Reviews of Labrador owners. Labrador Retriever: description, character

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

Currently, Labrador Retrievers, or Labradors, are among the top five most beloved and popular dog breeds. This pet with an active, loyal and affectionate character immediately becomes everyone's favorite.

Reviews from Labrador owners say that this dog is the perfect four-legged friend for the family. What qualities captivate the hearts of the owners so much?

Origin

The history of the origin of the breed has several versions based on legends. It is believed that it originates on the island of Newfoundland (now this area belongs to Canada). One part of the scientific community recognizes the version that initially Labradors were only black in color, therefore they were named because of the similarity in shade with the labradorite stone. Other experts suggest that the breed was bred on the Labrador Peninsula.

In the 19th-20th centuries, interest in this breed was great among English aristocrats. Togo Labrador Owner Reviewstime made it a fashionable hunting dog, distinguished by its special nobility. Influential people created nurseries in their possessions, kept genealogical books, organized demonstration competitions.

The fame of this extraordinary pet has spread to all countries of the world. Every day he wins the hearts of new dog breeders.

Character

Most of all, Labrador Retrievers like active activities and the attention of their owner. They are quite patient, always happy to go for a walk. At home, these pets happily play with children. However, you should be careful when he plays with the baby. A Labrador will never intentionally harm a small member of the family, but in a fit of puppy delight, he may accidentally knock over or scratch.

These dogs get along well and are friends with other animals, but birds can sometimes be an exception, as representatives of this breed are hunters by nature.

Life optimism, good nature and energy in full swing - all these qualities are characteristic and normal for such a breed as a Labrador Retriever. Customer reviews describe cases when these pets frolic so contagiously that even adult owners were drawn into their fun. The whole character of the Labrador is displayed in his intelligent, loyal and good-natured look.

Loneliness is bad for these pets. They miss being locked up for long periods of time.

Main standards and specifications

The FCI international standard indicates that the average durationLabradors have a lifespan of 10-13 years. Height or height at the withers of a male - 55-62 cm, females - 53-59 cm; body weight - 25-32 kg (for females), 28-36 kg (for males) - the Labrador Retriever has such standards. The characteristics and reviews of the owners give such breed descriptions:

• a pet with a strong chest, straight back, powerful neck and strong, well-developed paws gives the impression of a dog of dense build;
• the head looks powerful due to the large width of the skull, not pointed, with a wide nose, the muzzle has a pronounced transition from the forehead;
• brown or hazel eyes look kind and intelligent;
• far set and hanging ears with their mobility convey the mood of the pet;
• thick at the base and narrow at the tip, the tail is of medium length and harsh hair, reminiscent of an otter's tail;
• movements are free-swinging.

Modern dog, according to breed standards, can be of three varieties in color: brown, solid black or fawn. The latter type refers to all options, ranging from light cream to red.

Optimal living conditions

From the description of the character it is clear that these four-legged friends are characterized by a lively temperament and energy. The ideal place for them to live is a country house with a plot where you can frolic for a long time. However, reviews of Labrador owners claim that she is happy in the apartment if the dog breeder has time for regular walks in the park area, forays into nature andconstant training. The main thing for a pet is not the number of square meters, but the duration of outdoor games and active entertainment. Unspent energy can lead not only to apathy and longing of the animal, but also to destructive behavior and unpleasant actions.

A pet can get used to whining or barking for no reason, and in an attempt to find a hobby, it will destroy or damage property in the house, for example, tear shoes apart, gnaw something out of furniture. Of course, in most cases, this is characteristic only of dogs who are deprived of attention and spend the lion's share of their time in absolute solitude in a confined space.

Training

This four-legged friend is perfect even for an inexperienced dog breeder. Natural intelligence, patience and quick wits are qualities that help to easily train a pet of a breed such as a Labrador. Reviews of the owners claim that the dog is remarkably trainable, and lessons with it bring only joy. The pet tries to please its owner in everything. The only thing that can be a little obstacle in learning is the playful nature. The dog may be distracted by activities in which he would like to participate, especially in the early period of life. The youth of this breed lasts about three years. Even at an older age, they do not want to change their puppy habits and prefer to frolic when dogs of other breeds at this time already become serious.

Where can it come in handy?

The dog of this breed is veryuniversal. She can become just a pet, or be used as a rescuer, guide, hunter or policeman. Originally bred as a working dog, the breed is characterized by strength and stamina.

