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Labrador Articles
The Labrador Retriever
By Michael Russell
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.
Causes and Prevention of Diarrhea In Labrador Retrievers
By Richard Cussons
A healthy Labrador Retriever will normally defecate firm stools
once or twice a day. However, if your Labrador Retriever passes
semi-solid or liquid stools more often than usual, then he is
probably suffering from canine diarrhea. Diarrhea is common in
Labrador Retrievers because of their hearty appetites.
Labrador Retriever Basics
By Hans Lynch
The Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of retriever.
Although somewhat boisterous if untrained, they are
exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good
natured, both as companion and working dog. With training, the
Lab is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented
breeds in the world.
Bloat - It Could Kill Your Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds at risk of bloat.
Dog Toys - Does Your Labrador Retriever Need Them?
By Richard Cussons
Labrador Retriever Puppies for Adoption
By Anna Hart
Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption are often purebred, and
every bit as wonderful, loving, and energetic as a puppy you
would buy.
How To Remove The Urine Stain Of Your Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Black Labrador Retriever - Silver Factored or Mongrel?
By Anna Hart
Suppose you have silvery hair. The natural assumption of those
with whom you live and work would be that you are of an age when
the hair begins to lose its color. If your hair turned grey
before you were 20 or 30 years of age, it might be a dietary
deficiency, a medical concern – or genetics.
Black Labrador Retriever Color - What Is the Standard?
By Anna Hart
There you were, walking innocently through the mall, when you
decide to go into the pet shop. Actually, your children make the
decision, clamoring to get a puppy.
Finding Cool And Unique Labrador Retriever Names
By Richard Livitski
How To Train Labrador Retriever Puppies
By Darren Lintern
Make The Labrador Retriever Part Of Your Family And You'll Have
A Loyal Pet
By Lee Dobbins
How Do I Train My Labrador Retriever To Not Pull When Walking
Her On A Leash?
By Dennis Watson
Think Labrador Retrievers When Looking For Good Family Dogs
By Richard Livitski
The Bloody Nose Of Your Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Rabies In A Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Can Parvovirus Affect Labrador Retriever?
By Richard Cussons
Plane Ride With Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Are You Ready To Adopt A Labrador Retriever?
By Richard Cussons
Tips On Bathing Your Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Trimming The Nails Of Your Labrador Retriever
By Richard Cussons
Labrador Facts and
Information
The Labrador Retriever
(also Labrador, Labby or Lab for short), is one of several kinds
of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is considered the
most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the
world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by
registration in the United States (since 1991) the United
Kingdom, Poland, and several other countries. It is also the
most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States,
Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely
used by police and other official bodies for their detection and
working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle,
intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them both
excellent companions and working dogs. Although somewhat
boisterous if untrained, Labrador Retrievers respond well to
praise and positive attention, and are considerably "food and
fun" oriented. These dogs are as well loyal and great with
little children. They may be used in shows. With training, the
Lab is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented
breeds in the world.
Description
Appearance
Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing
30–36 kg (65–80 lb) and females 30–36 kg (65–80 lb) under AKC
standards, but some labs do become overweight and may weigh
significantly more. Their coats are short and smooth, and they
possess a straight, powerful tail often likened to that of an
otter. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with
the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a
working retriever.
As with some other breeds, the English (typically "show" or
"bench") and the American (typically "working" or "field") lines
differ. Today, "English" and "American" lines exist in both the
United Kingdom and in North America. In general, however, in the
United Kingdom, Labs tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs,
shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer
nature than their American counterparts, which are regionally
often bred as taller, lighter-built dogs. These two types are
informal and not codified or standardized; no distinction is
made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come
from different breeding lines. Australian stock also exists;
though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia. Other
"local minor variants" may also exist in some areas.
The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly
throughout the year in temperate climates. Some labs shed a lot,
although individuals vary. Lab hair is usually fairly short and
straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like
tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them
excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively
waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The tail
acts as a rudder for changing direction.
Show standards
Like any animal, there is a great deal of variety among Labs.
These characteristics are typical of the show-bred or bench-bred
lines of this breed in the United States, and are based on the
AKC standard.Significant differences between US and UK standards
are noted.
