| Year after year, Labrador Retrievers have | | | | dog breed. Another possible ailment known to this |
| consistently ranked as one of the best family dogs. | | | | breed is called Retinal Atrophy which is a progressive |
| With their intelligence, and laid back demeanor they | | | | disease that results in reduction or complete loss of |
| make an excellent choice when choosing a dog for | | | | vision. |
| your family. Here's more about this breed… | | | | Suitability with Children: Yes, a very even tempered |
| History: The Labrador Retrievers roots, depending | | | | breed as well as gentle natured. |
| upon which theory you adhere to, either started in | | | | Suitability with Other Pets: Yes |
| England or Newfoundland. Most theories suggest that | | | | Living Conditions: Labrador Retrievers do best in a |
| the origin of the Labrador Retriever dates back to | | | | home with a large yard or with land. They are easily |
| Newfoundland in the 1700s, where they were originally | | | | adaptable though, and would also do well in an |
| considered a smaller version of the Newfoundland, and | | | | apartment or with a small yard if received plenty of |
| might even have been a partial cross of a now extinct | | | | exercise on a daily basis. |
| St. Johns dog and the larger Newfoundland. By the | | | | Training: This breed is easily trainable as a puppy. |
| 1800s, the Labrador began making its way to England | | | | Combining their intelligence with their easy trainability |
| and European countries, but compliments for refining | | | | makes them one of the most powerful combinations |
| the breed as a hunting and retrieving dog go to the | | | | as a superior working dog and excellent sporting dog, |
| English breeders. They are known for being black in | | | | as well as a wonderful family pet. Remember that |
| color originally, with the first yellow and chocolate | | | | Labradors need consistency and reinforcement from |
| colored Lab's being recorded around the end of the | | | | the time they are puppies and they will grow into a |
| 19th century. | | | | strong and gentle family pet. |
| To this day the Labrador Retriever was and still is | | | | Exercise Required: High |
| used for bird hunting and retrieval of birds in the water. | | | | Expense to maintain: Low |
| Even though today the Retriever is a natural when | | | | Breed Temperament: Being definitely a favored breed |
| used for bird hunting, they were in the past, excellent at | | | | in America, just about every puppy in the pound will |
| retrieving fish too, and still show their love for a good | | | | state they have some Labrador in their blood. If not, |
| swim. Said to have originated in Newfoundland, there | | | | many owners will make the claim that they do |
| are those who speculate that the Labrador name | | | | because of their gentle nature despite their size, as |
| comes from the Canadian Province of Labrador. | | | | well as their extreme intelligence and ease at training. |
| Popular among breeders in Canada around the 1800s, | | | | There is no doubt about it, the Labradors loyalty, |
| the Labrador Retriever only made it's way to America | | | | agreeable temperament and affectionate nature are |
| in the early 1900s, where it was finally registered with | | | | what causes this to be one of the most popular dog |
| the American Kennel Club in1917. | | | | breeds around. |
| Description: Thriving in all types of weather, the | | | | Keep in mind that Labradors find their greatest |
| Labrador Retriever has a thick, resistant to water coat, | | | | happiness when they are outdoors sporting or |
| that comes in the various flavors of yellow, black or | | | | exercising on a regular basis. While Labrador |
| chocolate brown. Female Labrador Retrievers weigh in | | | | Retrievers can adapt to almost any living environment, |
| at around 55-75 pounds, while the larger male tips the | | | | owners will find they are most content when they are |
| scale at between 65-80 pounds. the height of the | | | | regularly exercised. If not regularly exercised, especially |
| Labrador can range from 21-24 inches tall. Some of | | | | as a puppy, owners could find that they will turn |
| the beautiful features that this dog possesses include | | | | towards destructive habits, like chewing furniture. Also, |
| their muscular hind legs combined with an otter like tail, | | | | Labs that are not regularly exercised show a |
| most often recognized while in their stance. They are | | | | tendency to put on weight, as they sure love to eat. |
| also known for their proud, powerful looking head. | | | | All things considered, Labrador Retrievers will make a |
| Life Span: 10-13 years | | | | wonderful family pet with a little extra TLC, and along |
| Common Ailments: May be prone to Hip and Elbow | | | | with the tender loving care, don't forget the extra |
| Dysphasia which might cause problems with mobility | | | | running, fetching or swimming! |
| and arthritis in it's later years. otherwise, this is a hardy | | | | |