Currently, these dogs are successfully used in rescue work. Reviews of Labrador owners in most cases indicate that their four-legged friend is a born swimmer. Not only is it an excellent swimmer, but it is also capable of operating in icy water thanks to the waterproof coat.

It is quite common to see a Labrador as a police officer. You should know that the scent of this pet is 25% more perfect and better than that of a German shepherd. Due to his poise and intelligence, he copes with the tasks perfectly. At the same time, his motivation is devotion and loy alty to people, and not innate malice, as in some other dog breeds. For example, in the UK, a Labrador named Yogi was awarded the Knight's Gold Medal for discovering 490 drug shipments.

There are cases when these dogs helped patients with epilepsy, warning the owner about the next attack.

But using this pet as an evil guard is unlikely to succeed. He is too friendly and completely non-aggressive to scare off strangers and guard the facility.

Reviews

Activity, loy alty, friendliness and good appetite - this is how Labrador owners describe their pets. Your reviews about the breed are likely to also be notedthese qualities if the decision is made to adopt this dog into your family. By nature, it suits absolutely everyone and takes root perfectly in families with children. Many reviews say that the pet, with its love of life and kindness, has strengthened friendly relations in the family. Apparently, it is not in vain that this breed is considered a symbol of family well-being and happiness.

After reviewing all the opinions and cases from the life of pets described by the owners, one can find only positive. This four-legged friend will win the heart of every dog owner.

Memo to the owner of a Labrador puppy

Puppy is a fragile creature with weak ligaments and muscles. It is important not to take it unnecessarily or to do it correctly, that is, hold it tight so as not to miss it. You need to raise the baby with both hands under the chest and buttocks at the same time, but not under the tummy.

The puppy's habitat should be spacious and soft, away from drafts. Remove small objects, wires and other hazards from the room.

You must follow all the hygiene procedures described in the "Care" section of this article. Feeding is described in the Nutrition section.

Do Not Do:

• feed sharp bones as there is a risk of internal bleeding;
• pull objects from the mouth up to 8 months, so as not to spoil the bite;
• give sweets, pastries, fatty and fried foods (this also applies to adult dogs);
• offer hot or cold (from the fridge) food;
• bath often;
• strokeears;
• bring baby down stairs before 4 months;
• long walk after eating;
• swing or hit when punished;
• lead a puppy on a harness.

Care

Basic measures are based on this dog's tendency to be overweight and hyperactive. Regular long walks and loads, as well as control over nutrition are necessary. An urban dog living in an apartment must be walked in the morning and evening, for a total of at least three hours.

Dense, short and hard to the touch coat - this is how the coat of pets of the Labrador breed looks like. Owner reviews confirm that the dog sheds moderately only in the spring and requires minimal grooming. It just needs to be combed out regularly with a rubber brush.

You need to bathe your pet as needed in clean water. Sometimes a mild dog shampoo can be used for this.

This pet needs periodic examinations of the eyes, nails and teeth, which should be cleaned as necessary by yourself or a specialist (depending on the problem). Particular attention should be paid to the ears. Since they are hanging, they are more susceptible to infections and parasitic diseases.

You should remember about timely vaccination and taking anthelmintic drugs.

Food

You can feed both special food (better than the "super-premium" class), and natural food. Meat products (lamb, veal, turkey or beef) shouldmake up half of the diet of a representative of the Labrador Retriever breed. Owner reviews note that these dogs are very voracious, so nutrition should be correct and balanced. The second half of the diet should consist of cereals (rice, buckwheat, wheat), vegetables and low-fat dairy products. With excess weight, barley porridge is well suited. Vegetable dishes are best boiled. From vegetables, you should prefer zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, herbs and cabbage.

Vitamins should be prescribed by a veterinarian, having studied the individual characteristics of the pet. This breed of dog is often given not only vitamin and mineral complexes, but also special drugs that reduce appetite and slow down the conversion of carbohydrates into fat.

Conclusion

Smart, cheerful and kind dog, requiring regular physical activity - this is how scientists characterize the Labrador breed. Reviews of owners about dogs of this breed confirm what has been said. This pet should not be left alone and inactive for a long time. This will lead to obesity, depression and bad behavior. The Labrador will become a true friend to every owner, who will have the opportunity to walk with him every day and pay attention to his pet.