Labrador Retriever Information

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dogs in the United States and belongs to the gundog group. This breed is definitely in the top three when it comes to choosing a family pet because they are very friendly, intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them excellent companions and working dogs. Labrador is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog. They have a character and quality to win in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without over refinement, and is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.

Temperament
Labrador Retrievers desire human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. They are very loving, affectionate, and patient dog. They also enjoy in water for they love to swim, since they were selectively bred for retrieving in water environments as gundogs and companions as water fowl hunting.

Size Category
Medium

Height/Weight
Height: Male 22-24 inches (56-61cm.), Female 21-23 inches (53-58cm.)
Weight: Male 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.), Female 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.). Some males can grow up to 100 pounds (45kg) or more.

Living Conditions
Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if adequately exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise and Activities
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need a lot of exercise. They are easily trained, making them ideal for use in field sports, obedience competitions, as search dogs, as guide dogs and as hearing dogs. These dogs take a great pleasure in any of these activities.

Life Expectancy
9 - 15 years

Grooming
Their coats are easy to maintain. The coat is thick and dense with a weather-resistant undercoat. Brush them once a week with more attention during shredding.

Origin
The breed originated not in Labrador, but on the coast of Newfoundland in the 17th century. They were trained to bring in the fishing-nets through the icy waters for the fishermen and, in the early 19th century, were brought to Poole Harbour in Great Britain. These dogs were short-limbed, sturdy swimmers with short dense coats and an otter-like tail. They were so attractive that the fishermen had umpteen offers from Englishmen to buy them. The breed was instantly successful as a gundog. The Earl of Malmesbury was fascinated by these dogs and known at that time as Saint John's breed of water dogs and he started breeding them, calling them Labrador dogs. A heavy dog tax in Canada and the new quarantine laws in Great Britain caused a great reduction in the breed, limiting further breeding to be done without any more imports.