The Labrador Retriever is sometimes shortened to Labrador or Lab. The Labrador is a multipurpose dog with talents dating back to its gun dog years. The Labrador Retriever currently maintains utility in assistance to the blind and deaf, in police work, drug detection, and as a family dog. It's the most popular dog, by registration, in most of Europe and the United States.
The Labrador Retriever dog responds well to praise, rewards, and attention, and it is one of the most beneficial, kind dogs. It's very responsive to obedience training too. They were formerly known as St. John's Dogs. There is the English Labrador and the American Labrador, and they have slight differences in heaviness, shape, thickness, and height.
Labrador Retrievers employ myriad talents and abilities that classify them as heroes to some professions; they're wonderful family companions to boot. The Labrador Retriever is a kind, gentle, and friendly dog. It's strong, firm, and muscular.
Labrador Retriever males weigh 60 to 80 pounds, females weigh 55 to 70 pounds, and they're 22 to 24 inches high at the withers. They have a short, straight, coarse, water-resistant coat that requires little grooming. The coat comes in dark black, chocolate, liver, yellow, cream, or various shades of red, cherry, mahogany, chestnut, and other browns and reds. Labrador Retriever muscles extend to its dense, thick neck. They have a scissors bite and mesmerizing light brown or green eyes. Labrador Retriever ears are triangular pendant-shaped and standard. The tail is less thick as it descends. It looks just like an otter's tail, and it functions in swimming situations very well. It has webbed feet for the lake house water playtime, and it lives a good 16 years at best. 10 to 12 years is the medium lifespan. Food, fun, and entertainment are its prime motivators outside of its family. Of course, there's an overlap when mutual activities are put on the list.
Labrador Retrievers are great at retrieving too. Fetch, Frisbee, and Fly ball are good things to do. Some people might mistake them for Golden Retrievers.
The Labrador Retriever needs regular combing with a firm, bristle brush. Bathe irregularly, as the situation calls for it. There's no set-bathing schedule. Give Labrador Retrievers plenty of food and lots and lots of exercise to satiate their energetic temperaments. Labs aren't as outgoing to visitors as Golden Retrievers are. They're good watchdogs. Don't expect them to guard though. They have really strong necks that should be watched out for during walks on the leash.
Don't leave the Labrador Retrievers alone too often, or else it will become destructive. They were originally used to retrieve waterfowl, and they're great at learning new activities and adventures outdoors. Keep them entertained and energized with outdoor swimming, jogging, and fetch. Early socialization will ensure a better time around visitors. It's not just recommended to take them on a daily walk. It's necessary to get them physical exercise daily.
The Labrador Retriever is considered one of the most multi-talented breeds in the world. That's pretty impressive when one considers the hundreds of breeds out there. Their familial talents and great working dog traits are a boon to intelligent handlers and appreciative pet owners. The finest Labrador Retrievers are from field lines.
