Labradors – Important Things That You Need to Know
Description and General Appearance
Labradors are medium-sized dogs that have a stout, strong build, making it perfect for its intended job, which is as a retrieving gun dog. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a Labrador is its short, closely-cropped fur which can either be yellow, chocolate, or black in color. They are also one of the few dog breeds that have webbed paws and an otter tail that make the Labrador a great swimmer, enabling them to retrieve waterfowl that their masters have shot down.
Basic Temperament
Labradors are one of the most popular pet dog breeds because they are one of the most affectionate, loyal, and calm dogs. Their temperament is basically mild and laid-back, but once they get outside they become very active and lively, especially if they have access to water; they are one of the few dog breeds that will not say no to a good swim.
Care Required
Labs can do well in any living conditions, but they are best placed in a house that has a moderately-sized yard so that they can get sufficient amounts of exercise. If you live in a rather small house or in an apartment, remember to take them for long walks every day so that they can get rid of their pent up energy and not act up while they are indoors. This is one of the most important tips on Labrador care that you should follow.
Exercise Requirements
Labs are working dogs, so a sedentary lifestyle does not really suit them. If you cannot let them run around a large yard, then you should take them with you as you go out for a run. You should also use this time to train your Lab to heel, or let you walk in front. Another thing to remember about Labs is that they tend to gain weight quite easily, so you should take care not to over feed them and give them enough exercise so that their weight is kept under control.
Training Tips
They are very strong dogs, so Labrador training should start while they are still puppies and you can still control them using a leash. You should always make sure your Labrador knows that you are its “pack leader” or else it will become very destructive and may start chewing on your furniture and other household items.
Height and Weight
Labs can get pretty large when they are fully-grown. Male dogs are known to grow as tall as 2 feet at the shoulder and weigh around 75 pounds; the females are a bit smaller at around 23 inches tall and weigh 70 pounds.
Health and Longevity
Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which often leads to arthritis as the dog gets older. This is often caused when the dog does not get enough exercise and becomes too sedentary. Other Labrador health issues are eye disorders, ear infections, and contracting ticks because of their large, drooping ears.
Suitability as A Pet
There are lots of reasons why Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world; they are excellent watch dogs, they get along great with other dogs and other pets, and they are very affectionate to their human family; they especially get along well with children. For these reasons they are also widely used by blind people as seeing-eye dogs.
For more information about Labradors, check out the highly recommended Complete Owner’s Guide To The Labrador today!
Other Informative Articles:
• Labrador Training 101: Facts Every Breed Owner Should Know
• Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies: Care Guide For New Owners
• Labrador Health Watch: Prevention and Cure of Common Health Issues
They contain some great Labrador information.
All the best.
