For centuries, dogs have been known as man’s best friends. They have been considered the most trustworthy animal who is always ready to sacrifice their life for their master.
The United States has been home to various breeds of dogs for decades. They have treated dogs like their family and have provided them with every possible facility that they could afford
Origin of Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are descendants of the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog from eastern Canada’s provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Labs were typically buddies of fisherman and champion duck hunters in the 1800s.
In the frigid seas of Canada, a Labrador’s short, thick, and water-resistant coat proved excellent. To avoid icicles hanging from the fur, short-haired retrievers were favored over long-haired retrievers.
When the English nobility saw these devout swimmer dogs, they took a few homes with them and turned them into royal sports dogs. Labrador retrievers had officially captivated America’s hearts by the late twentieth century, and they have been the country’s favorite breed ever since.
Characteristics of a Labrador Retriever
Among the top ten breeds, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. Labrador retrievers are cheerful, gregarious, and high-spirited companions with plenty of love to give to a family searching for a medium-to-large dog.
The Labrador Retriever is a strong, well-balanced dog that stands between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 80 pounds depending on the sex.
The dense, rigid coat comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, black, and a bar of decadent chocolate.
The large head, friendly eyes, and strong tapering ‘otter tail‘ appear to be constantly indicating the breed’s intrinsic desire. Labs are well known for their friendliness. They are sociable roommates who bond with the entire family and mingle well with both dogs and humans in the neighborhood.
But don’t confuse The Lab’s laid-back demeanor for a lack of energy: he’s an avid athlete who needs a lot of exercises to stay physically and mentally fit, such as swimming and marathon fetch games.
Life Span of a Labrador Retriever
The typical lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 12 to 12.5 years (1). According to a recent study, chocolate Labradors live 10.7 years on average, which is much less than black and yellow Labradors.
Maintenance of a Lab breed
Labs are quite low maintenance, requiring only a wash every now and then, as well as cleaning their teeth and clipping their nails every now and again. Their water-repellent double coat sheds and has to be brushed out on a regular basis, particularly in the summer.
Consider having a DNA test for your young adult Lab to check whether they have a gene for exercise-induced collapse (EIC). This is a pretty typical occurrence among Labrador retrievers, and it should be treated as such. Elbow and hip dysplasia, muscular weakness (hereditary myopathy), and heart diseases are all prevalent Lab health problems.
Finally, Labs may acquire bloat, which is a dangerous condition. Make a point of learning the symptoms as soon as possible.
To prevent disruptive or hyperactive behavior, make sure Labs receive plenty of exercise throughout the day.
When to Choose a Labrador Retriever
Adopting or buying a Labrador retriever puppy from a breeder is a personal decision that demands study. There are several sites available to assist you in locating a rescue or breeder that delivers healthy, ethically sourced Labrador retriever pups. Knowing what to expect when you purchase a Labrador retriever puppy is crucial to being a good pet owner.
For a reason, Labrador retrievers are America’s favorite: they are bred to be family pets. A Lab is created for family life with lots of outdoor activities, whether it’s running about in the backyard with the kids or playing roughhouse with another dog. Do you have access to a pool or a lake nearby? Labradors have an “otter tail” that aids in their propulsion in the water.
A young Lab is best suited to active, sociable families. Labs do not fare well when left alone for lengthy periods of time, but a reliable pet sitter or dog walker can assist.
Choosing a Rescue Dog or a New Puppy
It may surprise you to learn that you can adopt a Labrador retriever puppy. The majority of rescue dogs originate through individual owner surrender, according to most breed rescues, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being suited for them. This suggests that there may be a large number of pets seeking a new permanent home.
The biggest distinction between a breeder and a rescue organization is that a rescue organization may not always have young puppies to pick from. The advantage is that most are required to adopt out only microchipped and spayed/neutered pets. As a result, you may wind up with a dog that is already housebroken and doesn’t require frequent medical procedures.
Conclusion
The Labrador Retriever is a wonderful dog breed in general. For good cause, they’ve been dubbed the world’s most popular. They are devoted, protective, get along well with other dogs, and adore kids of all ages. They are incredibly friendly dogs who like playing and snuggling!
So if you are up for such a paw friend who would go along excellent with your family and children, a Lab is definitely the best choice! The more attention and time you would be providing them, the more they stay mentally happy and energized.
Beware to not leave him alone because labs can not stay without company and that results in them getting cranky, ferocious and anxious. A pet is not just a pet, he a part of the family. So make the best out of it such that they get a proper home and a loving family.
Your Labrador Retriever is most likely a happy-go-lucky breed that loves everyone and everything. They bring us so much delight that it’s only natural that we’d want to show them how much we appreciate them by mingling with them and lavishing them with all the love and attention they deserve.
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