Labrador: breed description, characteristics, features and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

One of the most popular dog breeds currently is the Labrador. The description of the breed makes it clear that these pets have a very gentle and devoted disposition. They can become the best friend of the owner and all his household members. Very sociable and playful, dogs of this breed will easily find a common language with any person or animal.

Not particularly able to show protective qualities, Labradors do an excellent job of hunting game. Actually, these dogs were bred for this purpose. But recently, many inexperienced breeders of this breed, not having the skills and knowledge of the basics of dog breeding and trying to cash in on it, are chasing not the quality of puppies being born, but their quantity. This leads to a deterioration in breeding qualities and blurring of the typical features of the breed.

The history of the breed

At the beginning of the 19th century, sailors from Europe discovered the Labrador Retriever breed on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. The indigenous people used these dogs to hunt birds. The very name "retriever" speaks for itself. It means "feeder of game." Perhaps this explains the hotthese dogs love water.

At first, these dogs were named after the Canadian capital of St. John's, but this tradition did not take root in the English environment. The British preferred the name "Labrador", which comes from the name of the Canadian provincial city of Labrador. The dog (description, nature of the breed) very clearly reflects the microclimate of this place, being a kind of metaphor.

In the middle of the 19th century, representatives of this breed were brought to Britain, who were very fond of not only avid hunters for intelligence and endurance, but also ordinary people. They have become their pets.

At the beginning of the 20th century in Britain, the breed was registered with the Kennel Club. Initially, all Labradors were black. Now the colors of representatives can vary from light beige to chocolate.

In the same 20th century, the breed began to spread in America, where it was popular with we althy sections of society, such as actors, politicians and pop stars. The main purpose of Labradors - hunting - was forgotten, and they became just good-natured domestic dogs, bringing joy and comfort to the house.

Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?

Many people believe that the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever are the same breed. But this is a delusion. Not every similar dog can be a true representative of such a proud family as Labradors. The description of the breed, character, reviews and advantages indicate that there are significant differences between these seemingly similar dogs. Owners who have lived with representatives of both breeds at the same time or at different times report that these dogs are completely different not only in appearance, but also in terms of behavior. The nature and temperament of these animals vary greatly.

By origin, the Labrador Retriever comes from the Canadian island of Newfoundland. The appearance of the golden retriever originates in aristocratic England, where he served as a hunting companion and a chic decoration of the palace.

As for external differences, here breeders take the following as a basis:

1. Labrador has black, light and chocolate color. His golden counterpart in this regard, so to speak, is more diverse - it can have wool of different shades, from very light to dark.
2. The coat of Labradors is not long, rather coarse, it has a special water-repellent wax coating. The golden retriever's coat can be quite long and wavy.
3. The tail is one of the main differences between the two varieties. In the Labrador, it is smooth-haired, thickening at the base. In a golden retriever, it is well pubescent and resembles a half feather hanging down.
4. The head of the Labrador is much larger and has a more massive mouth, as it was bred to hunt large prey, while the golden retriever was supposed to hunt small game.
5. Labrador Sheds all year round, Golden Retriever sheds coat twice a year.

In addition to external differences, experienced owners also distinguish behavioral, towhich include the following:

1. Labrador is more emotional than the English restrained golden retriever.
2. The high energy of Labs is the opposite of the calmness and gentleness of the Golden Retriever.
3. Labrador is prone to rash impulsive actions, unlike a reasonable and calm fellow.

Hence, when choosing a friend, you need to understand the differences between the two types and get a pet that is suitable for the requirements and future living conditions.

Description of the breed

Labrador dogs are quite large in size and have powerful muscles. According to the standards, the height at the withers should vary from 55 cm to 63 cm. Distinctive features of appearance are:

1. Chunky long body.
2. Wide chest.
3. Ears hanging, slightly behind the head.
4. Eyes set wide apart.
5. The muzzle is quite elongated.
6. There are small webs between the fingers.
7. Wide at the base and tapering towards the end of the tail, which is compared to the tail of an otter.
8. Short coarse coat covered with wax. Thick and dense undercoat.

One of the subspecies of the Labrador Retriever is the Labrador Longhair. The description of the breed states that such dogs were also bred on the island of Newfoundland. They were used more for transporting firewood, although they swam no worse than their shorthair counterpart.

The average life span of these dogs is 10-15 years.

