The Labrador Retriever is a particularly affectionate breed, loves adults, children and other pets. For the most part, when they reach adulthood, they are quiet and calm. Labradors have initiative ranking above average and are therefore very easy to train. Moreover, it is an outstanding breed in dog shows and agility events. Labradors are happiest when they are in the wild because they were developed for hunting, both on land and fishing at sea. Therefore, they also like swimming. Labradors fill the house with joy and live to serve their families. The Labrador’s full name is Labrador Retriever.<\/p>\n
Breed History:<\/strong><\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, Labradors were developed in the Canadian island of Newfoundland and not in Labrador. The first prototype of the breed was created by crossing a Newfoundland dog with a small water dog, and the Labrador was first known as the Saint John’s water dog.<\/p>\n The Duke of Malmesbury was the first to call Labrador by its current name at the beginning of the 19th century. During this period Labradors became popular among members of the British aristocracy who liked to raise them due to their athletic qualities that were useful in hunting.<\/p>\n The Labrador breed as we know it today was developed in 1878 after crossbreeding with different types of retrievers. Fortunately, crossbreeding has not caused Labradors to lose their distinctive features or their popularity.<\/p>\n Labradors were recognized in 1903 by the Labradorite Kennel Club and in 1917 by the American Kennel Club. Today it is still one of the most common breeds.<\/p>\n Meet the Labradors:<\/strong><\/p>\n Labradors are devoted dogs and can be a wonderful asset to your family. Their friendly nature makes everyone fall in love with them. They are very good around children, guests and other pets. Additionally, they adapt to new conditions easily, as long as they get enough love, warmth and food.<\/p>\n Their body structure is strong, they are energetic and highly intelligent. Their sense of smell is highly developed. Due to all these qualities, they are considered excellent hunters, beyond their ability to serve as police dogs, rescue dogs and guide dogs for the blind.<\/p>\n Although Labradors are amazing dogs, they are not for everyone. They have features that do not suit certain needs of their owners. For example, despite their short coat, they shed a lot of hair. Moreover, their size can be challenging if not tamed properly. Even strong young puppies can knock down small children. Another feature that characterizes the Labrador is a great love for food and a tendency to look for food everywhere. The breeders tend to call them “vacuum cleaners” or “Hoovers”. Due to this tendency, their feeding must be monitored to prevent obesity.<\/p>\n Due to their friendly nature, they are not successful guard dogs. So, if you are thinking of fostering a Labrador for protection purposes, you should reconsider. All in all, Labradors are wonderful dogs and excellent pets. They are very friendly to all family members. Give them love and they will repay sevenfold.<\/p>\n Labrador Treatment – A Simple Routine:<\/strong><\/p>\n Grooming Labradors is simple when done routinely.<\/p>\n Coat<\/strong> – It is highly recommended to brush the Labrador’s fur every day, to get rid of dirt and sparse hair during the shedding period. Brushing also helps to remove grease from the fur and helps keep it shiny.<\/p>\n Nails<\/strong> – Trim the Labrador’s nails once every three months. You can ask the vet or the dog groomer to do this.<\/p>\n Ears<\/strong> – Check the Labrador’s ears often. Labradors are prone to ear infections due to drooping ears that do not allow adequate ventilation.<\/p>\n Teeth<\/strong> – Brush the Labrador’s teeth and give him or her preventive care. It is advisable to check the teeth at a vet’s clinic.<\/p>\n Exercise<\/strong> – Exercise the dog’s muscles to avoid being overweight, which can cause health problems.<\/p>\n Nutrition<\/strong> – Your dog needs a balanced daily diet. Make sure you feed him or her at regular times and avoid giving them human food. Such food may lead to health problems. Consult a vet regarding the type of food and desired amounts.<\/p>\n Drinking<\/strong> – Make sure that your dog’s drinking bowl is always full of clean water. The Labrador needs plenty of water, which must be free of dirt and bacteria.<\/p>\n Visits to the vet – Be sure to take your dog for an annual vet checkup. Make sure he or her is vaccinated on time to avoid diseases and worms.<\/p>\n