When it comes to ideal companions for individuals or families, it’s easy to see why the Labrador Retriever continues to top the list. These dogs are known for their friendly, good-natured disposition, are intelligent and easy to train and are wonderful with children. Originating in the Newfoundland region of Canada, Labs were originally bred to help fishermen retrieve loose nets and fish. They are medium to large dogs, with males standing 22.5 to 24.5 inches and weighing 65-80 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 21.5 to 23.5 inches and 55-70 pounds. With their patience and playful nature, they are known to be great family dogs. As water dogs originally, they have a natural love of water and will take especially well to water sports but are generally easy to train and eager to please. They want nothing more than to earn the love and affection of their lucky owner!
A General Look at one of the Most Popular Breeds
The breed can be traced back to the early 19th century in Newfoundland and their name derives from the Labrador region of Canada. After starting out as retrievers for fishermen, Labradors were brought to England in the early 1800’s where English aristocrats picked up on their natural retrieving instinct and bred them to be hunting dogs. Their intelligence and trainability makes them a perfect choice for service and therapy dogs, search and rescue work and assisting disabled individuals.
They are a generally hearty breed, with a life span of 10-12 years and a playful and energetic disposition. They get along well with children and other pets, making them an ideal family dog but their high energy means they need a good amount of exercise on a regular basis. While they are quite healthy overall, the breed is prone to developing certain conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, exercise-induced collapse, obesity and ear infections. As with any breed, regular vet checkups are essential to help maintain good health.
Because they are so good natured, Labradors can easily adapt to any living environment, from rural to urban, provided they get enough regular exercise to meet their energy needs. They enjoy everything from walking to running to swimming and usually require about an hour of vigorous exercise every day. Their extraordinary intelligence makes them easy to train, especially when you start them out at a young age. Positive reinforcement, using praise and treats, usually works best with this eager, happy breed but be careful not to overdo the treats as Labs can tend toward obesity.
Grooming is also essential to keep your Lab happy and healthy. They have a short, dense coat that comes in three standard colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Their dense, water-resistant double coat is a hallmark of the breed and it will shed year round, especially during spring and fall. Brushing at least once a week is essential to stay on top of shedding. You’ll also want to check their teeth, nails and ears regularly to help avoid infections and other health issues.
When it comes to finding the perfect, loving family companion there is almost no better choice than the Labrador Retriever. With the proper approach and the right amount of regular care, this breed can be a wonderful addition to any family and bring their owners plenty of joy for years to come.