The Labrador Retriever is a well-known dog, since for several years a puppy has been the image of a brand of toilet paper. This cute puppy is as adorable as it can be seen in advertising, a feature that complements his excellent skills as a hunter and retriever.
The Retriever is native to Canada, where it was used for fishing. Over the years it gained popularity thanks to its friendly way of being, today it is one of the best known breeds in the world. Do you want to know more about its qualities and the care it needs? Let’s go there!
Index of contents
- 1 Origin of the Labrador Retriever breed
- 2 How is a Labrador Retriever dog?
- 3 What is the temperament of a Labrador Retriever like?
- 4 Recommended care for the breed
- 5 Common Labrador Retriever Diseases
Origin of the Labrador Retriever breed
Newfoundland, in Canada, is the birthplace of the Retriever. There it was used as a duck retriever and fisherman, although it is unknown what year it began to breed. Around 1800, the breed gained popularity outside of Canada, when some dogs were brought to England..
During the 20th century, the characteristics of the breed as we know it today took hold and by 1903 its standard was recognized. It has long been used as a rescue and guide dog, thanks to its natural disposition for work and its friendly personality.
How is a Labrador Retriever dog?
The Retriever it is a large dog, it has a large head ending in a wide truffle. The muzzle is long without being pointed, it has a powerful scissor bite. The eyes are large and tender, appearing in hazelnut or chestnut color.
According to International Cynological Federation (FCI) standard the Labrador Retriever must have ears located at the back of the skull, of medium length and that fall to the sides. The tail, meanwhile, is thick and without fringes, but rather hairy.
The breed’s coat is short and very abundant. It has a double coat and somewhat hard to the touch, resistant and waterproof. Regarding the color, the dogs usually present a pure coat, be it black, yellow or chocolate; some specimens have a white spot on the chest.
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Height approx. 57 cm in males and between 54 and 56 cm in females |
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Weight between 30 and 36 kg in males and between 24 and 31 kg in females |
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Short, black, yellow or chocolate hair |
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Friendly and playful character |
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Regulated health, with possible inherited problems |
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Estimated life expectancy between 10 and 12 years |
What is the temperament of a Labrador Retriever like?
This retriever dog It is popular for its friendly and playful character. He gets along well with everyone: people, children, pets, even with your visitors! He loves being warm and spending time with people. In the case of children, it is advisable to monitor the interaction, as is the case with all dog breeds.
The Retriever is an adventurous dog, loves to explore new things and is very sociable. Given his past as a water catcher and fisherman, most dogs of this breed love water, no matter where he is! Whether it is a pool, a river, or the garden sprinkler, you will run to cool off in it. Although you have good swimming skills, you should stay vigilant during outdoor excursions to avoid accidents.
Loyalty, fun and a loving companion are the qualities that the Labrador Retriever brings to the families that adopt it. Furthermore, he is very intelligent and learns easily; Thanks to this, it also served as a watchdog.
Recommended care for the breed
Before adopting a Labrador Retriever, you should know that it is a very energetic dog that needs exercise. He can live in large apartments, but the best for him is a house with a garden and space to play.
Daily walks, game days in the park and activities such as searching for the ball or finding hidden prizes are ideal for him. Swimming, running and circuits are other ways to entertain him.
This point is very important, because a Retriever with little physical activity develops anxiety and destructive behaviors. If you don’t have enough time or are a sedentary person, consider adopting a more suitable breed.
As for training and socialization, they are simple processes thanks to the personality of this dog; anyway, we suggest starting them as a puppy. Starting with the seventh week, you can introduce other pets and people, in addition to starting obedience training.
Being part of family life is vital for the Retriever, by including it in your activities and taking it on excursions, the fun will not end!
Common Labrador Retriever Diseases
Unfortunately, this breed tends to suffer from various diseases. With proper care, annual vet visits, and quality food, many can be prevented; however, you need to know what they are to stay alert to the symptoms:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)