Labrador Retriever
Also Called: Lab Labrador
| Affection Level | Cuddly |
|---|---|
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid Friendly | High |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Significant |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Average |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Low |
| Amount Of Shedding | Medium |
The Labrador Retriever is a strong, solid dog with kind eyes, a friendly personality and a charming demeanor. They are intelligent, easily trained, and very sociable. They love to please people and are excellent family pets. They make great therapy and service dogs due to their intelligence and gentleness. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most popular breeds in the world.
Breed Overview
- Group: Sporting
- Life Span: 10-12 years
- Height: Medium
- Weight: Medium
- Coat: Short
- Coat Colors: Black,Yellow,Chocolate,Gray
- Litter Size: 5-10
- Family: Gun Dog
- Hypoallergenic: false
- Recognition: AKC
- Size: Medium
Training and Care
Labradors require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship to be happy and healthy. Basic training is essential to ensure that they display good behavior and become a well-mannered companion. Grooming needs are minimal but should involve regular brushing of the coat and periodic cleaning of the ears and eyes. They are prone to developing hip dysplasia and should be inspected annually for this condition.
Diet and Nutrition
Labradors require a nutrient-rich diet and should be fed a high-quality commercially prepared dog food to ensure that all nutritional needs are met. Their caloric intake should be monitored to avoid weight gain, as Labradors can be prone to becoming overweight. Fresh water should be available at all times to keep them hydrated.
Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Their ears should be checked periodically to avoid ear infections, and their teeth should be brushed regularly to avoid gum disease.
Breed History
The Labrador Retriever is a breed of gun dog originating in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. They were originally developed to be used as a retriever for game, and their popularity has only grown since then. Labradors are highly intelligent and have an even temper, making them a friendly and well-suited pet.