Character and temperament

The Labrador Retriever dog is very popular with dog breeders. The description of the breed, the character and gentle disposition of these creatures are very much appreciated by both family and single people. This is due to the high intelligence inherent in the representatives of this breed. As the reviews say, they subtly feel the mood of the owner and can easily adapt to it. Thus, a person who chooses a Labrador as a companion will never be lonely and bored.

Because of these qualities, these dogs are often used as guides for the blind. The poise and restraint inherent in the breed allow them to remain calm and not lose their temper in any, even the most stressful situations.

High learning ability and good intelligence of dogs allow them to be involved in search and rescue operations. This breed has proven itself well in work at customs.

The owners of such dogs are sure that Labradors can rightfully be called the best friends and nannies for small children. The owners share their impressions of the gentle care and attentive unobtrusive control with which their retrievers surround babies.

Dog owners who have more than one pet in the house claim that Labradors get along well with other animals, even cats. They will never jump into a fight first or offend a creature that is smaller than them.

Avid hunters admire another advantage of the breed - the so-called soft mouth. This means that a dog can carry any object in its mouth, even a chicken egg, withoutdamaging it.

Judging by the nature of the Labrador, the description of the breed, reviews, there are very few shortcomings. Breeders attribute the main negative quality of such dogs to the fact that, due to their spiritual kindness, dogs cannot be realized as guards. Therefore, if a dog breeder needs a good watchman and protector of property, it is worth considering other options in selecting a breed for this purpose.

The rest of the shortcomings arise from the lack of training and the active life of the pet.

Features of keeping in the apartment

Due to the activity and excessive energy, the behavioral characteristics of the young Labrador Retriever and the breed description, the content is mainly to provide long and frequent walks in the fresh air. The breeders claim that this is done so that the dog puts overflowing energy into outdoor games, thereby not causing damage to the owner's apartment.

For the same purpose, owners purchase pet toys. You should also try to exclude the contact of a curious dog with household chemicals and sockets in order to avoid poisoning and electric shocks.

Labrador is very sociable, so the place for him should be chosen so that the pet could see his owners from it. Dog breeders do not advise putting a box for him or making a booth. Just a soft bedding or mattress is quite suitable for a couch.

Care for hair, eyes and ears

Just like representatives of other breeds, it has its own individual characteristics and difficulties in keeping andLabrador. Description of the breed, reviews of breeders indicate that one of the problems in keeping such dogs is hair care, because when it falls out, it remains everywhere: on furniture, on clothes, on dishes. The owners call this trouble significant enough, besides, getting rid of it is not very easy.

Retrievers generally don't need bathing, they are quite clean themselves. But it happens that as a result of active walks in rainy weather, the dog has to be washed. To achieve shine and the effect of glossy wool, it is recommended to rub the pet with talcum powder. But this should be done outdoors so that the dog does not inhale the powder.

Some dog breeders struggle with shedding with a conventional vacuum cleaner. If you accustom a puppy to this procedure from childhood, in the future it will even bring him pleasure. Combing hair gives a good effect.

Labradoodles love for water can play an important role in getting rid of unwanted hair. Owners of dogs of this breed claim that regular bathing in water significantly reduces the shedding period.

Breeders of show dogs with pedigree value need to be extra careful in grooming. Some procedures can spoil the appearance of the dog. For example, chocolate or dark colored retrievers should not be exposed to the sun for a long time, otherwise the coat may burn out and acquire an undesirable shade. Also, some types of brushes should not be used for combing - this may lead to a decrease in the quality of wool.

Every day you need to gently rub the dog's eyeswet cotton swab. If you notice unusual discharge, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Ears are wiped with a damp cotton swab as needed. Do not immerse it too deep, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the delicate integument.

If there is a need, many dog breeders cut their pet's claws with special scissors.

Meal selection

No matter how mobile and energetic the Labrador is, the characteristics and description of the breed indicate that its representatives are quite voracious and practically omnivorous. They can eat everything indiscriminately and in myriad quantities. Because of this, many owners complain about pet indigestion, excess weight and other unpleasant problems.

Therefore, a responsible owner must carefully monitor the pet's diet in order to prevent obesity and he alth problems. Nutrition should be balanced and regular. If it is not possible to constantly cook for the retriever, you can use ready-made super-premium food, which contains the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals to ensure a full life for the dog. The choice of such food should be based on the recommendations of a veterinarian.

