Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Selection guide - Labradors are moderately active

Provide your Labrador with a secure yard. Keep the dog indoors or out. Labradors are moderately active and will be happy in a yard or a house.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, December 14, 2009

Selection guide - Avoid buying a "rare silver Labrador"

Avoid buying a "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring. Silver Labradors are usually light-colored chocolate Labradors or a Lab/weimaraner cross. Don't buy from a person who sells these supposedly rare colors, since a responsible breeder wouldn't get involved in such a scam.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Selection guide - Labrador's color

Labradors come in black, chocolate and yellow. There's no such thing as a golden Labrador - it's a yellow Labrador. Some yellows, incidentally, are closer to red than gold.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Selection guide - Labradors are enthusiastic puppies

Note that Labradors are enthusiastic puppies and are sometimes mistakenly thought to be hyperactive. The main reason people give up their Labradors is that they're too active.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Selection guide - Labrador tend to be somewhat stubborn

Remember that Labrador tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Selection guide - Adopting labrador from rescue group

Consider adopting a Labrador from a rescue group. Most of these dogs are already housebroken and finished with the chewing stage. There's usually nothing wrong with the dog; the owners didn't research the breed and later discovered that they and the dog were incompatible.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, December 4, 2009

Selection guide - Excellent with children and other pets

Try a Labrador if you're looking for a good family dog. They're excellent with children. Feel confident in adopting a Labrador if you have other pets; they get along well with everyone.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Selection guide - Choose a Labrador Retriever if you want a friendly

Choose a Labrador Retriever if you want a friendly, loyal and affectionate companion. They're not good watchdogs but will bark if there's a reason.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Training - Give your Labrador puppy the chance to be a natural retriever

Give your Labrador puppy the chance to be a natural retriever by teaching him to "Fetch." Toss a tennis ball or small flying disk past your dog. Once the object is in his mouth, say "Come." Reward your puppy when he brings it to you.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, October 19, 2009

Training - Leash train Labrador Retriever puppies early

Leash train Labrador Retriever puppies early. These dogs have a tendency to pull on the leash, which is a very hard habit to break. Continue teaching the "Sit" command while on the leash.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, October 16, 2009

Training - Use the "Come" command often

Use the "Come" command often. Reward your dog when she comes to you with the word "Come" or a whistle. Again, be repetitive and give rewards for success.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Training - Teach "Sit" by holding a treat in your fist so that the dog can see it

Teach "Sit" by holding a treat in your fist so that the dog can see it. Move the treat over his head from front to back while saying "Sit." When he sits, reward him with the treat in your hand. When he can do this, make him sit before you put his food bowl on the ground.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, October 12, 2009

Training - Teach basic commands

Teach basic commands like "Sit" and "Stay." Repetition and consistency are key to successful training. Use your dog's name and repeat commands. Positive reinforcement techniques work best for your dog to bond well with you. Words of praise, petting and an occasional food treat mean the world to your dog. Start with frequent rewards and then decrease frequency. "No" should be taught in a gentle tone.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Training - Spend at least an hour a day playing with, exercising and training your dog

Spend at least an hour a day playing with, exercising and training your dog. Labrador puppies are balls of energy that can get into trouble if left on their own too long. Early toilet training is best. Take him outside before he has an accident. Praise him for using the bathroom in the right location. He wants to please you, so yelling isn't necessary.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Training - Socialize your puppy

Socialize your puppy. Get it used to different people and places.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, October 5, 2009

Owner guide - What is the reason that people give up their Labrador Retriever?

Note that Labrador Retrievers are enthusiastic puppies and are sometimes mistakenly thought to be hyperactive. The main reason people give up their labs is because they are too active. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Owner guide - Avoid the "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring

Avoid the "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring. Silver Labrador retrievers are usually light-colored chocolate Labrador retrievers or a Labrador/weimaraner cross. Don't buy from a person who sells these supposedly rare colors, since a responsible breeder wouldn't get involved in such a scam.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Owner guide - Spend your time to play with your Labrador retriever

Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising Labrador retriever.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Owner guide - Labrador retrievers love to swim

Labrador retrievers love to swim. Keep a towel handy!

