Labrador Retriever

Breed Summary

Country of Origin: Canada

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 1 of 196

AKC Classification: Sporting

UKC Classification: Gun Dog

Exercise Requirements: 40 minutes/day

Height: Female: 22 inches; Male: 23 inches

Weight: Female: 55-70 lbs.; Male: 65-80 lbs.

Energy Level: Average

Tendency to Drool: Low

Tendency to Snore: Low

Tendency to Bark: Low

Tendency to Dig: Low

Social/Attention Needs: Medium

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Physical traits: Strong, Medium-sized, Solid

Personality traits/Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Coat

Length: Short

Characteristics: Flat, double coat, dense

Colors: Black, yellow, brown

Overall Grooming Needs: Low

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. While they’re best known for their water-rescue skills, these friendly dogs make great family pets. They’re happy and outgoing, with gentle but alert and protective natures. If you’re looking for a dog that’s happy to romp with the kids while also being a reliable guard dog, then a Labrador is probably right for you.

Origin

Labradors were first bred in Newfoundland, Canada in the 1800s. The dogs were bred to help fishermen catch fish more easily. They are still most popular in Canada, but are also incredibly popular in the United States and England.

The Labrador Retriever Sport (or Labradorsport) is a breed that was created in the early 1980s by crossing Labrador Retrievers with Flat-coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. This mix of breeds helps to produce a smaller, more energetic dog with a thick coat of fur. The Labradorsport is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds.

Unlike the Standard Labrador Retriever, the Labradorsport does not come in three different colors: brown, black or yellow. There are only two types of Labradorsports: yellow and black.

Appearance

Labradors are often described as being "proud and noble" dogs. They have a square build and come in three colors: black, brown, or yellow. Labradors also have a thick, water-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat.

Temperament

Labradors are happy and outgoing, but also alert and protective. They’re usually gentle with kids, but not always. Labradors don’t like to be teased or bullied by children, so they can snap and bite when insulted by a child. They’re not the best breed for those who want a dog that’s gentle with children, but they will be loyal to them. Labrador Retrievers are reliable guard dogs; they're both aggressive and affectionate.

Training

Labradors are some of the most trainable dog breeds. They’re eager to please and have a natural tendency to want to do what their family wants. However, Labrador Retrievers are not the best breed if you just want a hunting companion. Labs are much better suited for retrieving waterfowl, which is why they were originally bred in Newfoundland.

It’s very important that you start training your Lab as soon as possible. This will help you avoid behavioral problems down the road. There are also certain commands and tricks that can be taught to Labs at an early age that should be learned before they're too old, such as learning how to shake hands or sit up on command.

One way you can train your Lab is by using positive reinforcement instead of negative reinforcement when training them, such as using treats or playing with him when he does what you want him to do. Positive reinforcement will make your Lab want to behave for you and repeat good behavior so he gets rewarded again.

Grooming

Grooming a Labrador Retriever is a weekly task. This breed sheds heavily, so it’s necessary to brush them each week to keep their fur from getting matted. You should also trim their nails when they get too long and brush their teeth every day. Labs are also known for drooling, so make sure you have a towel or blanket handy at all times to wipe up after them. If your Labradors hasn’t been clipped in six months or more, it’s best to do it right before the summer months because they’re known for being sensitive to the heat and can overheat easily.

Health

Labradors have some health problems that you should be aware of before you bring one into your family. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are two common problems, as well as Von Willebrand’s disease, osteochondritis dissecans, and exercise-induced collapse.

Labradors also need to go on daily walks or runs. If your Labrador doesn’t get the necessary amount of exercise, it can lead to obesity and other health problems. Labrador Retrievers love to eat, so you may end up with a larger dog than you wanted if you don’t keep them on a healthy diet.

Pros and Cons

The temperament of a Labrador Retriever varies depending on the individual dog. They can be happy and outgoing, gentle but alert, or protective. With that said, Labradors are intelligent dogs who are easy to train and good with children. They are also playful and don’t mind roughhousing, which makes them great pets for families with kids.

However, Labradors are not the best choice for people who want a hunting dog or a guard dog because they have a tendency to chase small animals and can be timid around strangers. If you have cats or other small animals in your home, then you should consider another breed of dog if you want a Lab as your pet.

Cost

Labradors can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. This depends on the breeder and the quality of the dog.

The average purchase price for a Labrador Retriever puppy is anywhere from $600 to $2000, depending on the breeder and lineage of the parents. The price will depend on the breeder and their location. If you are looking for a Labrador puppy in the U.S., you can expect to pay around $1200. On average, a Labrador Retriever adult will cost close to $1,500.

Conclusion

Labrador Retrievers are athletic and energetic, yet they have a gentle and loving disposition. They are a perfect fit for families who want a dog to play with them in the yard and then curl up on the sofa at the end of the day. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, this guide will help you learn more about this breed.

Do you have a Labrador Retriever? Share your stories in the comments!

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