Originally, the Labrador was born and bred in Newfoundland as they worked alongside their fisherman owners. They were used to dive into the icy waters and help pull in the full nets and to go after the fish that escaped.
Labrador Retrievers have come to be the most popular dog in the world, and the most popular pet in the USA. They’re smart and family friendly and they come in three colors; yellow, black and chocolate. There are a few that turned out to be a silvery grey color, but they are considered either Weimaraner crosses or simply a variation in the chocolate labs.
The Origin of the Labrador Breed
Labradors were later cross bred in England with Setters, Spaniels and Retrievers, and over the years have learned and honed skills of a true Retriever. From that time on, they were bred to perform as efficient retrievers of game that held many personality assets with a stable temperament that’s suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.
It’s that even temperament and trainability combined with its natural sense of loyalty and eagerness to please that makes the breed America’s favorite dog as a pet and trusted companion.
First recognized as a viable breed in 1917, the AKC categorizes Labrador Retrievers as belonging to the Sporting Groups, Gun Dogs and Water Dogs. They reach an average size of 55 to 75 pounds, although some males keep growing until they reach 100 pounds.
They are of sturdy build, medium size, short coupled, sound athletic stance, well balanced; all these terms are correct in describing the body of a Labrador. They have a short, dense double-coat and the tail is described as ‘otter-like’, with kind friendly faces.
Two Types of Retrievers - Dogs of the Same Breed
There are actually two types of Labs; the English-bred Labs and the American-bred Labs. The English-bred Labs have a stockier, blockier, heavier and thicker build than the American-bred dogs. Both breeds have smooth double-coats without waves. The English labs also are more laid-back and they mature faster.
Whatever their ancestry, Labs have a natural disposition to please and have fun. They love the water and pups are born with webbed toes. They’re highly intelligent, loyal, affectionate, patient, willing and eager, and those qualities make them perfect service dogs. They do make great watch dogs, but not so great guard dogs. They’ll let you know someone’s there, but they’re friendly, generally.
Because of their high intelligence, a young pup must be trained quickly or it’ll run amuck. If they do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation they’ll resort to their own thoughts and can get destructive. They could become a digger, a runaway or a chewer, even into adulthood.
Labrador Retriever Training Should Start Young
They should be trained at a young age to control their enthusiasm for visitors, whom they’ll want to jump on to greet. Teaching tricks like shake should also begin early. His nose can be put to work finding food and treats that have been hidden for them while the master is out. Long daily walks and regular romps in the backyard do well to keep a Lab entertained and exercised.
At only seven months old a young Lab weighs as much as his parents do. He is no longer easy to maneuver or teach good manners because his rambunctious nature and strong body will make it more difficult. The earlier training can start, the better, and the young Lab will be anxiously awaiting the next time he can perform for you.
Consistency in training is very important with an intelligent dog like a Lab. It won’t take long for him to learn which person makes him follow the rules, and sometimes it can be confused as to what the rules actually are, if not enforced consistently.
Labrador Puppy Training is Important, but be Nice
Discipline should be firm but gentle and loving. Labs don’t take to being screamed at and it can frighten them into peeing every time you raise your voice. They’re so eager to please that a firm voice tone will be enough to affect the training wanted. Praise goes all the way, there is no better teacher for a Lab than praise. They love to be good dogs.
The AKC offers classes in Canine Citizenship and Manners and the dog earns silver certification if a test of 10 steps is passed at the end of the course.
Their lifespan is 10 to 12 years, roughly, although there are stories of Labs living much longer, too. They gain weight easily; don’t over feed them. An older Lab will be quite happy on the couch with regular meals, and will gain weight quickly from it.
Thinking about getting a Lab puppy? Read up on them, talk to a vet about feeding and schedules and learn how to house-train them before one is purchased.
And please, if there isn’t the time for a needy pup, get some fish instead. The more time one can spend with their Labrador Retriever puppy, the better the relationship will be. Have fun!
Sources:
AKC.org, Labrador Retrievers, no author, no publishing date.
AKC.org, Labrador Retriever Puppies, no author, no publishing date.
DogBreederInfo.com, The Labrador, no publishing date or author listed.
CanisMajor.com, “Dog Owner’s Guide, by Norma Bennet Woolf, no publishing date.
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