Description

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, very active dog. Labrador Retriever are wide over the loins and strong and muscular hindquarters. Labrador Retriever is easy to train and is good with children and other dogs. The Labrador Retriever is good natured, loyal and hardworking. He should never be aggressive. He makes a good gundog and domestic pet.

Size of Male: Height: 22.5-24.5 inches Weight: 65-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21.5-23.5 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Temperament

The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, Labrador Retrievers love to play, especially in water – for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They can become destructive if left too much to their own devices. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and high strung. Often the best pets are from combination show/field stock. This breed is very popular. If you are planning to show, buy only from a reputable breeder. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience.

Living Conditions

The Labrador Retriever will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Labrador Retrievers are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. As with many other dogs, exercise is very important and do make sure they are well socialized.

Upkeep

Labrador Retrievers are active and sociable dogs. Labrador Retrievers need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with their Labrador Retrievers. The Lab coat sheds water easily. It needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Although Labs can live outdoors in temperate climates, they are much happier indoors with their family.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, retinal dysplasia/skeletal dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: cataract, Osteochondritis dissecans, progressive retinal atrophy, pyotraumatic dermatitis

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years