Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is a retriever in the class of Sporting dogs. They are considered a 'flushing' dog that will retrieve the game for the hunter once down. They are generally used to hunt both upland game birds and waterfowl. More recently some have worked on perfecting a pointing characteristic with Labradors. No matter what it's AKC classification, Labradors have come to be one of the favorite family house pets in America today due to its wonderful personality, gentle disposition and loyalty. The Labrador must possess build and temperment making them capable of hunting for long hours under difficult conditions. They must also have a stable temperment making them suitable for a variety of things beyond the hunt field.
As the name states, Labradors were not originally from Labrador but from Newfoundland. They were used to help fisherman and date back as early as 1858.
As the name states, Labradors were not originally from Labrador but from Newfoundland. They were used to help fisherman and date back as early as 1858.
LAB FAQ's
Labs shed ALOT. Labs shed all year round and heavier at the change of seasons. You will find hair in crevices of your home that you didn't know existed. If you believe that "no outfit is complete without dog hair" then a lab may be right for you.
Labs love their people. A lab will not be happy being tied up or seperated from its people. If you have allergies to saliva, dander, etc, be sure to visit labradors before you purchase one. It would not be fair to the dog to have to be seperated.
Labradors love to be dirty. They love to play in the mud, roll in the grass, splash in the water. If you are ok with muddy pawprints on your floor, then a lab would be right for you.
Labs are part of the sporting group. Dogs from this group are high energy and require a lot of exercise. That means they also make great workout/jogging partners.
Labs remain puppies for a long time. While puppies are cute and fun, Labradors mentally remain puppies while their bodies get large. They don't mature until around 3 years old which means you have a large, clumsy, goofy, shedding dog. Early training is encouraged to have a well behaved Labrador.
Labs are prone to health problems such as hip dyplasia, elbow displasia, eye and heart problems, as well as others. Do your research and talk to other lab owners, breeders and vets and read about these genetic problems.
While labs are great family dogs, that doesn't necessarily mean great for small children. Labs are extremely active and can get large which means tails and paws can knock children over in excitement. Labs suffer from extreme "happy tail". Anything in line of a Labradors tail is not safe. A Labrador tail is about the height of a small child's face. The biggest downfall is that people buy a lab hearing it is good for family and then they do not get proper training. Now you have a 60-80 lb. dog who is energetic and untrained. Unfortunately, this is why so many end up in shelters. Early training is strongly encouraged.
Labs can be easy to come by. Since they are so popular, they are being overbred. You can find a large number of fantastic labs that are awaiting homes in shelters. If you are looking for a breeder, do extensive research and be sure the breeder is breeding to better the breed, not just breeding for money.
Labs shed ALOT. Did I mention that already??
Labs love their people. A lab will not be happy being tied up or seperated from its people. If you have allergies to saliva, dander, etc, be sure to visit labradors before you purchase one. It would not be fair to the dog to have to be seperated.
Labradors love to be dirty. They love to play in the mud, roll in the grass, splash in the water. If you are ok with muddy pawprints on your floor, then a lab would be right for you.
Labs are part of the sporting group. Dogs from this group are high energy and require a lot of exercise. That means they also make great workout/jogging partners.
Labs remain puppies for a long time. While puppies are cute and fun, Labradors mentally remain puppies while their bodies get large. They don't mature until around 3 years old which means you have a large, clumsy, goofy, shedding dog. Early training is encouraged to have a well behaved Labrador.
Labs are prone to health problems such as hip dyplasia, elbow displasia, eye and heart problems, as well as others. Do your research and talk to other lab owners, breeders and vets and read about these genetic problems.
While labs are great family dogs, that doesn't necessarily mean great for small children. Labs are extremely active and can get large which means tails and paws can knock children over in excitement. Labs suffer from extreme "happy tail". Anything in line of a Labradors tail is not safe. A Labrador tail is about the height of a small child's face. The biggest downfall is that people buy a lab hearing it is good for family and then they do not get proper training. Now you have a 60-80 lb. dog who is energetic and untrained. Unfortunately, this is why so many end up in shelters. Early training is strongly encouraged.
Labs can be easy to come by. Since they are so popular, they are being overbred. You can find a large number of fantastic labs that are awaiting homes in shelters. If you are looking for a breeder, do extensive research and be sure the breeder is breeding to better the breed, not just breeding for money.
Labs shed ALOT. Did I mention that already??
A Labrador retriever is not the right dog for every family. There are a great number of wonderful dogs awaiting homes all over the country. These dogs are just waiting for their chance to show a family just how great they are.
An old man walking along a beach one day, notices a youth picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. The old man asks, "Why are you doing this?" The young man responds, "If left on the beach 'til the noonday sun, they will die." "But," protests the old man, "the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish. How can your effort make any difference?" Looking at the starfish in his hand, the young man replies, "It makes a very real difference to this one."
-- Source Unknown
-- Source Unknown
You might be owned by a Labrador retriever if...
1. No matter the temperature, your dog is wanting to swim.
2. Mud has become part of your natural decor.
3. Bathroom time is no longer alone.
4. You often have a four legged friend in your shower.
5. You sit on the floor to allow the lab to have the couch.
6. Your feet are always warm.
7. You buy furniture based on the color of your dog.
8. Even the tiniest puddle deserves a swim.
9. Your pool filter is always clogged with dog hair
10. There is always a soggy tennis ball within an arm's reach
11. All breakables in your house are set above tail height
12. You discover slobber on your pant leg while walking through Walmart and don't think a thing of it.
2. Mud has become part of your natural decor.
3. Bathroom time is no longer alone.
4. You often have a four legged friend in your shower.
5. You sit on the floor to allow the lab to have the couch.
6. Your feet are always warm.
7. You buy furniture based on the color of your dog.
8. Even the tiniest puddle deserves a swim.
9. Your pool filter is always clogged with dog hair
10. There is always a soggy tennis ball within an arm's reach
11. All breakables in your house are set above tail height
12. You discover slobber on your pant leg while walking through Walmart and don't think a thing of it.