rambunctious around toddlers, especially as a puppy or young dog. Singles and couples who love the outdoors also match up well with this breed, and his size and even temperament make the Labrador a great companion for active seniors who love to walk and would appreciate a dog who looks intimidating, even if he is more of a lover than a fighter.
With adequate exercise, these versatile companions can handle anything from a small city apartment to a vast ranch. What they can’t handle is isolation: if you get a Lab, make him a member of your family, not an outdoor dog.
A nice Lab puppy can usually be purchased for $700 to $1,500. For this price you should expect the puppies to have been raised in a clean environment, from parents with health clearances and show or field championships to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies have been temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life.
Other Quick Facts
The Lab’s short, weather-resistant coat and muscular body are the perfect equipment for outdoor activities like hiking, camping and water sports.
Labs are active dogs who need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it they can become bored and destructive. Provide them with the attention, training and activity they need or suffer the consequences.
Labs come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate.
The Lab has a double coat — a soft, insulating undercoat topped with a short, hard, protective outer layer. Labs shed heavily, and brushing them once or twice a week will help keep the fur from flying.
Labs typically have litters of six to eight puppies. Most breeders like to keep puppies until they are at least eight weeks old. This gives the puppies time to learn how to behave toward other dogs and gives the breeder time to evaluate the puppies’ personalities so she can place each one in just the right home. A bonus is that puppies of this age are more mature and more easily housetrained.
The History of Labrador Retrievers
You might think that the Labrador is a native of the rugged Canadian province of the same name, but that’s not necessarily the case. He was first known as the lesser Newfoundland — probably to distinguish him from the giant breed known as the Newfoundland — the St. John’s Newfoundland or the St. John’s dog.
Experts have a couple of different theories about how the breed came to be called the Labrador. One is that the name is borrowed from the Spanish word for laborer — labrador — which is certainly a fitting description, or that the breed is related to the dogs that accompanied Portuguese fishermen who trawled the Grand Banks off the coast of Labrador and its neighbor Newfoundland. Those dogs, known as cani di castro laboreiro, performed such tasks as retrieving items from the water, including fish-laden nets, and swimming messages from boat to boat. Sounds like a Lab, all right.
Whatever they were called, the dogs were known for their keen sense of smell, ability to find downed birds, and speed. British visitors to Newfoundland appreciated the dogs’ abilities and brought them back to England. There, they caught the eye of the Earl of Malmesbury, who acquired some of the water-loving dogs to hunt the swamplands surrounding his estate. The Earl’s son began breeding the dogs and it was he who gave them the name Labrador. The Kennel Club in England made the breed official in 1903.
Labs made their way back to North America in the early 20 th century, imported by American sportsmen who admired their adaptability and work ethic. Since then, the breed’s popularity has gone up, up, up. In 1997, a chocolate Lab pup named Buddy became the first Labrador Retriever to make the White House his home.
The modern Labrador Retriever is an easy-going, easy-to-train dog who comes in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. He also comes in three different body types, depending on his background and purpose.
Labrador Personality and Temperament
The Labrador breed standard says that temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the “otter tail.” The ideal Labrador is kindly, outgoing and tractable, eager to please, and tends not to be aggressive toward people or other animals.
Those traits are the foundation of the Lab’s personality, but each dog puts his own spin on them. Some are serious, some are clowns, some are reserved, some never meet a stranger. You might hear that Lab personalities vary by color, but it’s more likely that a dog’s temperament is affected by the breeder’s goals. Labs from breeders who produce top-winning field-trial dogs are more demanding when it comes to exercise and training. They are unsuited to lying around the house all day while everyone is at work or school. More laid back Labs typically come from a breeder who shows dogs in conformation.
Before the age of two or three, many Labradors can be extremely active and destructive despite their breed reputation for calm dispositions. It's in their extended adolescence that many Labradors find appeal in swallowing rocks, socks and Barbie dolls, all of which -- and more -- have been surgically removed from these dogs.
Start training early; be patient and be consistent and one day you will wake up to find that you live with a great dog. Even so, there are a couple of Lab behaviors that you should expect to live with throughout his life. They are part and parcel of being a Lab, and nothing you do will change them. Labs are active, Labs love to get wet, and Labs love to eat.
Labs are active, unless they’re sleeping. It was probably a Lab who inspired the saying “A tired dog is a good dog.” Joint and overall health permitting, be prepared to give a Lab a couple of half-hour walks or runs daily to meet his exercise needs. The best part about having a Lab is that there are any number of fun ways you can provide him with physical activity and mental stimulation. Take him swimming, teach him to run alongside your bike once he is physically mature at 18 to 24 months of age, go hiking, make him the first mate on your boat, or get involved in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally, tracking, flyball, freestyle — you name it, a Lab has probably done it. However, it's always a good idea to check with your vet before starting a new exercise program with your dog.
