General Information
The Labrador Retriever descended from dogs found in Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers, it evolved by natural selection. An excellent retriever of fish and game, these dogs have been known by several names, among them the Black Water Dog, the Lesser Newfoundland and the St. John's Dog. In the early 1800s the breed was introduced to Britain, where it was eventually crossed with other sporting breeds. The final product was the strong, sturdy Labrador Retriever, which has now become America's most popular dog, thanks to its outgoing, eager to please temperament.
Are You a Labrador Person?
A Labrador Retriever requires a dedicated owner, whether the pursuit is basic obedience (such as sit, stay, come, etc., the commands necessary for a well-trained home companion) or more lofty pursuits like obedience trials, field trials, agility trials, working trials, etc. Labradors are excellent problem-solvers and quickly decide what pleases their masters and what does not! Such self-learned abilities include coming when called, staying where he’s put, not bolting through the front door every time it is opened, not jumping up on visitors, permitting people to pet and touch him, not messing in the house, etc. The owner controls what kind of dog his Labrador becomes. The owner provides the dog with training, guidance, encouragement and outlets for his energy and industry.
The Labrador sheds. Even though the breed has a short, dense coat, he does not cast coat any less than any other dog. Furthermore, the Labrador is not, as a rule, a genteel or docile animal—he’s a “doggy” dog, and he likes to play inside and out. Owners will have to enforce the house rules immediately with the puppy, or else he may think he can roughhouse inside the house and out. Labradors can be raucous, rambunctious and rowdy—that’s three “R’s” potential owners may have to live with.
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Physical Characteristics
Male Labradors measure 22.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder, females 1 inch less. Weight for males is from 60 to 75 pounds, with females averaging 5 pounds less. The coat is short, dense and hard in colors of black, yellow or chocolate. A good brushing three times a week will remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. A distinctive feature of the breed is the medium-long tail. Thick and round at the root and gradually tapering to the tip, it is described as an otter tail.
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Health and Training
The Labrador needs a sizeable piece of property on which to exercise, and a fence is imperative. Labradors love to romp and play, preferably with their trusted owners close by. While the breed is renowned for its adaptability with any lifestyle, the breed is best when kept indoors and given time to spend outdoors.
A Labrador Retriever requires a dedicated owner, whether the pursuit is basic obedience (such as sit, stay, come, etc., the commands necessary for a well-trained home companion) or more lofty pursuits like obedience trials, field trials, agility trials, working trials, etc. Many Labrador Retrievers are so intelligent and have such a strong desire to please that they become “self-trained.” Labradors are excellent problem-solvers and quickly decide what pleases their masters and what does not! Such self-learned abilities include coming when called, staying where he’s put, not bolting through the front door every time it is opened, not jumping up on visitors, permitting people to pet and touch him, not messing in the house, etc. Do not misunderstand. Labradors are smart, but you must be there to show the dog right from wrong. This is no different from instructing a child.
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