Learn About Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador retriever dog breed originated in Canada
in the late 1800s, having been bred from the St. John's
water dog breed. Upon being brought to England, the
dogs began to be referred to as "Labradors" to distinguish
them by name from the Newfoundland dog breed, which
also populated the area. In Newfoundland, Labrador retrievers
were originally used alongside Newfoundlands to haul
fishermen’s nets ashore.
The Labrador retriever is a short-coated retriever
with a solid-colored black, chocolate, or yellow double
coat that is smooth, short, straight, and dense. Labrador
retrievers have wide heads, pronounced brows, powerful
barrel chests, and thick tails; they are heavy, sturdy,
and stocky dogs. The average Labrador retriever weighs
55-75 lb and measures 21.5-24.5 inches in height, and
the same in length from their shoulders to the base
of their tail.
Labrador retrievers are often put to work as assistance
dogs in many countries. They serve perhaps most famously
as guide dogs for the blind, and may also aid deaf and
autistic people. Labrador retrievers also often work
as therapy dogs, boosting morale and bringing comfort
to environments where these things are needed, or for
law enforcement, particularly to detect explosives or
illicit substances.
Labrador retrievers, colloquially referred to as "labs,"
comprise the most popular breed of dog in five countries.
They are tolerant, eager to please, athletic, playful,
gentle, and very friendly, even towards strangers. For
these reasons, Labrador retrievers are known to be good
with children and are a popular choice of family pet.
They are also widely regarded as one of the most intelligent
dog breeds, and require daily exercise and mental challenges
to keep them stimulated. They enjoy learning, swimming,
retrieving, and socializing.
Labrador retrievers are active and social dogs, and
require regular exercise and contact with the people
with which they have formed companionships. They are
known to shed and should be groomed weekly. Labrador
retrievers' appetites are notoriously voracious to the
point at which some individuals may even eat inedible
objects; it is therefore important not to overfeed Labrador
retrievers, as they are prone to becoming obese, and
to be vigilant in not leaving objects that they may
consume within their reach.
Overall, Labador retrievers experience relatively few
health problems. The most well-known and prevalent issue
that Labrador retrievers experience as they age is hip
dysplasia, which is common across dog breeds. Though
hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, its development
is influenced by environmental factors, and one of the
easiest ways not to lower a lab's risk of developing
hip dysplasia is to ensure that it maintains a healthy
weight. The maintenance of a healthy weight is also
important because obesity is another very prevalent
problem among Labrador retrievers. Labrador retrievers
generally become obese when their owners overfeed and
do not adequately exercise their dogs. Labrador retrievers
live for 10-12 years on average.
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