* Size: Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should
have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long
from the shoulders back as they are from the floor to the
withers. Males should stand 22.5-24.5 inch (55.9-62.5 cm) tall
at the withers and weigh 65–80 lb (30–36 kg). Females should
stand 21.5–23.5 inch (54.5–60 cm) and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg).
By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be
22–22.5 inch (55.9–57.2 cm) for males, and 21.5–22 inch
(54.6–55.9 cm) for females.
* Coat: The Lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry.
The coat is described as 'water-resistant' or more accurately
'water-repellent' so that the dog does not get cold when taking
to water in the winter. That means the dog naturally has a
slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colors are chocolate, black,
and yellow. There is much variance within yellow Labs. colors
should be solid, though varying shades of yellow on the same dog
are acceptable in yellow labs and a white spot on the chest is
unacceptable in black labs and is grounds for immediate
disqualification, although white socks on the feet are
acceptable.
* Head: The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and
slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and
expressive. Appropriate eye colors are brown and hazel. The
lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang
close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes.
* Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle
should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. The
jawls should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
* Body: The body should be strong and muscular with a level top
line.
The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or
distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel
Club and AKC.The AKC adds that "true Labrador Retriever
temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter'
tail."
Color
There are three recognized colors for Labs:black (a solid black
colour), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to
"fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown).
Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter.
Colour is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the
B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules:
dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a
chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the
pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive e allele
will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its
genotype at the B locus. Variations in numerous other genes
control the subtler details of the coat's colouration, which in
yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red.
Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat colour.
Nose and skin pigmentation
Because Lab colouration is controlled by multiple genes, it is
possible for recessive genes to emerge some generations later
and also there can sometimes be unexpected pigmentation effects
to different parts of the body. Pigmentation effects appear in
regard to yellow Labs, and sometimes chocolate, and hence the
majority of this section covers pigmentation within the yellow
Lab. The most common places where pigmentation is visible are
the nose, lips, gums, feet,tails, and the rims of the eyes,
which may be black, brown, light yellow-brown ("liver", caused
by having two genes for chocolate), or several other colours. A
Lab can carry genes for a different colour, for example a black
Lab can carry recessive chocolate and yellow genes, and a yellow
Lab can carry recessive genes for the other two colours. DNA
testing can reveal some aspects of these. Less common
pigmentations (other than pink) are a fault, not a
disqualification, and hence such dogs are still permitted to be
shown.
The intensity of black pigment on yellow Labs is controlled by a
separate gene independent of the fur colouring.Yellow Labs
usually have black noses, which may gradually turn pink with age
(called "snow nose" or "winter nose"). This is due to a
reduction in the enzyme tyrosinase which indirectly controls the
production of melanin, a dark colouring. Tyrosinase is
temperature dependent—hence light colouration can be seasonal,
due to cold weather—and is less produced with increasing age two
years old onwards. As a result, the nose colour of most yellow
Labs becomes a somewhat pink shade as they grow older.
A colouration known as "Dudley" is also possible. Dudleys are
variously defined as yellow Labs which have no pigmented (pink)
noses (LRC), yellow with liver/chocolate pigmentation (AKC), or
"flesh coloured" in addition to having the same colour around
the rims of the eye, rather than having black or dark brown
pigmentation.[11][8] . A yellow Lab with brown or chocolate
pigmentation, for example, a brown or chocolate nose, is not
necessarily a Dudley, though according to the AKC's current
standard it would be if it has chocolate rims around the eyes
(or more accurately of the genotype eebb). Breed standards for
Labradors considers a true Dudley to be a disqualifying feature
for a show Lab, such as one with a thoroughly pink nose or one
lacking in any pigment along with flesh coloured rims around the
eyes. True Dudley are extremely rare.
Breeding in order to correct pigmentation often lacks
dependability. Because colour is determined by many genes, some
of which are recessive, crossbreeding a pigmentation
non-standard yellow Lab to a black Lab may not correct the
matter or prevent future generations carrying the same recessive
genes. For similar reasons, crossbreeding chocolate to yellow
labs is also often avoided.
