The Labrador Retriever is a popular pet around the globe that has exceptional retrieving skills on both land and water. There’s a lot you’ll want to know about this famous and sweet-tempered breed. So here’s the top Labrador Retriever facts and information.
Canadian Roots
The Labrador Retriever originated from the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog a Canadian dog breed that was developed on the island of Newfoundland. It was exported to England where it was developed into the hunting retriever we know today.
The breed was given the name the Labrador Retriever because of the fact that its ancestor would jump into the water to help fisherman retrieve their nets in the Labrador Sea. This name helped distinguish it from the Newfoundland dog breed, which was also developed from the St. John’s Water Dog as well.
Friendly Disposition
One of the reasons that the Lab is so popular is because it’s so friendly. In fact, friendliness is actually one of the Labrador Retriever traits. It is a dog that loves being around people. And while it may bark when someone rings the doorbell or if it hears a suspicious noise it should not be relied upon to guard your home. Most Labs will be more than happy to greet intruders with their tails wagging as if they were long-lost friends.
Easy To Train
The Lab is a dog that is known for being highly trainable. This is due to the fact that it has been bred to work so closely with people. The breed also happens to be a fast learner which helps to make training easy as well.
Soft Mouth
Because this breed was specifically developed to retrieve game it has what’s known as a “soft mouth.” This means that it has the ability to carry an object in its mouth yet at the same time hold it so gently that it doesn’t even leave a mark with its teeth.
Three Color Choices
The Labrador Retriever coat comes in three acceptable colors according to the breed standard. These are black, chocolate, and yellow. They are not separate breeds as many people wrongly assume. Black Labs, Chocolate Labs, and Yellow Labs are all just different colors of the Labrador Retriever.
Most Popular Dog In The World
In most countries, the Labrador Retriever is by far the most popular breed. In many countries such as the United States, there are more than twice the number of Labradors registered as the next most popular dog breed. It’s therefore widely considered to be the most popular breed on the planet.
Same Breed Different Lines
Similar to many other hunting dog breeds the Labrador comes in two different types, those that are bred from show lines, and dogs that are bred from field lines. Show line Labradors typically have a wider head, shorter legs, and heavier bones.
While they can hunt, they tend to be more laidback. In contrast, Labrador Retrievers from field lines usually have a narrow head, longer legs, and a leaner body. They also have more energy and a higher drive.
Natural Love Of Water
This is a breed that is literally hard-wired to love the water. And of course, this is a result of their hunting origins. While they love nothing more than to retrieve a ball or stick that’s thrown into a lake, pond, or pool they also typically won’t hesitate to jump right in either.
This is one of the Labrador Retriever behavior facts that need to be kept in mind if you own a pool or live next to a body of water. You’ll want to make sure that your pet only has access to it with your supervision in order to prevent any accidents.
Guide For The Blind
Because the Lab is so even-tempered, versatile, and intelligent it can be used for a wide range of jobs. And one of the most common is as a guide dog for the blind. These dogs help visually impaired people to navigate everything from stairs to busy city streets.
Labrador Retrievers which are used as guide dogs are specifically bred to be smaller than average. This allows them to be less obvious and also fit easily on public transportation.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Like all breeds, the Labrador has several health conditions to be aware of. And one of the Labrador Retriever health issues is TVD or tricuspid valve dysplasia. This is a deformity of the tricuspid valve in the dog’s heart that’s believed to be inherited.
The deformed valve causes atypical blood flow which in turn makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal. Over time this causes heart failure. Typically it’s diagnosed using an EKG, ultra-sound, or x-rays.
For Active Owners Only
The Labrador was created to hunt and retrieve all day long even in extreme conditions. And this means that it is an active dog breed that requires a lot of exercise. This is one of the most important Labrador Retriever facts you’ll need to consider if you’re deciding whether or not to get this breed. In addition to daily exercise, the Lab requires mental stimulation and thrives on having close human contact.
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