If you give him an outlet for his energy, a Lab will be the best dog you could ever have. If you don’t, you’ll be spending all your time and energy repairing holes in the wall, filling in holes in your yard, replacing chewed-up furniture and worse. Not because your Lab is a bad dog but simply because he has found his own special ways to entertain himself. Don’t give him the chance.
Labs love water -- any body of water puddle-sized or larger will attract a Labrador, and mud is considered a fashion accessory. The short, drip-dry coat of the Lab sheds water and dirt easily, but that’s of little consolation if the debris lands on white carpeting.
Labs love to eat, and they will try to eat anything. They are professional countersurfers, and they will eat anything that looks like it might be food. If nothing else, living with a Lab will teach you, your spouse and your kids to put things away if they don’t want them to be chewed up or eaten. Veterinarians call these dogs “Flabradors” because obesity is common once they hit their middle-age mellowing out stage. A measured diet, good supervision and plenty of exercise are a must to keep these happy retrievers healthy and out of trouble.
Labs are smart and highly trainable, but they don’t just magically turn into great dogs. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, countersurfing and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence. In the case of the Lab, the “teen” years can start at six months and continue until the dog is about three years old.
Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality.
The perfect Lab doesn’t spring fully formed from the whelping box. He’s a product of his background and breeding. Whatever you want from a Lab, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
posted a comment on Samson
He is almost 6 and I’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old. We don’t show, sadly.
posted a comment on Samson
One of my very favorite breeds Terri! We had three when I was growing up. They just LOVE play. How old is he? Is he new to the family? Any chance you show him and if so are you coming …
posted a comment on Gia
Hope you folks will come and vote on your favorite pet pics (and add your own) in our contest. We're going to award a prize to the top 15 most picked! http://www.pedegru.com/discussion-topic/beaut
posted a comment on Josephine
Hope you folks will come and vote on your favorite pet pics (and add your own) in our contest. We're going to award a prize to the top 15 most picked! http://www.pedegru.com/discussion-topic/beaut
posted a comment on Gia
now that's happiness on that sofa! chew toy, comfy spot...life is goood!
Related Communities
Affenpinscher
Afghan Hound
Aidi
Airedale Terrier
Akbash
Akita Inu
Alano Español
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Malamute
Alpine Dachsbracke
American Akita
American Alsatian
American Bulldog
American Bully
American Eskimo
American Foxhound
American Hairless Terrier
American Mastiff
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Anatolian Shepherd
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
Antebellum Bulldog
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Ariege Pointer
Ariegeois
Armant
Armenian Gampr
Artois Hound
Australian Bulldog
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Australian Terrier
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Austrian Pinscher
Azawakh
Bakharwal
Barbet
Basenji
Basque Shepherd
Basset Artésien Normand
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Hound
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Beagle
Beagle-Harrier
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael)
Belgian Shepherd (Laekenois)
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
Belgian Shepherd (Tervuren)
Bergamasco Shepherd
Berger Picard
Berner Laufhund
Bernese Mountain
Bichon Frisé
Billy
Bisben
Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Black Russian Terrier
Blackmouth Cur
Bloodhound
Blue Lacy
Bluetick Coonhound
Boerboel
Bohemian Shepherd
Bolognese
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Borzoi
Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Ardennes
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Boykin Spaniel
Bracco Italiano
Braque d'Auvergne
Braque du Bourbonnais
Braque du Puy
Braque Francais
Braque Saint-Germain
Brazilian Terrier
Briard
Briquet Griffon Vendéen
Brittany
Broholmer
Bruno Jura Hound
Bucovina Shepherd
Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Miniature)
Bulldog
Bulldog Campeiro
Bullmastiff
Bully Kutta
Cairn Terrier
Canaan
Canadian Eskimo
Cane Corso
Cão da Serra de Aires
Cão de Castro Laboreiro
Cão Fila de São Miguel
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Carolina
Carpathian Shepherd
Catahoula Cur
Catalan Sheepdog
Caucasian Shepherd
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Central Asian Shepherd
Cesky Fousek
Cesky Terrier
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chien Français Blanc et Noir
Chien Français Blanc et Orange
Chien Français Tricolore
Chihuahua
Chilean Fox Terrier
Chinese Chongqing
Chinese Crested
Chinese Imperial
Chinook
Chippiparai
Chow Chow
Cierny Sery
Cimarrón Uruguayo
Cirneco dell'Etna
Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
Combai
Coton de Tulear
Coydog
Cretan Hound
Croatian Sheepdog
Curly Coated Retriever
Cursinu
Czechoslovak Wolfdog
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Danish Swedish Farmdog
Deutsche Bracke
Doberman Pinscher
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Guatemalteco
Dogo Sardesco
Dogue de Bordeaux
Drentse Patrijshond
Drever
Dunker
Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Smoushond
East Siberian Laika
East-European Shepherd
Elo
English Coonhound
English Foxhound
English Mastiff
English Setter
English Shepherd
English Springer Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Épagneul Bleu de Picardie
Estonian Hound
Estrela Mountain
Eurasier
Field Spaniel
Fila Brasileiro
Finnish Hound
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Spitz
Flat Coated Retriever
Formosan Mountain Dog
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Fox Terrier (Wire)
French Brittany
French Bulldog
French Spaniel
Galgo Espanol
Gascon Saintongeois
German Longhaired Pointer
German Pinscher
German Shepherd
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Spaniel
German Spitz
German Wirehaired Pointer
Giant Schnauzer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Gran Mastín de Borínquen
Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir
Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange
Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Grand Griffon Vendéen
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greek Harehound
Greenland
Greyhound
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Griffon Bruxellois
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Griffon Nivernais
Gull Dong
Gull Terr
Hamiltonstövare
Hanover Hound
Harrier
Havanese
Himalayan Sheepdog
Hokkaido
Hortaya Borzaya
Hovawart
Hungarian Hound
Hygenhund
Ibizan Hound
Icelandic Sheepdog
Indian Spitz
Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Istrian Coarse-haired Hound
Istrian Shorthaired Hound
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Jagdterrier
Jämthund
Japanese Chin
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Terrier
Jonangi
Kai Ken
Kaikadi
Kangal
Kanni
Karakachan
Karelian Bear Dog
Karst Shepherd
Keeshond
Kerry Beagle
Kerry Blue Terrier
King Charles Spaniel
King Shepherd
Kintamani
Kishu
Komondor
Kooikerhondje
Koolie
Korean Jindo
Korean Mastiff
Kromfohrländer
Kunming Wolfdog
Kuvasz
Kyi-Leo
Labrador Husky
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heeler
Landseer
Lapponian Herder
Large Münsterländer
Leonberger
Lhasa Apso
Lithuanian Hound
Longhaired Whippet
Löwchen
Magyar Agár
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Maremma Sheepdog
McNab
Mexican Hairless
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Miniature Fox Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Mioritic
Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Moscow Watchdog
Mountain Cur
Mountain View Cur
Mucuchies
Mudhol Hound
Mudi
Murray River Curly Coated Retriever
Native American Indian Dog
Neapolitan Mastiff
New Zealand Huntaway
Newfoundland
Norfolk Terrier
Norrbottenspets
Northern Inuit
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever
Old Danish Pointer
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Terrier
Old German Shepherd
Old Time Farm Shepherd
Olde English Bulldogge
Otterhound
Pachon Navarro
Papillon
Parson Russell Terrier
Patterdale Terrier
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Mallorquin
Peruvian Hairless
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
Phalène
Pharaoh Hound
Phu Quoc ridgeback
Picardy Spaniel
Pit Bull Terrier
Plott Hound
Podenco Canario
Pointer
Polish Greyhound
Polish Hound
Polish Hunting
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Pomeranian
Pont-Audemer Spaniel
Poodle
Porcelaine
Portuguese Podengo
Portuguese Pointer
Portuguese Water Dog
Posavac Hound
Pražský Krysarík
Pudelpointer
Pug
Puli
Pumi
Pungsan
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Shepherd
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rajapalayam
Rampur Greyhound
Rat Terrier
Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
Redbone Coonhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Rough Collie
Russian Spaniel
Russian Toy
Russo-European Laika
Saarlooswolfhond
Sabueso Español
Saint Bernard
Saint-Usuge Spaniel
Sakhalin Husky
Saluki
Samoyed
Sapsali
Sarplaninac
Schapendoes
Schillerstövare
Schipperke
Schnauzer
Schweizer Laufhund
Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund
Scotch Collie
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Segugio Italiano
Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Serbian Hound
Serbian Tricolour Hound
Shar Pei
Shetland Sheepdog
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Shikoku
Shiloh Shepherd
Siberian Husky
Silken Windhound
Silky Terrier
Sinhala Hound
Skye Terrier
Sloughi
Slovak Cuvac
Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer
Slovenský Kopov
Smålandsstövare
Small Greek Domestic
Small Münsterländer
Smooth Collie
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
South Russian Ovcharka
Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Water Dog
Spinone Italiano
Sporting Lucas Terrier
Stabyhoun
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Stephens Cur
Styrian Coarse-haired Hound
Sussex Spaniel
Swedish Lapphund
Swedish Vallhund
Taigan
Tamaskan
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Telomian
Tennessee Treeing Brindle
Tenterfield Terrier
Thai Bangkaew
Thai Ridgeback
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Tornjak
Tosa
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Transylvanian Hound
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Trigg Hound
Tyrolean Hound
Utonagan
Vizsla
Volpino Italiano
Weimaraner
Welsh Sheepdog
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
West Siberian Laika
Westphalian Dachsbracke
Wetterhoun
Whippet
White English Bulldog
White Shepherd
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Vizsla
Yorkshire Terrier