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Labrador Retriever > Labrador Retriever Breed Description

Labrador Retriever Breed Description

by Dogs.net on January 28, 2011

Labrador Retriever Breed Description

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is currently listed as the number one registered dog with the AKC. This dog breed is ranked very high by dog enthusiasts on all levels; playfulness, friendliness towards strangers and pets, easy to train, affectionate, and even makes a great watchdog.

This breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club back in 1903, and then by the AKC in the year 1917. Amazingly, the Labrador Retriever was voted the most popular dog breed of 1991 and has continued to reign atop the charts even today.

When these dogs are trained they are very amiable and obedient. They are especially wonderful around kids, as they have high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. This dog has its moments of being very calm around the house, yet can become intense and energetic in the blink of an eye when stimulated.

The Labrador Retriever is extremely loyal to its owner and is eager to please.  It enjoys learning new tricks and is a wonderful student of obedience training. Swimming, running, and retrieving are all activities that this dog breed enjoys being a part of.  Being challenged mentally and physically is desired by the Labrador retriever.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Upkeep must be fairly active on a daily basis.  Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming.  Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

These dogs can either live indoors where it's warm and cozy, or remain outdoors during all types of weather. Be sure to adhere to common sense safety rules when keeping your lab outside during the hot humid months, or the chilling winter temperatures. However, like most dogs, a Labrador Retriever would prefer to be inside with its family and stable temperatures.

Health Information

The Labrador Retriever has an average lifespan of ten to twelve years in general. This is of course depending upon the health of the animal.  Major health concerns which should be looked at are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation, and obesity. Occasionally, some health issues spring up throughout the Labrador Retriever breed such as diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over-exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis, and muscular dystrophy.

History

Labs came from Newfoundland. They were working dogs for fishermen. Labs aided in hauling in fishing nets and grabbed fish that got off of fishing lines. They were interbreed with Spaniels, Setters, and other types of Retrievers. The dogs that became Labs grew into skilled hunting dogs.

General Looks

Labs are stoutly built and of medium size. They are athletic and well proportioned hunting dogs that retrieve game and waterfowl. The definable characteristic of the breed is the “otter tail.” They are bred to withstand difficult terrain and weather. It is paramount that a Lab is structurally balanced and strong, since the intention for breeding it was to create a good working dog.

Labs have a short, thick coat that resists water. The Lab's head is clearly outlined. Its rear skull is wide. The stop is moderate. It has strong jaws. The eyes are affable.

Is This Your Breed?

The Lab is fond of sports and makes a good dog for a family or individual that likes physical activities. It's the perfect pet for a hunter.  It needs consistent grooming for its double coat. It's very teachable. It has a good, relaxed temperament.

Height, Ratio, Essence

Height: The withers height for a male is 22 ½ -241/2 inches and for the female is 21 1/2-23/1/2 inches. If a male or female is more than ½ over or under the height limit it is disqualified. The male should weigh 65-80 pounds and the female 55-70. These height and weight regulations are applicable to Labs 12 months old or older.

Ratio: The ratio of the Lab's body parts to each other is all important. Certain proportions are applicable to a Lab with a balanced body structure. The dog must be coupled short. From the tip of the shoulder to the tip of the rump must be equivalent or a little longer than the line from the withers to the ground. The line from the elbow to the ground has to be ½ the height of the withers. The brisket must go to the elbow, though not visually deeper. The body's length has to allow an adequate, free stride, the dog should not seem low to ground or his outline  or legs overly long. The dog's proportion and mass should have a general balance. An animal that seems not husky enough or clumsy aren't good examples for showing. The animal should not be fat.

Coat

The coat is an unmistakeable quality of the Lab. The perfect coat is short, thick, and straight. When touched it should feel somewhat hard. The undercoat is downy and resists water. It shields against cold, water, and ground cover. The back can  be barely waved. Causes for coat penalization are: wool-like, silk-like or thin sleeky ones; they are atypical of Labs.

Color

The pigments for the Lab's coat are: Chocolate, yellow, and black. Other colors or combinations disqualify the dog. A tiny white space on dog's chest is allowed, not wanted. Aged white fur isn't brinding nor from scars.  Black dogs are totally black, no tan or brindle marking, which disqualify.  Yellow have range of fox-red to pale cream. Back, ears, and underside can have shade variations. Chocolate shading goes from pale to rich. Tan or brindle marks disqualify.

Locomotion

The Lab's locomotion is agile and unrestrained. No out elbows when dog approaches. The legs aren't overly close to each other. Arrow forward motion, no pacing nor weaving and movement is in consistent plane. In hind view, legs should be in line with front. Hocks should flex correctly looking strong. Side view shows shoulders in free and easy locomotion. Extending foreleg is close to ground. Crucial problems are: paddling, means posterns aren't strong, knee movement too high or chopped,  means shoulder straight, and  assembled straight shown by stiff hind gait. Reasons for penalties are: jerky locomotion, writhing, overly high knee movement, moving sideways, and crossing over.

Personality

It is easy going, but assertive and enjoys making its master happy. It isn't hostile to people or other animals. The Lab is smart, sociable, and adapts well. Its temperament is the trademark of the breed.

Labrador Retriever video:

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