About Labradors
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular of all dogs registered with the AKC for more than 15 years. Of course they are! Labs are easy going and versatile, devoted to their families and friendly toward people, other dogs, and other pets. They love hunting, swimming, and backyard games.
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Height: 21-25”
Color: solid black, yellow, or chocolate
Coat: short coarse outer coat with straight or slightly wavy hair
thick undercoat to provide waterproofing
Grooming: weekly
Longevity: 10-12 years
Especially good at:
# Great family dogs & easily trusted with children
# Happily accept other pets and other people
# Keep their human guardians fit and active because they need routine exercise
# Tolerate cold well and are reasonably tolerant of heat
# Good at lifting spirits with their constantly wagging tails
# Are happiest and healthiest when living with exercise fanatics
Watch out for:
# Lumps or growths that may indicate cancer
# Over feeding
# Feet chewing or ear infections that develop subsequent to allergies
# Obesity, sluggishness and dull coat due to hypothyroidism
# Arthritis of the hips, knees, and elbows
# Excessive chewing due to boredom
# Tail wagging that can tumble a toddler over
Appearance
Labradors are robust, active dogs able to run and hunt for hours. They have a shiny, coarse coat, brown or hazel eyes, a kind, intelligent expression, and triangular ears that hang down and frame the face. The abdomen tucks up only slightly so the trunk is rather rectangular. There is a small but discernable narrowing over the flanks. The tail is strong and has a wide base. This is called an “otter tail.”
Behavior
Naturally active and exuberant, Labs love to be busy and especially love something to chew when they’re resting. Labs are among the easiest to train of all breeds because they are intelligent and are focused on what their human companions want. Because Labs retain their puppy natures until they are nearly 3 years old, some pet guardians lose patience and are tempted to get rough with them or to use shock collars. To elicit the desired behavior from these rambunctious pets, use gentleness and consistency. Keep Labs well exercised and they develop commendable behavior. Suspect painful arthritis or another health problem if a Labrador Retriever begins to bite or becomes irritable.
Health
Bone and joint diseases (such as arthritis and hip dysplasia)
Providing a natural, holistic diet helps prevent and manage bone and joint problems. Over 10% of Labrador Retrievers has hip dysplasia, but the breeders have been working hard to bring the percentage down.
Allergies that predispose them to ear infections
Providing a natural, holistic diet and vaccinating only when necessary and for the fewest diseases helps prevent and manage immune problems, such as allergies
Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) is easily treated with prescription medication, and many veterinarians believe the likelihood of hypothyroidism is reduced markedly if Labrador Retrievers are not over vaccinated.
Obesity
Obesity is controlled with diet and exercise. The natural fat layer that protects Labrador Retrievers from hypothermia when swimming should not be allowed to become a thick layer of padding.
