Characteristics and Temperament
The main characteristics of Labradors are their coat, tail, head and temperament. They have a double coat: a soft, downy undercoat that keeps them dry and warm in cold water and a hard outer coat that helps them repel water. Their tail, described best as an otter tail, is thick at the base and tapers to a narrower point. It should not be carried over the back nor should it have a curl to it. It should, however, be at exactly coffee table height and always be ready to swipe one clean. Their head is clean cut and somewhat broad, with hanging ears. Their expression is alert and intelligent and conveys a kind, friendly temperament.
Their best feature is their temperament. Labs are loving, people oriented dogs. They are happiest when they are with you. Labs are retrievers and will bring you things they find laying about your house or yard. They tend to be quite patient with children and wonderful family dogs. They are not guard dogs. They may bark protectively, but will generally not act more aggressively. Labs are wonderful people dogs, more likely to lick someone to death than hurt them. They tend to be stable, not easily upset by strange things or occurrences. They will take many things in stride.
In the U.S., there are two distinct "lines" of Labradors: field lines and show lines. Field line Labradors have been bred with an emphasis on field or hunting ability, and show line Labradors have been bred with an emphasis on conformation and temperament. There is some dissension between the two groups, with field people claiming that show lines have lost much of their hunting and retrieving abilities, and show people claiming that field lines do not much look like Labradors any more and lack correct temperament. The truth is likely somewhere in between. Dogs from field lines will generally have a lot of drive, and will often exhibit more energy. Dogs from show lines might not be as fast, but most are capable hunters, though not necessarily field trial material. Either type can make a pleasant companion for a day out of doors.
Labrador Retrievers are people- and action- oriented dogs, and can become bored if left to their own devices. Untrained, they can be unmanageable due to their size and enthusiasm. Unexercised, they will often turn to destruction or escape to alleviate boredom and excess energy. They require attention and love as much as food and water. Labradors are easy to train which makes obedience work a fun way to interact with your dog. Labradors also require plenty of exercise -- this is especially true since most Labs love to eat! Ensuring they get proper exercise, training, and attention will give you a happy, healthy Labrador.
Labrador Info
The Labrador gradually died out in Newfoundland on account of a heavy dog tax. With the English quarantine law, that practically stopped the importation's into England. After that, many Labs were interbred with other types of retrievers. Fortunately, the Lab characteristics predominated. Finally fanciers who desired to stop the interbreeding drew up a standard so they would discourage crossing with other retrievers.
The Labrador Retriever was first recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration in the AKC was in 1917. In England, no Labrador can become a bench show champion unless he has a working certificate as well. In America, the Lab became primarily a retriever trial and shooting dog, but the duel concept of retriever excellence combined with good looks, style, and proper type was established early. Their capabilities, fine temperament and dependability have established them as one of the prime breeds for service as a guide dog for the blind and for search and rescue work.
The Labrador Retriever comes in three colors. Black, Yellow, and Chocolate. Labradors that are considered as "silver" are registered as chocolate since the breed standard allows for a variety of shades of chocolate in the chocolate catagory. This color is controversial and some claim it is a Weimaraner cross, while others say it is a true mutation. Labradors who are considered to be "white" are registered as yellow since that also allows for a variety of shades of yellow.
Grooming a lab is very simple-bathing and brushing as needed, as well as nail trimming and ear cleaning. It is very important to clean the Labradors ears on a regular basis. Labs tend to get ear infections easily, and prevention is better than constant treatment. If your Labrador is one who swims or gets wet often, the ears must be cleaned after these activities to prevent an ear infection starting from the moisture in the ear.
There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador. The English bred Lab comes from English bred stock. Their general appearance is different. The English bred Labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky.
Many Labs tend to be very hyper when young. This means that though they are wonderful family dogs, they may not be the best choice for those with very young children. Labs are large dogs and even with casual play they can easily knock over young children or the elderly.
It is extremely important that your Labrador is lead trained at a young age. Many Labs who are not properly trained will tend to pull excessivly while on-lead, making it very difficult to control them. Obedience training is preferred for Lab owners.
Labrador Retrievers are shedders. Just because they have a short coat doesn't mean that they will not shed. Labs are actually fairly heavy shedders, if not groomed often. Weekly brushing is recommended, and you should also clean the ears and trim any long nails as needed. Labs tend to gain weight very easily in adulthood- usually after age four. To help prevent hip/joint problems in your adult Lab, be sure to watch the dogs weight closely.
Some of the health concerns with the Labrador Retriever include:
Hip dysplasia, which is a congenital disease that affects mostly large breed dogs, but it is also seen in some of the smaller breeds as well. It causes weakness and lameness to the rear quarters, and eventually leads to painful arthritis. This arthritis goes by several names; degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, and osteoarthritis.
Ectropion which is a conformational defect resulting in eversion of the eyelids, which may cause ocular irritation due to exposure.
Entropion which is a conformational defect where eyelid margin inverts, or rolls inward, toward the eye causing eyelashes and hair to rub against the cornea resulting in ocular irritation.
The breed is also prone to skin allergies and should be fed a high quality food at all times. A great deal of Labs are allergic to corn, so it's best to avoid dog foods and treats which contain corn.
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