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Owner guide - Keep your Labrador Retriever indoors or out

Keep your Labrador Retriever indoors or out. They are moderately active and will be happy in a yard or house.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, September 25, 2009

Owner guide - Labrador retrievers tend to be somewhat stubborn

Remember that Labrador retrievers tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Owner guide - Trim labrador retriever's nails

Make sure to trim labrador retriever's nails regularly ' every month ' to prevent foot problems.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, September 21, 2009

Owner guide - Bathe the labrador retriever only if it stinks

Bathe the labrador retriever only if it stinks. It doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Owner guide - Brush your labrador retriever once a week

Brush your labrador retriever once a week with a slicker brush to keep shedding under control.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Owner guide - Learn about the health problems

Learn about the health problems associated with this breed: hip and elbow dysplasia and some eye disorders.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Owner guide - Keep your labrador retriever weight down

Keep your labrador retriever weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, September 14, 2009

Owner guide - Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old

Understand Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old, unlike most breeds, which reach it around the age of two.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the average number of puppies in a litter for Labrador Retrievers?

According to statistics, the avg number of puppies in a litter for Labrador Retrievers is 7.8.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, August 30, 2009

DOG FAQ - How long does it take for a Labrador retriever to stop growing?

The bulk of a Labrador Retriever's growth is done by 12 months, although they will continue gaining weight until about 18 months.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, August 28, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are Labrador retrievers smarter than golden retrievers?

Labradors are one of the smarter breeds around, and golden retrievers are even smarter than that.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

DOG FAQ - How often should you give a Labrador retriever a bath?

Not often and less than once a month. Under four times a year is best. Bathing too much destroys the natural oils in fur of Labrador Retrievers.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, August 24, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador retrievers like water?

Labrador Retrievers love to swim and take to water naturally. This is from the fact that their ancestors were trained to retrieve game from water.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 22, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the gestation period for Labrador retrievers?

Pregnancy, also called the gestation period, ranges from 60 to 67 days, averaging 63 days for Labrador retrievers.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, August 20, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the average size of a Labrador retriever?

Labrador Retrievers are medium in size, strong, athletic, & well balanced. The males are about 65-80 pounds and the female 55-70.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much are Labrador retriever puppies?

The cost of Labrador Retriever puppies will vary with each breeder, area and blood line. A full-bred puppy can cost up to $800.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, August 16, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the life span of a Labrador retriever?

The typical life span for Labrador Retrievers is 10-13 years.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, August 10, 2009

DOG FAQ - What health problems are Labradors prone to?

Hip and elbow dysplasia can be a problem. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia are both problems in Labrador Retrievers, so dogs being bred must be examined yearly by an veterinary ophthalmologist. Labrador Retrievers are prone to mild skin allergies in some regions of the United States, notably Southern California. Ear infections are always a potential problem with hanging ears. You can minimize the potential for health problems by choosing the breeder of your puppy carefully.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 8, 2009

DOG FAQ - Will a male or female Labrador make a better pet?

Both sexes make good pets. In general, male Labrador Retrievers are more dependent and females are somewhat independent. For example, if you are at home working on your computer, your male Labrador Retriever will probably sleep right under your feet while your female will probably sleep in the other room and just come in and check on you periodically. For most people, a male Labrador Retriever will probably make the best pet!

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, August 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?

Bored Labrador Retrievers can, but excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labrador Retrievers often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event that they feel needs your attention, such as "Hey, a car pulled into the driveway!"

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers jump fences?

Labrador Retrievers are not renowned for this as a breed, although individual Labrador Retrievers can be clever at escaping. Some can be good at opening doors and latches. A six-foot fence properly grounded will keep a Labrador Retriever from jumping, although many Labrador Retrievers will never jump a four-foot fence perimeter. Because they can chew a lot, take care that your enclosure cannot be chewed through. Labrador Retrievers can also be good climbers, so check for possible footholds the dog could use to haul himself up. A Labrador Retriever that is bored and/or under exercised may turn into an escape artist par excellence.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, August 2, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is a Dudley?

This is a yellow Labrador Retriever with chocolate pigmentation (eebb). It can also refer to a Labrador Retriever with absolutely no pigmentation on the nose or eyerims (all pink in color), but in actuality, this is extremely rare, and probably a genetic abnormality.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, July 26, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are Labrador Retrievers hyper?