Dogs should eat at a strictly defined time, not violate the regime to which they need to be taught from childhood. The dosage of food is calculated according to the weight of the Labrador and the instructions indicated on the package.

If the owner chooses natural food for the pet, then it should also be well balanced. Do not feed your dog table food.

The diet of a Labrador Retriever must necessarily include foods such as:

• Meat (beef, lamb, poultry). It can be given raw or boiled. Fat must be cut off. Offal, kidneys, lungs, liver, etc., it is advisable to give only boiled.
• The fish must be only marine, the bones must be removed. It is better to boil it before feeding. You can also give it raw, but there is a risk of infecting the dog with helminths.
• All grains will do, but remember that barley is hard to digest and oatmeal can cause allergies.
• Dairy products (kefir, cheese, cottage cheese). Milk is not recommended for dogs.
• Eggs. For feeding the Labrador, only raw yolk is used, which can be mixed into porridge or vegetables.
• Vegetables (carrots, cabbage, beets, zucchini). Before treating the pet, they need to be crushed.

In winter, you need to give your pet vitamins in addition. According to the doctor's recommendations, deworming should be carried out periodically.

Adult dogs should be fed strictly twice a day. But puppies eat more often. Until the age of two months, they should eat 6 times a day. Up to 5 months - 5 times a day. Six-month-old pets eat 4 times a day. After 7 months and up to a year, you need to feed 3 times a day.

Despite the fact that Labradors can eat anything, there are a number of foods that are strictly forbidden for them:

• S alty, smoked, fried, fatty and spicy foods.
• Too hot orcold food.
• Flour products.
• Bean dishes.
• Potatoes.
• Sausage products.
• Sweets.
• Pork or any other fatty meat.
• Tubular bones.
• Stale food.

Anyone who wants to have such a pet should know in advance everything about the Labrador, the description and characteristics of the breed, and, of course, the features of the diet. Properly selected food or a balanced menu of natural products will ensure a he althy and long life for your pet.

Pet upbringing

Before you get a Labrador puppy, you must first prepare everything for him, navigate with feeding, purchase toys for him, organize a couch.

Experienced breeders say that training a retriever should be done from the very first days, as soon as you bring him into the house. Then the puppy immediately understands who is the owner, what can and cannot be done on its territory. If the baby tries to take over the person, you need to immediately stop these attempts. But the owners of such dogs claim that Labrador puppies very rarely try to dominate due to their good-natured nature.

Some dog breeders prefer to take their dog to professional cynologists, but then they themselves are convinced that Labradors are easy enough to train, so even an inexperienced owner can teach them basic commands.

Possible he alth problems

Each breed of dog has its own risks of disease. With proper care andAnnual preventive examinations can prevent the appearance of many ailments. Breeders cite a list of the most common Labrador he alth problems that include:

• Obesity.
• Joint Dysplasia.
• Panosteitis (most common in young fast growing dogs).
• Cataract, retinal disease.
• Osteochondrosis.
• Ulcers on limbs from frequent licking.
• Epilepsy (very rare).

Like all living creatures, retrievers are susceptible to infections and viruses. To prevent such misfortunes, he althy dogs are vaccinated. Vaccination schedule should be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Choosing a puppy

Experienced dog breeders warn that before you start choosing a pet, you need to consider all the pros and cons of keeping a dog, get the consent of all family members in order to prevent betrayal of a living creature in the future and create for him conditions for a happy and he althy life.

When choosing a breeding animal, you must pay attention to the rating of the breeder. It would be ideal to see his parents. When choosing a gender, you need to focus on your preferences, as females and males have somewhat different habits and habits from each other.

When choosing a color, you can also be guided by your preferences. It used to be fashionable to have black representatives of the breed, now light ones are preferred, although dark ones are still in demand.

As for the cost, it can fluctuate quite widely and depend on the club, pedigree, breeding qualities. For a Labrador Retriever, the price (a description of the breed will help you navigate the quality) can start from 20,000 rubles. and end with 60,000-80,000 rubles.

One of the main conditions for choosing a puppy dog breeders consider not the breeding qualities and not the cost of the dog, but the intuition of the potential owner and its compatibility with the animal. After all, a person chooses his best friend and companion for many years.