Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Breed Temperament
Labradors Retrievers are a friendly and versatile breed. They make very good pets. They are not prone
to being territorial, insecure, aggressive, destructive or other difficult traits. They enjoy holding objects, hands, arms in their
mouths. They are able to do this with remarkable gentleness. They are prone to chewing objects. They can be trained to
inhibit their chewing tendencies.
Labradors Retrievers have a reputation as a very mellow breed. They are excellent family dog and have a good
reputation with children of all ages, as well as with other animals. Labradors as a breed are curious, exploratory and love
company.
Labradors are an intelligent breed with good work habits and temperament. Common working roles for Labradors
are hunting, tracking and detection.
Training Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retriever's fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to
ensure it does not get out of hand. An uncontrolled adult Labrador Retriever can be quite problematic. Females may be
slightly more independent than males. Training Labrador Retrievers is a must because of their energy and exercise
needs.
Labrador Retrievers - Labradrador Retriever Training
Labradors mature at around three years of age. Before this time they can have a significant degree of
puppyish energy, often labelled as being hyperactive. Because of their enthusiasm leash-training Labrador Retrievers early on is
suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown. Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activities such as
agility training, frisbees, or flyball. Almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
Labs are usually not noisy or territorial. They are easy going and trusting of strangers. They do not
make good guard dogs.
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue,
detection, and therapy work. Their primary working role in the field continues to be that of a hunting retriever.
They do not typically jump high fences or dig. Some Labs climb or jump for their own amusement. The
Labrador breed are highly intelligent and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus. Therefore, with the right conditions and
stimulus, a bored Labrador could turn into an escape artist.
Labrador Breed Characteristics
The Labrador Retrievers are often referred to as a Lab or Labrador. The dog’s ancestry line originates
from Newfoundland, Canada. The Labrador is the most popular dog breed in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Labrador’s have webbed paws excellent for swimming. The Labrador breed are traditionally trained as
retrievers in fowling. Their short smooth hair coat is suitable in frosty weather conditions where ice would form on other dogs after
exiting the water. The Lab has a thin tapering snout, a long thin tail, and thin yet powerful legs. The Lab’s are intelligent
and useful work dogs. They are widely used by police departments and rescue operations for their detection abilities.
Traditionally the Labrador dog breed has been bred for hunting and field work.
Labradors are relatively large. Male Labradors weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. The breed tends to shed
hair regularly throughout the year. Labrador hair is short and straight but not wiry. Their coat is water repellant, providing
assistance in swimming. The dog has a dry oily coat.
Labradors as Working Dogs
Labradors are an intelligent breed with good work habits and temperament. Common working roles for Labradors
are hunting, tracking and detection.
Labrador Retriever Health Issues
Inherited disorders
Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially adult Labs, though not as much as some other
breeds. Labrador Retrievers also suffer from the risk of knee problems. Eye problems are also possible in some Labrador
Retrievers.
Labradors are sometimes prone to ear infection, because their floppy ears trap warm moist air. Labs who
spend a lot of time in water, are additionally prone to infection. This is easy to control, but needs regular checking to ensure that
a problem is not building up unseen.
Labradors can easily become overweight, due to their enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites and endearing behaviour
towards people. Lack of exercise is also a contributing factor. A healthy Labrador Retriever should keep a very slight
hour glass waist and be fit and light. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of hip
dysplasia or other joint problems and diabetes. It can also contribute to general reduced health when older.
Osteoarthritis is common in older, especially overweight, Labradors.
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