Labrador Retriever

Average height: dogs  22.5-24.5 inches; bitches  21.5-23.5 inches
Averages weight: dogs  65-80 pounds; bitches 55-70 pounds

Appearance

A medium-sized, strongly built well balanced and athletic dog the Labrador Retriever’s confirmation enables him to functions as a retrieving gun dog. As he is bred primarily as a working gun dog, structure and soundness are of great importance. His skull is wide, well-developed but without exaggeration, the head clean cut and free from fleshy cheeks. His lips are not squared  off or pendulous, but fall away in a curve toward the throat and his jaws are powerful and free from snippiness. A scissors bite is distinctly preferred. The Labradors eyes denote his good temperament, intelligence and alertness, all hallmarks of the breed. His underline is almost straight, with little or no tuck-up and his lions should be short, wide and strong, leading to powerful hindquarters. The thick “otter” tail is a distinguishing feature; it is very thick at the base and gradually tapers toward the tip. His coat,  witch can be black yellow or chocolate, is short, straight and very dense, feeling fairy hard to the touch. There is a soft, weather-resistant undercoat, providing protections from water and types of ground cover.

Characteristics

This is a loyal, devoted, and playful dog. He has a kind, outgoing nature, non-aggressive towards man or animal, and always eager to please. The Labrador Retriever is gentle, intelligent and adaptable. His gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog for many people. This breed’s many skills include hunting, tracking, retrieving, police work, illegal drugs detections, guide dog, helping disabled people, search and rescue.   

Origins and History

The Labrador Retriever came from Newfoundland, in Canada, not from Labrador. His distant ancestors had been taken to Newfoundland by explorers, fisherman and settlers from England and other parts of Europe. There were many small water dogs in the area, and when bred with Newfoundlands they produced the St Johns’s Water Dog, which is the ancestor of today’s Labrador Retriever. Dogs like these were taught to haul fishermen’s nets into shore by jumping overboard into icy waters. The name Labrador was introduced by the Duke of Malmesbury, for that was what he always called his own dogs. Over time this dog was bred with other sporting breeds, so the Labrador as we know it today is basically of English origin. The English KC recognized the breed in 1903 and in  1917 the AKC registered the first Labrador Retriever following which there was a great influx of imports to the USA from Britain, forming the backbone of the breed in this country where it is now the most popular breed.

Health and Issues

The following are some of the health problems encountered in the Labrador Retriever: hip and elbow dysphasia and other joint problems, hereditary sympathy of Labrador Retrievers, bloat, exercise induced collapse in Labrador Retrievers, eye problems tricuspid valve dysphasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic hepatitis, laryngeal paralysis and ear infections.

Exercise and Grooming

The Labrador Retriever must be given plenty of opportunity for outdoor exercise, and he will enjoy a walk on leash. If not provided with sufficient exercise he may become obese. Grooming-wise, the Labrador is a low-maintenance, his short coat just needs regular brushing using a firm bristle brush.