Labrador Retrievers are active dogs especially in puppy hood. And Labrador Retrievers often do not fully mature until around 3 years of age! This means you will have a dog that is mentally a puppy (with a puppy's energy) until this age regardless of its physical size! Often a Labrador Retriever puppy is labeled hyperactive when it is simply a normal, exuberant and bouncy puppy.

If you are prepared to deal with this period of time in their lives, you will not have problems. It is the people caught unprepared who then label their puppy hyperactive and incorrigible and dump it. We would like to stress that such dogs, untrained and unexercised, WILL be a huge problem for their owners, becoming destructive, unmanageable, and in many cases escape artists. Once under proper discipline (which does NOT mean beating the dog!), most of these Labs will shape up into good pets.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, July 24, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the difference between Golden Retriever and Yellow Labrador?

The Golden Retriever is a separate breed from the Labrador Retriever, although there are similarities. Sometimes the term is used informally to refer to a Labrador / Golden Retriever mix.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are there golden Labrador Retrievers?

Labrador Retrievers come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Yellow Labrador Retrievers are often mistakenly called "golden Labrador Retrievers." The term yellow refers to a range of color from nearly white to gold to fox-red.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, July 20, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?

Bored Labrador Retrievers can, but excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labrador Retrievers often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event that they feel needs your attention, such as "Hey, a car pulled into the driveway!"

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, July 18, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are there differences between Labrador Retrievers of different colors?

Aside from the color itself, there are no differences. Many people feel that black Labrador Retrievers are better hunters, yellow dogs are lazier, and chocolate dogs are hardheaded and stubborn. None of this is true. The reason is pure genetics. Coat color in normally colored Labrador is determined by two genes unrelated to anything else about the dog. It is perfectly possible to get all three colors in the same litter, therefore the notion that there is a color based difference in temperament and/or ability is absurd.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, July 16, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers like to swim?

Labrador Retriever love to swim. In general, they take to swimming quite naturally. But don't be alarmed if your little puppy is unsure about swimming the first time--they have to learn about swimming just like anything else. Never throw a young puppy into the water! If you have an adult dog around that enjoys swimming, the pup will probably follow it in happily.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

DOG FAQ - What kind of work can Labradors do?

Besides hunting, doing field trials, and being terrific pets? Quite a bit. Many Labrador Retrievers are used as Service and Therapy dogs, for example. Still others do very well in Search and Rescue work, as well as making excellent Bomb, Narcotic, and Arson dogs. Their nose, disposition, and trainability make them particularly suitable for these types of activities and the breed has a distinguished history in these endeavors. Interestingly, in comparison to other breeds, such as Goldens, there are relatively few Labrador Retrievers in obedience competition. No one is quite certain why, although of course several theories have been advanced, from Labrador Retrievers are a little too "disobedient" (a necessary ability in Service work -- to disobey an unsafe command), to most people with Labrador Retrievers being involved in other activities such as Hunt Tests.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Sunday, July 12, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers make good guard dogs?

Labrador Retrievers are not reliable guards. Some can be protective and most will probably bark if they hear or see something they don't like -- particularly if it is near their yard. If your main purpose in getting a dog is to have a guard dog, a Labrador Retriever is not a good choice, but if you want an "alarm" barker, most Labrador Retrievers are fine.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, July 10, 2009

DOG FAQ - Labrador Retrievers are popular, aren't they?

Yes. Since 1991, Labrador Retrievers have been the top registered dog with the AKC. At the end of 1997, President Clinton got a chocolate Labrador. This means that there are a lot of people out there breeding Labrador Retrievers hoping to make a few quick bucks (as opposed to improving the breed). You need to be very careful about where you get your Labrador Retriever. Disreputable breeders are the primary source for hyper, ill-behaved and ill-favored Labrador Retrievers.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is "butt-tucking"?

"Butt-tucking" (not limited to Labrador Retriever) is when your puppy suddenly starts running in circles at top speed with his rear tucked under him. Most Labrador Retriever do this. It does not indicate a problem with your Labrador Retriever, either with its temperament or its joints. However, you will want to keep a sharp eye out that you are not injured during this free-for-all!

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, July 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much grooming do Labrador Retrievers need?

Labrador Retrievers need to be brushed on a regular basis (about once a week) to keep them clean. This will also help keep the shedding under control. A "slicker" type brush, which you can buy at any pet store, works nicely. Labrador Retrievers, like all dogs, need to have their toenails clipped regularly. You can get a canine nail clipper at any pet store and your vet can demonstrate to you the best way to clip their nails.

