The Labrador Retriever: Very intelligent, kind and noble

When it comes to dog breeds, the Labrador retriever is one of those that occupies the first places in popularity since, due to its noble and intelligent character, it is the ideal candidate to be integrated as another member of the family.

• Big size.
• Weight: Between 25 and 37kg.
• Hair type: Short, thick and straight.
• Character: Intelligent, loyal and kind.
• Health: Healthy.
• Life expectancy: between 10 and 12 years.

If you decide to adopt a Labrador Retriever puppy, you must take into consideration its characteristics and qualities. This will allow you to have a clearer notion of the actions you should apply for their training and care. Luckily, in this article you will get the information you need to know everything about this breed.

Origin and history of the Labrador retriever

Its name refers to the region of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada . However, it is alleged that this breed could have come from Great Britain . Although a stronger link has been established in its origins with the city of Saint John , also located in Canada. This is because it is thought that the Saint John dog established there was probably related to the water dogs of Great Britain, from which the Labrador retriever breed was later derived. English fishermen would be responsible for introducing this type of water dog to the island of Newfoundland. In this territory, these dogs would be used as a complement in dragging fishing net lines, being a very useful assistant for this type of activities. In this sense, these water dogs had a physiognomy that gave them a lot of resistance and ability to swim. Favored by the abundance of their fur, they could withstand the low temperatures of the north, as well as a thick tail that helped them as a rudder. Among the variety of Saint John dogs that existed, the smaller one gave rise to other breeds of dogs called retrievers, from which the Labrador we know today emerged.

XIX century

In the middle of the 19th century, Saint John dogs were exported to England, where they would be placed in the care of expert breeders with the purpose of refining their behavior and thereby obtaining a perfect retriever dog. This premise would be maintained over the course of several generations. After different evaluation and selection processes, the dog breed that we know today was born.

Twentieth century

During the advance of the first two decades of the 20th century, the morphological bases were developed that served as the basis for generating the current identification with which the breed is known. It should be noted that in England, during that period, there were already some retrievers who were members of the prestigious Kennel Club.

During the First World War, many farmers were brought to the United States. But it was with World War II when detrimental consequences were generated for the race (as well as other races). This was due to the importance that this breeding task lost as a result of the war. After the end of the Second World War, the popularity of the Labrador took on a new boom, allowing it to gradually demonstrate its capabilities as a hunting dog. His abilities were also reinforced by his good nature and a docile and approachable appearance.

Present

Currently, there are numerous activities in which this breed performs successfully. One of them as part of the K-SAR search and rescue dog group. Here they make the most of their abilities, also serving as therapy for people who suffer from emotional problems, making this probably the most famous canine pet in the world.

Physical Characteristics of the Labrador Retriever

A medium-sized muscular body with a longer length compared to its height, made up of a strong and compact structure, are some of the characteristics that distinguish this retriever. Added to this, a wide and deep chest and a straight back, as well as a wide head complemented by an equally wide and elongated muzzle that generates a scissor bite reinforced with strong jaws. It should be noted that its sense of smell is one of the most developed among the different existing dog breeds.

Ears

The Labrador Retriever's ears are medium-sized, hanging on the sides, and its eyes are brown or brown, which reflect an expression of permanent joy.

Line

One of the most notable features is its tail. It has a thick base ending in a point covered by dense fur that gives it a rounded appearance. It is often called an otter's tail.

Fur

The Labrado Retriever's coat is short, abundant and without curvature. It is arranged on its skin in a double layer in which the inner layer is made up of a soft and waterproof texture whose property is greater in the outer layer, where the fur is harder to the touch. Within the range of hair colors there are 3 shades: chocolate , black and yellow , with this tone having variants that range from light cream to reddish. There are times when small white spots may appear on the chest of black dogs.

Size

Regarding size , males can have a height at the withers of 56 and 57 centimeters while in females the height at the withers ranges between 54 and 56 centimeters.

Weight

In weight , males are between 27 and 34 kilograms. Females can be between 25 and 32 kilograms.

Character and temperament of the Labrador

Their character is something that significantly distinguishes them from other races. The Labrador Retriever is characterized by being a dog with a friendly appearance, this being a quality that gives it the necessary ability to generate sociability with the people around it. Not for nothing have they remained one of the most appreciated breeds in the world for more than a decade.

