Overview
Group: Sporting Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No.1 of 195
Height: Male – 22.5-24.5 inches; Female – 21.5-23.5 inches
Weight: Male – 65-80 lbs; Female – 55-70 lbs
Life Span: 10-12 years
Temperament: Friendly and lovable; Energetic; Outgoing
For three decades, the Labrador Retriever has consistently been No. 1 in the list of Popular Dog Breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC), and with good reason. Affectionate, active, playful, and loyal, no dog owner can resist those kind eyes and that goofy yet charming smile. For a medium-to-large sized dog, the Lab has lots of love to give to its owner and their family.
History
Surprisingly, the Labrador Retriever did not originate from Labrador. In fact, no one knows how the breed came to be called “Labrador”. The original Lab originated from Newfoundland, Canada. A popular waterdog, it was a constant companion of fisherman who employed this plucky canine to retrieve ducks and fish. Because of the frigid waters, the dog developed a short, dense, water and weather resistant coat.
When visiting English nobles caught sight of the dog in the early 1800s, they brought some canine specimens back to their native England. Over the course of the 19th century, English breeders were able to refine and standardize the breed as we know them today.
In the course of standardization, three specific characteristics were retained. First is its waterproof and weather resistant coat. Second is its “otter tail”, a thick, tapering tail that serves as the dog’s rudder when swimming. Third, and perhaps its most endearing characteristic, is its temperament, described as kind, gentle, playful, intelligent, highly adaptable, and non-aggressiveness toward both humans and other animals, including other dogs.
Presently, Labs have served major roles in law enforcement, including drug and bomb detection. They are valuable in search-and-rescue missions. Because of their dedication and loyalty, Labs are ideal service and assistance dogs.
Some famous Labrador Retrievers include Jake, the black Lab who searched for survivors in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and Hurricane Katrina. Twin black Labs Lucky and Flo are the anti-piracy dogs, who were able to sniff out counterfeit DVDs in a multi-million dollar police operation in Malaysia. On the entertainment front, no one could ever forget the “World’s Worst Dog”, Marley, from the book and movie entitled Marley & Me.
General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a sturdy, well-balanced dog with a broad head, drop ears, and a robust body. Its dense, weather- and water-resistant coat comes in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. It has medium-sized eyes that hold a sparkle of kindness with a little bit of playfulness and mischief. Its nose is originally black, but fades to a lighter color as it grows older.
One distinguishing characteristic of the Lab is its “otter tail”. It is thick and rounded at its base, tapering to a point. Its tail, like the rest of its body, is well-haired. While swimming, the Lab’s tail serves as a rudder, moving back and forth and aiding in turning.
Of all the dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is undoubtedly the friendliest and very eager to please, thus making it an ideal family dog. It also socializes well with other dogs, animals, and humans. An energetic breed, there is nothing a Lab loves more than to play fetch, go for walks and indulge in bursts of zoomies with its human, and, of course, swimming. One activity that Labs enjoy is diving from a dock and into the water after running at full speed.
Nutrition
Labrador Retrievers thrive on high-quality, balanced dog food, either commercially-produced or home-prepared. Many Lab owners prefer the convenience and affordability of kibbles. If you are not sure as to what dog food you should give, always ask your veterinarian, who can come up with appropriate diet plans at every stage of your dog’s life (puppy, adult, and senior).
There is a tendency for Labs to become overweight and obese. Make sure that you monitor their caloric training and don’t overdo it with the treats while training. Since your dog is sure to be thirsty after playing or any activity, always have bowls of clean, fresh water ready.
Grooming
The Lab’s dense coat sheds, so you may give it a good brushing once a week with a nylon bristle or natural brush. Brushing helps in releasing skin oils to give the fur its silky, healthy glow. Thankfully, you only need to give your Lab a bath when it gets dirty. Frequent bathing may cause skin dryness and irritation. Make sure to give its nails a regular trimming and brush its teeth frequently.
Exercise
Your Labrador Retriever is a bundle of energy that needs daily exercise. If a Lab is unable to release all that pent-up energy, it may lead to undesirable behaviors such as destructiveness around the home and hyperactivity. Take your Lab to the park for a walk and to play fetch or retrieve or have them join you during nature hikes. If you happen to live near a body of water, take them swimming. If there’s a dog training course near you, let them join in canine sports, like obedience, tracking, agility, and dock diving.
Training
Because of their great physical strength and high energy levels, your Lab should start training and socialization as early as puppyhood. Trainers recommend exposing your Lab to various people, animals, and situations as early as 7 weeks to 4 months old. Close monitoring during this period is also necessary in order to detect undesirable habits and behaviors for prompt correction. Obedience training should also be started early so that it will become well-mannered and well-adjusted during adulthood.
Health
While Labs are noted for their good health, it is important that you purchase your dog from responsible breeders, who screen their puppies for various medical conditions, like hip dysplasia, heart problems, eye conditions, and hereditary muscle weakness. Labs should also be screened for Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), a genetic disorder which can be detected via a DNA test. Owners are also advised to watch out for bloat in their dogs, a life-threatening condition characterized by twisting of the dog’s stomach.
Costs
If you are interested in purchasing a Lab puppy, the average price range is between $800 to $1,200. However, it can go as high as $2,500 upwards for puppies belonging to a championship bloodline.
Other costs that you should consider include vet check-ups and vaccinations, dog food, toys, training school, grooming items, etc. It is estimated that you may need to spend over $2,000 in your first year with your dog.
Despite its cost, a Labrador Retriever is a great dog to invest in, especially if you want a dedicated and loving canine who will be your friend for life.
SOURCES:
1) Labrador Retriever https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/
2) How to Feed a Labrador Retriever https://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-feed-a-labrador/
3) How to Groom a Labrador Retriever https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/how-to-groom-a-labrador-retriever/
4) What Causes Bloat In Dogs? https://www.amcny.org/blog/2014/07/16/what-causes-bloat-in-dogs
5) How Much Is A Labrador Puppy? https://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-much-is-a-labrador-puppy/
