Retrievers were originally bred as hunting
dogs. Their job was to sit by the hunter and wait until game was
shot and then retrieve it on command. This often meant swimming
through cold water or running through dense brush. Labs were also
taught not to damage the game upon returning it to their master.
Knowing what type of tasks the dogs were bred
to perform assists us in analyzing what type of behaviour to
expect from a breed. In the case of labs, they are fairly
insensitive to touch. They readily leap into cold water and sit
patiently in the cold in order to please their master. Physically
tough dogs, they are very tolerant with children and respond well
to training techniques that engage their strong desire to please.
They are also sound insensitive so that the
loud bang of a hunter's gun won't disturb them. Loud noise, such
as that from children, does not tend to bother labs and yelling at
them will generally not get a response.
Working retrievers had no use for aggression
since handling birds roughly or growling at other hunters is not
required. Labs are friendly dogs that will gladly hunt with
anyone, or, in other words, play fetch with anyone who is willing.
They are great around guests in your home, your children's friends
and they tend to see everyone as a friend or potential playmate.
All retrievers and labs are of course no
exception, love to have items in their mouth. They are extremely
oral and this is not to be confused with aggression: this is in
their breeding, it is instinctual. Chewing on sticks, toys, balls,
socks and so on is dog heaven for them. If you are considering
owning a lab, you must tech them what to put in their mouths and
what not. Otherwise your furniture and belongings may suffer.
Labrador retrievers are, in general,
fantastic dogs. Great with children, great family dogs, fun
loving, energetic and beautiful, it's little wonder that they are
number one in the American Kennel Clubs ranking. However, this
extreme popularity can lead to a wide range in quality of dogs so
be very careful in selecting your breeder. Some labs could be
fearful and aggressive so make certain to observe your pup before
you decide on your choice.
Labs are very enthusiastic, lively and
smart. They respond well to training and should be trained to
engage their brains and control their exuberance. Their sheer
excitement often causes them to jump up, steal your socks, pull on
lead, or counter surf the kitchen but this can be corrected
through proper training, supervision and exercise. Labs need a lot
of exercise and this is easy because they love doing everything -
running, swimming, fetching, romping, or just plain walking. Most
of all, they just love being with you.
The coloring of a lab can run from almost
white to pale cream to brown and black. They require minimal
grooming and shed moderately. Their coats are silky and smooth and
dry quickly when wet. They will reach a height of approximately
two feet and weigh, on average, from 55 to 80 pounds although some
can weigh much more.
Common health concerns for this breed
include hip dysplasia, cataracts, retinal atrophy and bloat. Labs
have low bite potential and interact with other pets quite well.
When selecting a lab for family use you should avoid dogs that
have been bred strictly for field use. These field dogs have
absolutely incredible energy which is difficult to harness in a
domestic setting.
