Labrador Retriever - The therapist dog breed

Labrador Retriever - The therapist dog breed

 

 

 

 Breed Highlights

Labrador is one of America’s most popular breeds. The lab has the  nature of being one of the most sweet- natured breeds ,  and it is well deserved. Labradors are also used as disability assistance breeds in various countries. They are trained to aid the blind. Sporting and hunting are also various fields where Labrador rules. They are one of the best search and rescue dogs. 

 

 

History:

This breed, the most popular breed in North America, took its name from the province of Labrador-Newfoundland in Canada, where this hardy breed was first reported in the early 1800s. They were exported to England not long after, and recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1903. AKC registrations began in 1917. 

Weight:

 

Male: 29-36kgs

                                                       Female: 25-32kgs

 

Height:

 

Male : 56-58 cm

 

Female:54-56 cm 

Life expectancy:

 

Labradors survive up to an age of 12-13 yrs.

Litter size: 

 

5- 10 

Physical characteristics :

 

Coat : 

• Their glossy water-resistant coat is flat, dense and short, and comes in three colors: black, chocolate and yellow. 

• They have a soft wooly undercoat that provides insulation and water resistance.

 

Points of Conformation: 

• These are compact muscular dogs, a bit longer than tall that have a distinctive thick tail, referred to as “otter” type. 
• The skull is broad and mesocephalic in type,with moderate stop and well-developed jaws and soft mouth for game handling. 
• Eyes are medium-sized, dark, and express a gentle look, and the nose is wide and pigmented brown on chocolates, and black in black labs. The eyes are usually brown, but can be hazel in the chocolates. 
• The ears are medium sized, leathered and pendulous in a triangular shape.
•  The neck of medium length has moderate arch,and the top line is level. 
• The chest is moderate in volume and depth and the abdomen is not tucked up
• . Limbs are straight and solid boned. 
• Feet are compact and the toes are webbed and arched. 
• The dewclaws may be removed. 
• Their way of going is easy and straight, giving the impression of stamina and sturdy grace.  

 

Labrador retriever in army

 

 

 

 

 

 

Labrador swimming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personality:

 

Loyal, loveable, happy and friendly to all he meet. Labs are full of energy and will run to the door to greet you (or anyone, for that matter) as if you'd just returned from a year-long trip. They are truly “man's best friend,” and are at their happiest when engaged in family activities. They love running, hiking, swimming and playing fetch for hours.

 

  Health and care:

• Labrador are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
•  Not all Labs will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
•  Hip Dysplasia is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. 
• Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. It's thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones. 
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans is an orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. 
• Cataract as in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time.

Living condition :

Labrador are very adaptable dogs, and will fit into all sort of living environments. However, they are energetic, particularly when younger, and it is therefore better for them to have some space and a garden or back yard in which to get some exercise.  

             Exercise:

Because Labrador  are energetic dogs, they do need regular exercise. This will help to keep them healthy and happy as well as help to control their weight. These dogs love to play and can enjoy getting a great deal of exercise through play and interactive activity with their owners and family. Their love for company and people means that interactive play such as Frisbee, fetch etc. can provide them with mental stimulation as well as much-needed exercise.  

Grooming:

Labradors shed heavily throughout the year. Regular brushing can help keep flies under control.. Baths are required quite often. Labs tend to smell “like a dog” and enjoy getting down and dirty when outdoors. Labs, however, enjoy water and are not a problem to bathe at home.Check the ears on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.      Pros:  They are very energetic and "puppy-like" well into their senior years.  They are very smart and therefore very trainable (they work in search and rescue, fire, police work, hunting, fishing, and a variety of dog competetions). They are great swimmers.  Their hair is even water resistent so they dry really fast.  They are very affectionate. They are beautiful. Cons:   They are very energetic and "puppy-like" which can, at times, be trying.  You shouldn't get one if you don't have time to give them strenuous exercise every week and walk and play fetch with them daily. They are very smart.  This can lead to them being very destructive and tricky.  They will beg for food when they've already been fed or find a way to open pantry doors.