DOGSACTUALLY / Breeds / Labrador Retriever
Active, strong. Fine sense of smell. Can be a good watchdog, notifying the family of strangers. Some can be barkers and diggers. Most become obese easily. Very reliable off leash. Makes an ideal family dog and is generally calm in the house. A good dog for first-time dog owners.
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Newfoundland, Canada, 1800s. Others say the breed actually originated in Greenland. All Labradors can be traced back to a certain Tramp, owned by Lord Malmsbury, who supposedly arrived in a ship carrying salted codfish.
The original purpose of the Labrador Retriever was to assist fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. These dogs were bred to retrieve fish that had escaped from nets and lines, and to haul in nets and lines. They were also used to help fishermen with other tasks, such as carrying gear and fetching water.
The Labrador Retriever is a natural swimmer, and its thick, double coat helps to protect it from the cold water. Its webbed feet also help it to swim more efficiently. The Labrador Retriever is also a very intelligent and trainable breed, and it is quick to learn new tasks.
The Labrador Retriever is still used as a working dog today, but it is also a popular family pet. The breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, and it is good with children. The Labrador Retriever is also a very active dog, and it needs plenty of exercise.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly, outgoing, and gentle personalities. They are often described as "the perfect family dog" because they are good with children and other pets. Labrador Retrievers are also known for their intelligence, trainability, and eagerness to please.
The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog breed. Males typically stand 56–57 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–34 kg, while females typically stand 54–56 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–32 kg. They have a sturdy build with a muscular body and strong legs. His tail is said to resemble that of an otter, typically carried low. Colours are black, yellow, chocolate. The yellow can range from pale cream to a reddish hue.
Short, straight dense outercoat; soft water-repellant undercoat. Moderate maintenance. No trimming. Weekly brushing. Moderate to heavy shedding.
The life expectancy of a Labrador Retriever is typically 11 to 13 years.
Orthopedic problems (hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis, OCD), ear infections, gastritis/enteritis, obesity, cardiomyopathy, bloat, eye problems (cataracts, retinal dysplasia, PRA), skin problems (inhalant and food allergies, acral lick dermatitis), cancer (osteosarcoma).
High, especially when young. If exercise needs are not met, can become destructive, chewing anything in their path. Chocolate Labradors have a reputation of being more active than yellow or black.
Not suited for apartment life. Happiest in homes where he has access to swimming.
Very friendly to children, but young Labs may be too exuberant for toddlers. This is a great family dog who loves the rough-and-tumble games of children. One of the best “people” dogs; loves everyone. Also good with other pets.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their high trainability. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a strong food drive, which makes them very responsive to positive reinforcement training methods.
In fact, Labrador Retrievers are consistently ranked among the most trainable dog breeds in the world. In Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs," Labrador Retrievers are ranked seventh out of 138 breeds in terms of working/obedience intelligence. This means that they are quick to learn new commands and are able to obey them consistently.
Guide dog, hunting and retrieving, obedience, flyball, sniffer dog, therapy dog, search and rescue.
The biggest community of Labrador Retriever lovers in Singapore can be found at the Labrador Retriever Club - Singapore Facebook page. It has close to 4,000 members.