Labrador Retrievers
do not need to be bathed frequently. The Labrador Retrievers coat does not need constant attention. A true bath, which includes shampooing the coat, is only necessary if the dog smells bad. Generally, if a dog is merely dusty or muddy, you can rinse them off with plain water or wait until they are dry and brush the dirt out to restore them to cleanliness. Shampooing them too often is not a good idea as shampoo tends to strip the natural oils out of their coats. A properly oily coat repels dirt and sheds water easily. In general, Labrador Retrievers coats are low-maintenance.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, July 3, 2009

DOG FAQ - Labrador Retrievers don't shed, do they?

Actually, they do. Labrador Retrievers have what is called a double coat. This means that they have a soft, downy undercoat and a harder guard coat. These two types of coat help keep the dog warm and dry while swimming in cold waters when retrieving ducks. Generally Labrador Retrievers will shed their coat twice a year. This is called "blowing" their coat. They are moderate shedders, not enthusiastic ones such as Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherd Dogs. There will be a certain amount of hair loss throughout the year, especially in more temperate climates. This varies individually; some Labrador Retrievers shed less than others, especially if they happen to have an incorrect coat.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the difference between a Labrador and a Retriever?

Retrievers are a type of dog. They are, literally, dogs that retrieve and were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters both on land and in the water. There are six breeds recognized as Retrievers by the AKC. They are: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniels. There are other breeds of Retrievers not currently recognized by the AKC, for example CKC's Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, June 27, 2009

PUPPY SELECTION

Choose a reputable breeder with good references and keen knowledge about Labrador Retriever. Reputable breeders run clean kennels, specialize in only one or two dog breeds, and are able to produce accurate health records for each dog and puppy in their facility.

Choose a playful, outgoing puppy and spend some time getting to know him or her before you make your selection. To pick out the best Labrador Retriever puppy for your family, you’ll need to select a dog with a good temperament. While it can be difficult to gauge a puppy’s temperament when he’s young, there are some things you can look for that may give you a good indication of whether the dog is well socialized. If a puppy runs from you when you try to pick him up or if he hides to avoid contact with you, he is not a well-socialized dog and you should move on. A puppy should feel comfortable when a human picks him up. He shouldn’t whine, whimper or growl when touched.


Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, June 25, 2009

LABRADOR RETRIEVER AND CHILDREN

Labrador Retriever also do fairly well with children, but you should be careful when allowing children to play with a Labrador Retriever--although the dogs would never knowingly do harm to any member of their "family", they can sometimes knock down and unintentionally harm a smaller child. As a rule, you shouldn't let children play with Labrador Retrievers without supervision until the dog's training is complete and the dog is well out of its puppy years.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, June 19, 2009

TRAINING

Tips on Labrador Retriever Training:

1. You are going to want to start out with the smaller commands like sit, down, heel. Then gradually move on to the more difficult ones.


2. Be consistent with your commands and do not let up. Keep saying it and motion for them to do what you are asking until they follow trough with it. Dogs do not understand our commands until they are taught them.


3. Reward their good behavior right away. I you will reward the good behavior you will indeed see this behavior repeated because they know it is going to be rewarded.


4. Keep a watch on your Labrador Retriever so that you are able to correct bad behavior on the spot. Have a firm voice. This will let them know that what they just done was not a good thing. They will eventually understand this concept.


5. It is very important that you keep your cool and have patience with your dog. Nothing is going to change over night. Though, day to day you will gradually see a difference in your Labrador Retriever's behavior.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

FEEDING

When to feed your Labrador Retriever is generally a matter of choice and the age of the dog. Young puppies require four and sometimes even five small meals a day. From about four to eight months, the growing puppy will need three meals a day: morning, noon, and night.

Reduce the feeding schedule to two meals a day at about nine months of age, and finally to the adult diet of one large meal a day at 11 or 12 months of age. Most owners feed an adult dog his main meal in the late afternoon or early evening, and often augment this with a few biscuits or some kibble in the morning. Others just divide the rations into two smaller feedings. Use whatever suits you and your Labrador Retriever best.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, June 15, 2009

HEALTH INFORMATION

Health problems of Labrador Retriever are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding. A luxating patella is also common in the breed.

