Labrador breed information

If you’re looking for a friendly, intelligent, and loyal companion, Labrador Retrievers are your best choice. They are a medium to large sized breed of dog that is well known for their intelligence, friendliness, and loyalty. Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. and consistently rank in the top ten breeds worldwide.

Here is all the Labrador information you need to know about these beloved dogs:

The history of the Labrador

Did you know that Labrador Retrievers were originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 1700s? Amazingly, fishermen in the area used a dog known as the St John’s Water dog to retrieve fish that had fallen out of nets and also to pull boats to shore. These dogs were highly skilled at retrieving in water and were also strong swimmers. (that explains the obsession with water!).

In the early 1800s, the Earl of Malmesbury brought some of these dogs back to England, where they were bred with other retriever breeds to create the modern Labrador Retriever. The breed was named after the Labrador Sea, which is located between Newfoundland and Labrador.  English Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, and they were used to retrieve birds and other game for hunters.

Appearance

Labradors are typically 55 to 90 pounds (or 24 – 40kg) in weight and stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches (53 to 62cm) tall at the shoulder. They have a short, dense coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also a growing trend of fox-red Labradors. Their eyes are round and expressive, and their tails are thick and otter-like. I always say that my Lab Ellie’s tail looks like an antenna.

Additionally, Labrador Retrievers have webbed feet, which is one of the features that makes them such amazing swimmers. The webbing between their toes helps to increase surface area and propel them through the water with more efficiency. This snazzy feature also helps them to stay afloat and navigate rough waters!

The dreaded shedding

Since Labradors have short and dense coats they do shed all year round as well as two big sheds in the spring and fall while this will differ from dog to dog. With regular brushing and grooming, keep their coat will stay healthy and shiny. Futhermore, you’re considering getting a lab, be prepared for what we call ‘Labrador glitter’ to cover everything you own – including yourself!

Temperament

Labradors are just about the most friendly, affectionate, and outgoing dogs you can find. They are great family dogs and are very patient with children. As well as that, Labs also get along well with other animals like cats. Labradors are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them good candidates for a variety of jobs, including search and rescue, therapy, and assistance work.

Exercise and training

Labradors can be very high-energy dogs and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. We usually take our Lab out for twice-daily walks in the morning and evening. They are also intelligent and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. That being said, they are also couch potatoes that like to sleep most of the day. Since they are highly food motivated, Labradors are pretty easy to train, and they tend to excel in obedience and agility.

Health

Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health concerns for Labradors include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and obesity. Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise can help keep Labradors healthy.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 10 to 12 years. Their lives can absolutely be prolonged by providing them with a nutritious and well-balanced diet, keeping them at a healthy weight along with mental stimulation love and affection and regular vet visits.

Want to know anything else about Labradors? Let us know!