Labrador Retriever History , Characteristics and Temperaments
Labrador Retriever History and Origin
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States, and their history is just as fascinating as their popularity would suggest.
The Labrador retriever breed originated in Newfoundland, Canada in the 1800s, and they were originally bred to help fishermen with retrieving fish that had been caught in nets. The breed quickly gained popularity in England, and they were first recognized by the Kennel Club in 1903.
Known for their fun-loving and gentle personalities, Labrador Retrievers can make a great addition to any home. An average Lab can weigh anywhere between 55-80 pounds and stand 21-24 inches tall. The Lab’s coat is short and dense, and comes in black, yellow, or chocolate colors. Labs usually have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
The Labrador retriever was recognized by The AKC in 1917 and this recognition was reaffirmed in 1926 by an English Toy Club. The Labrador retriever played an important role as a land, water and search and rescue dog.
It was used by the United States military during World War I where it proved to be very helpful in the field of detecting explosives and its intelligence was also highly appreciated.
The breed enjoyed a period of great popularity after World War II and many of the initial American Labradors were tri-colored individuals that had been crosses to the English Labrador retriever in order to produce the desired type of dog for which British breeders were searching.
The goal was to develop a hunting dog which would be skilled at finding and retrieving game as well as swimming. The result was the Labrador retriever, one of the first dogs to be recognized in America by the AKC.
Labrador Retriever Characteristics and Appearance
Labrador retriever is a very intelligent breed and is always full of energy. They are highly attentive and trainable, which makes them virtually easy to train. It has great life expectancy, about 10 to 12 years so make sure that you are ready for this responsibility.
The Labrador retriever is extremely affectionate and will follow its owner around even when it is not a puppy anymore. It has a double coat which makes it extremely warm, but requires a lot of maintenance. It will shed a lot and you will spend a lot of time grooming it. The Labrador retriever is excellent with children and it makes a great family pet.
Labrador Retriever Temperament
Labrador retriever is a type of dog that is composed of intelligence and calm. They are very social and will always enjoy the time when they are with the family. The Labrador retriever is perfect for all ages and has a medium energy level so it suits all types of households.
They have a good temperament and they can be very protective especially with the ones they love. It will always keep you on your toes due to its playful attitude and is not aggressive unless provoked.
Labrador Retriever Health Issues
The Labrador breed has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Some of the basic health concerns that bother Labradors are patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which is canine elbow and shoulder dysplasia.
The Labrador retriever breed is known to have a very cold tolerance and they can withstand extremely cold temperatures.
Labrador Retriever Breed Uses
Labrador retriever is a great dog to keep in any home due to its calm nature, affectionate nature and love for children. It is also used as a search and rescue dog, which makes it a great companion for police officers, firefighters and even military personnel.
It will do very well in the field of hunting as well. They can be used as tracking dogs and are very good at the art of finding guns and narcotics among other things.
Labrador Retriever Activities and Exercise
The Labrador retriever needs plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. This dog will do well when taken on leisurely walks or jog with its owner.
It is not a breed that is known to over exercise itself and would even prefer to sleep all day if it could. It would be wise to provide this breed with some type of exercise in order to prevent boredom which can lead to destructive behavior, or simply so that the dog may derive pleasure from doing things that it enjoys.
Labrador Retriever Care and Grooming
The Labrador retriever is an extremely intelligent dog, and as such, it is important that its training starts early. It is also important to start potty training as soon as possible.
This breed of dog thrives on attention, which means it will always want to be with someone at all times. It needs to be taken out frequently so that it can exercise and get the proper amount of attention.
Labrador retriever dog will require a lot of grooming and it is recommended that you make the effort to take care of its coat. The Labrador retriever is clean and does not mark its territory, which makes it ideal for most people.
It has a very short and dense coat which is easy to maintain. You will need to brush this dog throughout the week in order to keep its coat healthy and free from tangles. The Labrador retriever sheds a lot, so you will need to brush it a couple of times per day in order to remove the loose hair. If you do not make an effort with this dog’s coat, it could get matted and this could be painful for your dog.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their thick coats. It is highly recommended to brush your Labrador retriever once or twice a week in order to keep the coat healthy and shiny. It is important to clean the hair regularly in order to prevent excessive shedding, which can be dangerous for people with allergies.
Labrador Retriever Exercise
Labradors are full of energy and need more than two hours of exercise per day to keep them physically and mentally fit. This can be a difficult task for busy schedules, but it is important for the well-being of the dog.
It is important to make sure that the owner has the time for such activities as this will not only provide a good outlet for the dog, but it will also prevent destructive behavior from occurring as well. The Labrador retriever can live in an apartment, and they need at least two hours of exercise per day on a regular basis in order to stay healthy and happy.
Labrador Retriever Nutrition and Diet
Labradors are able to eat a range of food that is both safe and healthy. They can consume proteins, grains, dairy products, fruit and vegetables. It is important to make sure that the food contains enough nutrients to cater for their physical as well as mental health. A Labrador retriever should be fed 2-4 cups of food daily.
Labradors are prone to getting overweight so it is important that the owners make sure that their Labrador retriever stays fit. It takes a lot of work and dedication on their part, but it is worth the effort and money spent on keeping the dog healthy and happy.
Too many calories can cause your Labrador retriever to become overweight and this can affect their general health as well. It is also important that excessive amounts of food are not given. The Labrador retriever is an active breed that requires a diet with enough nutrients in it, but should not be overeaten as this will negatively affect the pet’s health overall.
Labrador Retriever Training and Socialization
There are many reasons why you should get your Labrador retriever properly trained as soon as possible. It is important to start training as early as possible, otherwise, the dog may develop bad habits that will train them for life.
This dog does not require the same amount of training that other breeds do, this is because their intelligence level is so high that it can already understand most commands and tricks within a short period of time. It is important to be consistent with training as Labrador Retrievers are known for their stubbornness.
It is also very important that the Labrador retriever is properly socialized at a young age. This will ensure that it will be able to function around other people and animals, as well as in new environments. This dog will do very well with children and adults alike. Properly socializing your Labrador retriever is also important because it will ensure that it has a stable, calm personality.
Labrador Retriever Lifespan
The Labrador retriever is a popular breed of dog that is known for its friendly disposition and loyalty. The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever is 10-12 years, though some individual dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on various factors.
The breed is generally healthy, though like all dogs they are susceptible to certain health conditions that owners should be aware of. With proper care and nutrition, a Labrador retriever can enjoy a long and happy life.
