The Labrador Retriever – The Teddy Bear of Dogs
Labrador retrievers are medium-to-large sized dogs that are all sweetheart. There are two different types of Labrador retrievers: the English and the American type. English-bred Labrador retrievers come from a line of English lineage and are heavier set, stocky, and thicker than their American cousins. Conversely, American-bred Labrador retrievers come from the same roots but now have American lineage and are taller and lankier than the English version.
No matter the stock, Labrador retrievers are muscular, solid dogs that are a bit longer than they are high. Their coat is short, coarse, and water-resistant, making it easy to care for. The colors come in yellow, chocolate, and black. The Labrador retriever has a wide head with a thick nose. It’s stop is defined and abrupt, and it has a scissor-style bite. In line with the style of the head, the muzzle is also wide, and its neck is thick and strong. Eyes are bright and intelligent and can be either hazel or chestnut in color. Their mid-sized ears flop down on themselves, framing the face. As strong swimmers, the Labrador retriever’s otter tail is very useful, since it is properly shaped (starting thicker near the body and tapering along its length), covered in water-resistant hair, and is quite strong. Further aid for swimming comes with the dog’s webbed toes!
The Labrador retriever’s personality is an extremely attractive one, as they are extremely affectionate, patient, and loving. Furthermore, they are highly intelligent, driven, and intelligent. The seem to have a life-loving way about them, enjoying work as much as play – especially in water, because they love to swim. These dogs are ideal for families with children or other dogs, because they get along easily with both. They adore human attention and feel that they are an important part of the family (pack). Unless they are properly socialized from a young age, it is possible for Labrador Retrievers to be reserved around strangers, though they are not aggressive by nature. In this same vein, Labs make good watchdogs, but not very good guard dogs.
The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever is between ten and twelve years, though they are prone to certain ailments that should be watched for. These include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy).
If left unattended and unoccupied, labs can become destructive. Train Labrador retrievers early, especially for walking, as their strong necks make it easy for them to pull. Labrador retrievers are great choices for training in hunting, retrieving, tracking, watch-dogging, narcotics detection and other police-style work, guide dogging, service dogging, searching and rescuing, carting and sledding, and are great for competitive obedience and agility.