Variant lines
Differences in the physical build of the dog have arisen as a
result of specialized breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and
field-trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas
dogs bred to compete for show championships are selected for the
characteristics sought by judges in the show ring. There are
significant differences between field and trial-bred (sometimes
referred to as "American") and show-bred (or "English") lines of
Labradors. In general, show-bred Labs are heavier, slightly
shorter-bodied, and have a thicker coat and tail. Field Labs are
generally longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build. In
the head, show Labs tend to have broader heads, better defined
stops, and more powerful necks, while field Labs have lighter
and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles. Field-bred Labs
are commonly higher energy and more high-strung compared to the
show-bred Lab, and as a consequence may be more suited to
working relationships rather than being a "family pet." Of
course, each individual dog differs. Some breeders, especially
those specializing in the field type, feel that breed shows do
not adequately recognize their type of dog. There is also
occasional debate regarding officially splitting the breed. In
the United States, the AKC and the Labrador's breed club have
tried to adjust the standard in the United States to help
reflect the field-bred Labrador. Hence show dogs in that country
are allowed, for instance, to be larger. In addition many
breeders have started producing dual champions, for dogs that
excel in the field and in the showring.
Non-variants
Terms such as "golden", "silver", "blue", "white" or "grey" as
variants are not recognized. The term "Golden Labrador" has been
used both as an incorrect term for yellow labradors of a golden
shade, and also for any Labrador-Golden Retriever crossbreed of
any colour, including black. White is a light shade of yellow
(officially referred to as 'light cream' or 'pale yellow' in the
standard), and silver is either not recognized or registered as
chocolate (officially registered by the AKC as chocolate labs
with variant color). Claims that some "rare" variants exist or
have been verified by DNA testing, or the like, are widely
considered to be a 'scam'.
Temperament
Labradors are a well-balanced and versatile breed, adaptable to
a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a
rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial,
pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive, hypersensitive, or
other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of
breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers.
As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding
objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can
do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its
mouth without breaking it)[22]. They are also known to have a
very soft feel to the mouth, as a result of being bred to
retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing
objects (though they can be trained out of this behavior). The
Labrador Retriever's coat repels water to some extent, thus
facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.
Labs, like other dogs, may often tend to dig like this 3 month
old and are generally very friendly with other dogs, like this
German Shepherd.
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an
excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children
of all ages and other animals), but some lines (particularly
those that have continued to be bred specifically for their
skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance)
are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving
boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm
handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand - an
uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be
slightly more independent than males. Labradors mature at around
three years of age; before this time they can have a significant
degree of puppyish energy, often mislabeled as being
hyperactive. Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early
on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown.[24] Labs
often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of
activity (such as agility, frisbee, or flyball). They are
considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable, and
open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention,
affection and interaction, of which they find it difficult to
get enough. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every
Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
Although they will sometimes bark at noise, especially a degree
of "alarm barking" when there is noise from unseen sources, Labs
are not on the whole noisy or territorial, and are often very
easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not
usually suitable as guard dogs.
Labradors have a well-known reputation for appetite, and some
individuals may be highly indiscriminate, eating digestible and
non-food objects alike. They are persuasive and persistent in
requesting food. For this reason, the Lab owner must carefully
control his/her dog's food intake to avoid obesity and its
associated health problems (see below).
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make
them an ideal breed for search and rescue, detection, and
therapy work. Their primary working role in the field continues
to be that of a hunting retriever.
Use as working dogs
Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and
generally good temperaments (breed statistics show that 91.5% of
Labradors who were tested passed the American Temperament Test.)
Common working roles for Labradors include: hunting, tracking
and detection, disabled-assistance, carting, and therapy work.
Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are
Labradors; other common breeds are Golden Retrievers and German
Shepherd Dogs.
