The Labrador retriever, also known simply as, Labrador, is a medium to large breed of retriever.
Labrador retriever’s are also known as gun dogs, or hunting dogs.
The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in North America and the United Kingdom.
Labrador Retriever History and Background
Originating in the Newfoundland province of Canada, Labradors have great use as duck retrievers on hunts. They also made great fisherman’s mates.
The Labrador’s popularity rose in the early 1800’s. The popularity rose when they were spotted by British visitors to Canada.
By the mid to late 1800’s, Labrador’s were among the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom.
The breed eventually died out in Newfoundland, but due to it’s rise in popularity in the United Kingdom, the breed is still able to live on today!
Not only did the breed live on, new mixes of the breed were bred. Labradors being in the United Kingdom lead to the mixed breeds of Chocolate and yellow Labradors.
In America, Labradors did not become a registered breed until 1917. And they didn’t really gain popularity until the late 1920’s to early 1930’s.
The rise in popularity occurred because of an article in a magazine titled “The American Kennel Gazette.” The article introduced Labradors to the American people.
The highest rise in popularity of Labradors in America took place shortly after World War II. This lead to them still being among the most popular dog breeds in America today.
Labrador Retriever Physical Characteristics
Labradors are similar in size to German Shepherds, weighing 65 to 80 pounds for males, and 55 to 70 pounds for females.
They stand 22.5 inches to 24.5 inches tall for males, and 21.5 inches to 23.5 inches tall for females.
Labradors have straight, short hair, and their tail is broad and strong. This breed usually only sheds twice per year, unless living in temperate climates.
In temperate climates they usually shed all throughout the year.
Labradors posses webbed toes, which makes them great swimmers. In cold climates, this webbing can prevent snow from building up in their feet.
Labradors have an interwoven coat that is somewhat waterproof. Their waterproof coat assists in swimming too.
Labradors have three different colors: black, chocolate, and yellow.
Temperament
When properly trained, Labradors are obedient and engaging. They do really well around children and other dogs and pets.
Labradors can be quiet inside dogs, active outside dogs, or energetic field dogs, all at the same time.
Labradors always want to please their owner, they are great at learning, and they are among the best dogs with obedience.
They are a very active breed that loves to run, swim, and play fetch. Labradors love a challenge, so maybe set some out some toys for them to find.
This will improve their ability to retrieve, and you can reward them by playing with the toy.
With the active lifestyle that Labradors live, you will want to train it to know it’s boundaries. Their hunting instincts can easily lead them to roaming away from home.
To go along with their active lifestyle, they need the perfect name to fit them.
Health
Overall Labradors are quite healthy, and ideally you could keep it that way. But some health concerns may arise with age, as they would with any dog.
These health concerns include dysplasia in the elbow or hip, heart disorders, muscle weakness, and eye conditions such as cataracts.
There is also a condition known to be in young Labradors called Exercised Induced Collapse (EIC). EIC is quite easy to diagnose.
If you notice your dog collapse after heavy exercise, the likely have EIC.
In rare situations Labrador may have diabetes as well. You will want to have tests run to give an accurate diagnosis.
Labradors have an average lifespan on 10 to 12 years.
