About The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever did not come from
Labrador, but from
Newfoundland,
where it used to help haul the fisherman's nets ashore. Labrador Retrievers were
previously called black water dogs, St. John's water dogs, or little Newfoundlanders and Newfoundlands.
Labrador Retrievers were the first recognized as a separate breed by the English
Kennel Club in 1903. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Labrador Retrievers
way back in 1917. Today, for many reasons, the Labrador Retrievers are
consistently rated among the three most popular breeds of dogs. Labrador
Retrievers are a good-natured,
trainable, and intelligent dog that requires no fussy grooming. They are
notoriously healthy. The Labrador Retriever has truly earned its place at the
top. Why, just by being its wonderful self, this dog has captivated dog lovers
across America and around the world.
Labradors are known for their willingness to please and their sunny
dispositions. they are rated in the top 10 for intelligence of all dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are obedient, loyal, courageous and hard workers. this makes
labrador retrievers easy to train as house pets. They have an amazing ability at
swimming and retrieval. today, apart from being
a gundog or a great hunting companion, Labradors often act as guide dogs for the
blind, been trained to detect or sniff out drugs
and explosives. Labs temperament is responsive, friendly, non-aggressive, good
with children and other dogs. Being a good watch dog they will let you know when
strangers are approaching. There are very popular as companions. Labrador
Retrievers are simply a great dog.
According to American Kennel Club (AKC) standards the Labrador Retriever height
at the withers for a dog is 22½ to 24½ inches; for a bitch is 21½ to 23½
inches. Any variance greater than ½ inch above or below these heights is a
disqualification. Labrador approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working
condition: dogs 65 to 80 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds.
The minimum height ranges set forth in the paragraph above shall not apply to
dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.
Labrador retriever coats have a distinctive feature, the lab coat should be
short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The
Labrador Retriever should have a soft, weather-resistant undercoat. this coat
provides protection from water, cold and all types of ground cover. The lab coat
may have a slight wave down the back, which is permissible. Woolly coats, soft
silky coats, and sparse slick coats are not typical of the breed. minimum light brushing of the coat will keep it in great
shape.
The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. any other
color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. a small white spot on
the chest is permissible, but not desirable. white hairs from aging or scarring
are not to be misinterpreted as brindling.
Blacks coats are all black where a black with brindle markings or a black with
tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow coats may range in color from fox-red
to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of
the dog. Chocolates may vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. chocolate
with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification.
American kennel club (akc) disqualifications are:
1. any deviation from the height prescribed in the standard.
2. a thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment.
3. eye rims without pigment.
4. docking or otherwise altering the length or natural carriage of the tail.
5. any other color or a combination of colors other than black,
yellow or chocolate as described in the standard.
Training your new Puppy
Number One, A dog is what you make of him, Labrador Retrievers should be introduced to people at an early
age and socialized in the environment where he will live, a Labrador
Retriever will pick up on other dogs habits and peoples habits, so raising
a puppy is much like raising a child. I have seen family Dogs to be blamed
for his bad habits and being out of control but really it is usually the owners
fault because they did not start their puppy off right and left him no other
choice but to be out of control, and destructive because boredom. Labs are active and enjoy human interaction. Owners need to take time out
to exercise, train and play with their Labrador Retriever. Urban or Country
environment with a fenced yard does just fine.