An All-Around Family Dog: Labrador Retriever
There is no doubt of the fact that the Labrador retriever is the most popular family dog in the world. While choosing a great family dog, you need to consider certain quality like friendliness, how a dog behaves with children, loving, caring nature, loyal etc., and all these qualities are there in this ever so diligent and friendly retriever.
The Labrador retriever pups are so cute that you might have a crush the instant you see him. If you bring home a Labrador retriever then you will be assured of constant companionship. He is no ordinary dog; he is a gentle and understanding dog with loads of patience especially towards children. Since 1991, the lab retriever has been the most popular dog based on registrations in the United States.
Labs have a history of assisting in waterfowl hunting and love water. A completely dependable dog, lab retrievers are being trained more and more for assisting blind and disabled people. They are regarded as specialist dogs by K9 units across the United States and in bomb squads or sniffer squadrons across the world. This doesn’t mean that the retriever is a working dog only; he is “the” family dog too.
Compatibility and Usage: The Labrador retriever as its name suggests is a retriever dog but he is not from Labrador but from New Foundland, Canada. He was a fisherman’s dog initially. He is said to have evolved from the Buccleuch Avon and he was originally known as St. John’s dog.
Physical Appearance: The Labrador retriever is comes in three colors: jet black, chocolate and yellow. They are relatively large and the male labs can stand to a height of 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches (55.9 to 62 1/4cm) and weigh 65-80 lbs (30-36kg) while the female stands almost as tall as the male at 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches (54 1/2 to 60 cm) and weighs 55-70 lbs (25 to 32 kg).
Temperament: In this category, the Labrador Retriever is hands down considered as the most behaved of all dogs that their benign temper has become the trademark of the breed. They are generally kind and possess an outgoing and obedient nature; they are always eager to please and are not hostile towards man or other animals. Labs are very adaptable to any environment, highly intelligent and are very loyal and overprotective of their owners.
They are very lively and good-natured, making them an excellent playmate for children. They like to get lots of human attention and behave as though they are actually part of the family. They are more of a watchdog than a guard dog because of their sociable behavior but they may display aggressive behavior towards strangers if they are not socialized as puppies. Labradors are very good at hunting, tracking, retrieving, police work, and are easily trained.
Caring & Health: Regardless of color, all Labrador Retrievers turn white around the muzzle area as they get older. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years and have an unbelievable appetite. Their number one problem is obesity.
Other medical conditions they are susceptible to as knee and joint problems, elbow and hip dysplasia and ear infection. Regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent fungus formation inside the canals of their droopy ears.
If a lovable and energetic family dog is what you want, you can never go wring choosing the Labrador Retriever!