Along with this, it should be noted that the stable character of this race has allowed them to become great allies of humanity, lending their skills to the performance of different tasks. Fun , intelligence , loyalty and friendliness are other qualities implicit in the personality of the breed. Furthermore, it is a dog whose training does not have any complexity since it is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. However, it must be applied correctly when they are still in the puppy stage, so that they acquire habits that make them an excellent company in the home as they grow.

How does your personality fit?

Although the Labrador Retriever is a breed that can get used to living in an apartment, they tend to be very energetic, which means they require a lot of exercise to stay active. It is a good option to take them for long walks to the park or spaces where they can play with other dogs. For this dog, water is an element of pleasure, also presenting a predisposition to obtain rewards generated by bringing things, an action that will be very easy to teach them. Attention is something that will demand frequently. This need can be corrected by applying the correct measures in the puppy stage to reduce this behavior and avoid the anxiety developed by separation. The adolescence stage usually lasts for a long period of development. This is a characteristic that those people who prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle should consider if they wish to keep this dog as a pet. On the contrary, it will be very advantageous for people who enjoy doing sports activities outdoors. In this sense, when being in open spaces surrounded by other dogs, you may feel the urge to approach them in an invasive way but without the intention of generating conflict. These dogs are generally peaceful and avoid fights, although their drive and energy can get them into trouble.

Care

With a sufficient dose of exercise and a long session of walks, the Labrador can adapt without any problem to living in small spaces.

In this way, it is recommended to take him for a walk 3 times a day . By complementing this action with an appropriate exercise routine, you can avoid obesity caused by the great appetite that this breed has when it comes to eating. Food, therefore, should be an important issue to discuss. These articles can be very useful in this regard: Doing this will also allow you to calm the active and restless temperament that you usually have, analyzing it appropriately. In this sense, toys are a fundamental part of achieving this purpose. These will provide the entertainment needed to keep you busy for a long time. Teethers represent the most used toy for this. And as a final part of the care rules, we also mention bathing . It should be done once every month or month and a half, combining it with a good brushing to keep its coat straight, shiny and untangled. It will also serve to prevent the appearance of parasites. This article can be of great help.

Education

Due to its tendency to receive rewards and signs of affection and of course, its great intelligence, the Labrador is a dog whose education and training does not involve much difficulty . But for these processes to be effective, it is necessary to apply them correctly from the puppy stage.

From here it will be key to promote socialization in him, developing it gradually until reaching the stage of maturity. For this, it is advisable to introduce the puppy to dealing with people, other animals and objects. In this way you can avoid the appearance of phobias or irrational fears in adulthood. At the same time, it is also important to develop correct learning of basic obedience commands made up of actions such as sitting, staying still in one place, responding to calls, bringing things, among others. By carrying out these orders you will develop trust with us, as well as a bond that will strengthen the relationship and stimulate you mentally. This stimulation will be given by the creation of games and activities aimed at active participation that allow the dog to put his agility into practice, keeping him happy without tiring him.

Labrador Retriever Health

Regarding the health of the Labrador retriever , it is characterized by being healthy and long-lived thanks to the good physical condition achieved with constant exercises, which also favor the maintenance of an optimal state of health. However, the excessive reproduction regime carried out in this breed has caused the appearance of genetic diseases that can manifest when they reach old age, such as hip dysplasia.

It is during the puppy stage when the first vaccines should be applied to strengthen their immune system so that their antibodies can effectively combat the diseases that generally affect this breed, maintaining a vaccination schedule from that moment on to keep track. It is advisable to take the dog for a check-up with the veterinarian every 6 months to perform a basic check-up and ensure the correct functioning of its entire body. yes, how to be able to detect any anomaly, if there is one. Furthermore, as an owner, measures must be applied to prevent the appearance of diseases such as obesity. This breed is prone to this problem if the dog is not given enough exercise. The situation can worsen by affecting your muscles and joints.

Curiosities

A notable event involving a Labrador retriever as the protagonist is represented by Endal, a dog from Great Britain whose act of heroism earned him the honor of receiving the Dog of the Millennium award . Thanks to his intelligence, Endal had the initiative to come to the rescue of a man who was unconscious. To save his life, she placed him on his side to keep him safe. Not enough with that, Endal also covered the person's body with a blanket to keep him warm while he went looking for help to the homes that were nearby. Finding no answer, he went to a hotel where he finally managed to catch the attention of the people there, who followed him to the place where the victim was. Notably, Endal also recovered the mobile phone of the person he helped rescue.

Other large dog breeds that may interest you:

• Czechoslovakian wolfdog
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• German shepherd
• English Greyhound