Labrador Retriever

Rescue a Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador or Lab for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is widely considered the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), the United Kingdom, and several other countries.[1] It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.[2] They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured,[1][2][3] making them both excellent companions and working dogs. Although somewhat boisterous if untrained, Labrador Retrievers respond well to praise and positive attention, and are considerably "food and fun" oriented. With training, the Lab is one of the most dependable,[4] obedient[1] and multi-talented[2] breeds in the world.

Labradors are relatively large with males typically weighing 30 to 36 kg (65 to 80 lb) and females 25 to 32 kg (55 to 70 lb) under AKC standards,[17] but some labs do become overweight and may weigh significantly more. Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a straight, powerful tail often likened to that of an otter. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.
As with some other breeds, the English (typically "show") and the American (typically "working" or "field") lines differ. Labs are bred in England as a medium-sized dog, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their American counterparts which are bred as a larger lighter-built dog. No distinction is made by the AKC, but the two classifications come from different breeding. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia. Other "local minor variants" may also exist in some areas.
The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates.[8] Some labs shed a lot, although individuals vary.[3] Lab hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The tail acts as a rudder for changing direction.
Labs tend to want a lot of attention from their owners. If the owner has another dog in the house the lab usually gets jealous and will strive for attention by moving the other dog out of the way so the owner can pet him. These dogs also love the water. They tend to play in the water if there are humans around playing in it. They love to be around humans and are usually very good with small children.

Color
There are three recognized colors for Labs:[17] black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to "fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown).
Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter. Color is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive e allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus.[19] Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's coloration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat color.

Temperment & activities
Labradors are a well-balanced and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it)[44]. They are also known to have a very soft 'feel' to the mouth, as a result of being bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing objects (though they can be trained out of this behavior). The Labrador Retriever's coat repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.


Labs, like other dogs, may often tend to dig like this 3 month old and are generally very friendly with other dogs, like this german shepherd.
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals)[8], but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand - an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be slightly more independent than males.[8] Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppyish energy, often mislabeled as being hyperactive.[45][8] Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown.[46] Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as agility, frisbee, or flyball). They are considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable, and open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention, affection and interaction, of which they find it difficult to get enough. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
Although they will sometimes bark at noise, especially a degree of "alarm barking" when there is noise from unseen sources, Labs are not on the whole noisy[8] or territorial, and are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not very often used as guard dogs.[8]
Labradors have a well-known reputation for appetite, and some individuals may be highly indiscriminate, eating digestible and non-food objects alike.[44] They are persuasive and persistent in requesting food. For this reason, the Lab owner must carefully control his/her dog's food intake to avoid obesity and its associated health problems (see below).[44]
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue, detection, and therapy work. Their primary working role in the field continues to be that of a hunting retriever.

Health Problems - Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.

Living Conditions - Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise - Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.

Overview
Weight: 60-75 lb.s (27-34 kg.)
Height: 22-24 inches (56-61cm.)
Coat: Short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat
Activity level: Very high
Learning rate: Very high
Temperament: Friendly, reliable, loving, affectionate, lovable, patient, highly intelligent, loyal, willing, high-spirited, lively, good-natured.
Guard dog ability: Low
Watch-dog ability: High
Litter size: 6-12
Life span: 10-12 years


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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Labrador Retriever".