The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of
Labradors in working roles is evinced by individuals such as
Endal, who during a 2001 emergency is believed to be the first
dog to have placed an unconscious human being in the recovery
position without prior training, then obtaining the human's
mobile phone, "thrusting" it by their ear on the ground, then
fetching their blanket, before barking at nearby dwellings for
assistance.[28] A number of labradors have also taught
themselves to assist their owner in removing money and credit
cards from ATMs without prior training.[29]
Health and well-being
Many dogs, including Labs such as this ten year old, show
distinct whitening of the coat as they grow older; especially
around the muzzle.
Labrador pups should not be brought home before they are 7–10
weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years or
a few years longer with good medical care[citation needed],[30]
and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems.
Notable issues related to health and wellbeing include:
Inherited disorders
* Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially
the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip
scores are recommended before breeding.
* Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating
patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is
often bow shaped.
* Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly
progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and
retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be
examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
* Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a
deficiency in type II muscle fibre.
* There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as
autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or
later in life.
Other disorders
Labs are sometimes prone to ear infection, because their floppy
ears trap warm moist air. This is easy to control, but needs
regular checking to ensure that a problem is not building up
unseen. A healthy Lab ear should look clean and light pink
(almost white) inside. Darker pink (or inflamed red), or
brownish deposits, are a symptom of ear infection. The usual
treatment is regular cleaning daily or twice daily (being
careful not to force dirt into the sensitive inner ear) and
sometimes medication (ear drops) for major cases. As a
preventative measure, some owners clip the hair carefully around
the ear and under the flap, to encourage better air flow.
Labradors also get cases of allergic reactions to food or other
environmental factors.
Obesity
Labs are often overfed and are allowed to become overweight, due
to their blatant enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and
endearing behavior towards people. Lack of activity is also a
contributing factor. A healthy Lab should keep a very slight
hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or
heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk
factor in the later development of hip dysplasia or other joint
problems and diabetes, and also can contribute to general
reduced health when older. Osteoarthritis is commonplace in
older, especially overweight, Labs.
Exploration
Labradors are not especially renowned for escapology. They do
not typically jump high fences or dig. Because of their
personalities, some Labs climb and/or jump for their own
amusement. As a breed they are highly intelligent and capable of
intense single-mindedness and focus if motivated or their
interest is caught. Therefore, with the right conditions and
stimuli, a bored Lab could "turn into an escape artist par
excellence".
Labradors as a breed are curious, exploratory and love company,
following both people and interesting scents for food, attention
and novelty value. In this way, they can often "vanish" or
otherwise become separated from their owners with little
fanfare. They are also popular dogs if found, and at times may
be stolen. Because of this a number of dog clubs and rescue
organisations (including the UK's Kennel Club) consider it good
practice that Labradors are microchipped, with the owner's name
and address also on their collar and tags.
Significant crossbreeds
The "Labradoodle" is a popular "designer dog" that combines a
Labrador with a Poodle, to create a hybrid that is more suited
to allergy sufferers.
Some assistant-dog groups also like using Golden Retriever /
Labrador Retriever hybrids (officially called a Golden Labrador
Retriever) in hopes of having dogs with fewer genetic problems.
Naturally it is important to use dogs from good stocks since
crossbreeds are not immune to such problems and since Golden
Retrievers and Labradors have some of the same health problems.
Another significant crossbreed of the Labrador Retriever is the
Labradinger, which combines a Labrador with an English Springer
Spaniel. This breed is generally smaller and is recognized by
the American Canine Hybrid Club
The assistance dog organisation Mira utilises Labrador-Bernese
Mountain Dog crosses ("Labernese") with success.
Demography
Main article: List of most popular dog breeds
The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. For example as of
2006:
* Widely considered the most popular breed in the world.
* Most popular dog by ownership in USA (since 1991), UK,
Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
* In both the UK and USA, there are well over twice as many
Labradors registered as the next most popular breed. If the
comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then
there are around 3 - 5 times as many Labradors registered in
both countries as the next most popular breeds, the German
Shepherd and Golden Retriever.
* Most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States,
Australia and many other countries, as well as being widely used
by police and other official bodies for their detection and
working abilities.[4] Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in
the United States are Labradors .
* Seven out of 13 of the Australian National Kennel Council
"Outstanding Gundogs" Hall of Fame appointees are Labradors
(list covers 2000-2005).
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