Labrador Retriever

Overview

Labrador Retriever is among the oldest of the modern recognized breeds, originating in Newfoundland during the 1700s. It is a popular family pet mainly because of its versatility and endless positive attributes.

Character

The Labrador Retriever is strong, athletic, middle-sized and well balanced. They are very friendly, outgoing, and have a sweet personality. Two types of Labrador are known : The American – tall and lanky, and the English – more thick and heavy. This sporting breed is good at hunting and retrieving. Labrador Retrievers are valued as companions and highly regarded for their loving nature.

Temperament

This breed is very intelligent, loyal, and deeply commited. The Labrador Retriever is reliable, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship and attention. They are absolutely wonderful with children and get along exceedingly well with other dogs. They are very good watchdogs. This breed may be reserved with strangers and if it is left alone with no attention or stimulation they will become lonely, bored, and destructive.

Care

The Labrador Retriever requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special care should be given to the under coat to prevent mats and tangles. Bathing or dry shampooing should only be done when absolutely necessary. Labrador Retrievers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and PRA.

Coat

The Labrador Retriever is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, short, very dense, and hard in texture. The under coat is soft, weather-resistant, and protects this breed from cold, all types of ground cover, and water. The color of the coat comes in chocolate, black, and yellow. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

This breed is easily trained. Early socialization and basic obedience are recommended. The Labrador Retriever is very strong and must be taught not to pull on their leash. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Labrador Retriever needs fairness, firmness, consistency, reward, and respect. They excel in tracking, police work, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, guide for the blind, and as service dogs for the disabled.

Activity

Delightful, high-spirited, and energetic, the Labrador Retriever requires a great deal of exercise. They enjoy family play sessions, securely leashed walks, swimming, and a safely fenced yard to run and romp freely. This breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

Source: http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100161/

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 8:42 am by mmih and is filed under Dog Breeds. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.