Home  Dog Breeds Labrador Retriever
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Description:
I’m a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than I am tall. My coat is a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat that doesn’t have any waves and comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also said to be a rare silver or gray color that is referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. This color is controversial and some claim it is a Weimaraner cross, while others say it is a true mutation. I have a broad head, thick nose, scissors bite and a definite stop (located between the eyes, my stop is the sloping down of my skull). My muzzle is fairly wide and my neck is powerful. My eyes are chestnut or hazel with an intelligent expression. My medium-sized ears are pendant. My otter tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering, and my tail is completely covered with hair. My limbs have good bone structure and my webbed feet aid in swimming.
Temperament:
I’m a loving, affectionate, lovable, and a patient dog. I am described as highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, I love to play, especially in water because I love to swim. I have an excellent, reliable, temperament and I'm very friendly, superb with children, and equable with other dogs. I crave human attention and I need to feel as though I’m a part of the family. I’m easily trained. I may be reserved with strangers unless I was very well socialized as a puppy. I'm a watchdog, not a guard dog, although I have sometimes been known to guard. I can become destructive if I'm left alone too much. Train me not to pull on the leash when I'm a puppy, because I have a very strong neck. If you are planning to use me for show, then you should buy me from a reputable breeder. I'm a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of my talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watch dogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience.
Height, Weight :
Height: Male 22-24 inches. Female 21-23 inches. Weight: Male 60-75 pounds. Female 55-70 pounds. Some males can grow to 100 pounds or more.
Health Problems:
I am prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.
Living Conditions:
I will do okay in an apartment if adequately exercised. I am moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Exercise:
I'm a energetic dog, delighted to work and play hard. I need a lot of exercise. I am a big eater and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.
Life Expectancy:
About 10-12 years
Grooming:
My smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush me regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo me only when it’s necessary. I am a average shedder.
Origin:
I was once known as the "St John's Dog," I’m one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada I was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where my fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. I'm one of the best family dogs and canine companions because of my gentle, loving disposition, I also do extremely well in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled because I'm very trainable. I'm also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor.
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