Eye problems are also possible in some Labrador Retriever, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Labrador Retriever which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TEMPERAMENT

True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult should be severely penalized.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Saturday, June 6, 2009

GROOMING

Most people assume that because they have short coats that Labrador Retrievers don’t need to be groomed. They are mistaken. Just like their long-haired counterparts, Labrador Retrievers need to be regularly groomed. Regular grooming sessions will keep you apprised of any health conditions your pet might develop. The sessions will also minimize the amount of hair that is shed inside your house. You and your dog will both appreciate the time you spend together.

Step 1 When your Lab is still young the grooming sessions are probably going to be a frustrating experience. Your puppy will be more interested in playing then sitting quietly to let you groom them. The first step when grooming your Labrador Retriever is to train it to sit quietly and enjoy the moment. You will need to be patient and consistent to teach your puppy to behave during its grooming sessions.

Step 2
You need to create a grooming kit for your dog. A small rubber container with a lid is an excellent way to keep all of your grooming supplies in one place. Eventually your Labrador Retriever will recognize the grooming kit. The items that should be in your grooming kit are; a bristle brush, wire slicker brush, a narrow and wide toothed comb, toenail clippers, a short haired rake and a pair of toenail clippers. If you are grooming your Labrador Retriever daily you won’t need most of these items very often, but as long as they are in your grooming kit you’ll have them for the times you need them.

Step 3
When you sit down to groom your Labrador Retriever you need to remove the dead hair from the dog’s coat. The more dead hair you remove from your dog’s coat the less hair you’ll have to vacuum off your furniture. The item that best works to remove the dead hair is your short haired rake.

Step 4
Once you’ve removed all the dead hair from your dogs coat you are ready to use one of the bristle brushes to brush your dog. Using this brush will help pull your dog’s natural oils from the coat and use them to coat the dogs hair, leaving the coat with a healthy shine.

Step 5
When you have finished brushing your dog’s coat take a warm washcloth and remove any eye residue that might have gathered in the corners of your Labrador Retriever’s eyes. Also take a few minutes to examine the ears, if there looks like there is a wax build up use a moist washcloth and gently remove the wax. If you notice a strong odor coming from the dog’s ears you will want to talk to your veterinarian.

Step 6 Each time you groom your Labrador Retriever take a few minutes and examine the pads on the bottom of your dog’s paws. You want make sure there aren’t any cuts, swelling, or splinters marring the pads. Also use this time to check the length of you dog’s toenails. You will need to trim your dog’s nails whenever they get to long.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Thursday, May 21, 2009

COLOUR

The three primary colour varieties of the Labrador RetrieverThere are three recognised colours for Labs: black (a solid black colour), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to "fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). There are no such things as silver or golden Labradors, a common mistake for the Yellow variant. There is also a black-and-tan coat type, but this coat colour is the least popular as it renders the Labrador un-showable except in the UK.

Puppies of all colours can potentially occur in the same litter. Colourtwo genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive e allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus. Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's colouration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match the coat colour.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Monday, May 18, 2009

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Labrador Retriever are relatively large, with males typically weighing 30–36 kg (65–80 lb) and females 25–32 kg (55–70 lb). Labrador Retriever weighing close to or over 100 lbs are considered obese or having a major fault under American Kennel Club standards, although some labs weigh significantly more. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.

As with some other breeds, the English (typically "show" or "bench") and the American (typically "working" or "field") lines differ. Today, "English" and "American" lines exist in both the United Kingdom and in North America. In general, however, in the United Kingdom, Labs tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their American counterparts, which are regionally often bred as taller, lighter-built dogs. These two types are informal and not codified or standardised; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia.

The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates. Some labs shed a lot; however, individual labs vary. Labrador Retriever hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. Along with a few other breeds of dogs, Labradors are known for stretching out their hind legs straight when lying down.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Friday, May 15, 2009

START TO KNOW

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador, once known as the Lesser Newfoundland, is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991),and the United Kingdom.It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured,and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages (including a high level of patience and tolerance for children), making them both excellent companions and working dogs. With training, the Labrador is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

INTRODUCTION


Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog blog. Here you will learn about Labrador Retriever health care, any tips and you can find good comments from many people who love Labrador Retriever.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover