Looking for a new family dog? You will not go wrong with a Labrador retriever. They have long been one of America's favorite family dogs - and we are going to investigate why!
Personality Traits of Labradors
Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They’re well-suited to families with children because they’re people-orientated and love attention. They’re also very smart and easy to train; Labradors can be taught basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” quickly and easily. In addition, they tend to have plenty of energy which makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking for an active playmate or running buddy.
Labs were originally bred to be hunting dogs! They retrieved ducks for hunters - and were able to swim out in a lake or pond to get said ducks! That means that it is highly likely that your new best friend will enjoy swimming. Just be careful! If a dog swallows too much water while playing in the water, it can be deadly even after playtime is done.
Breed Standards
Labrador retrievers are generally solid colored dogs. The AKC (American Kennel Association) recognizes three colors: yellow, black and chocolate. You may see "silver" labs as well - but they are recognized as chocolate by the AKC. As your dog ages, you will see white hairs appearing in their muzzle area in their senior year.
Labs are standard sized dogs. This mean that when measuring them from their front shoulder to the ground is generally 21-25 inches. Females are slightly smaller than males. They should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds - again, females being on the smaller end of that scale.
They should have a thick flowing tail - that wags a lot! They are generally happy-go-lucky dogs that enjoy having fun and they show it with lots of wiggles and tail wags!
Health Concerns
Like any breed, Labradors can be prone to certain health issues due to genetics. For example, hip dysplasia is common in some lines of Labradors. It’s important to research your breeder carefully before purchasing a puppy in order to ensure that your pet is healthy and free from genetic disorders. Be sure to ask for any genetic testing that they have had done on their mom/dad dogs! You also could ask if they've had any Penn Hip testing done or OFA scores done. These are two different types of testing that are done on adult dogs to check for hip dysplasia. If the parent of your new pup has dysplasia - it is much more likely that your new little buddy will develop it too!
If you are getting your new best bud from a shelter or a rescue center - you won't know much (if anything) about your lab's parents. That's ok - but be sure to keep an eye on his hips. Watch for pain getting up and/or walking and running!
One other thing that you should be careful with for ANY puppy: don't over exercise them! Just because they have the energy to run a mile doesn't mean that they should! Puppies are still developing and growing and too much exercise can cause leg and hip problems that are not genetically induced but come on with too much exercise too young!
Another big issue with labs is they tend to over eat and can easily get overweight! Just like in humans, being overweight can cause all kinds of health problems! This extra weight doesn't usually start showing on your lab until he is 3 years old or older! Make sure that his calorie intake does not exceed his activity level!
Grooming Needs
Labradors are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming needs, but they do shed! Brushing their coat once or twice per week will help keep it looking shiny and healthy while also reducing shedding around your home.
I personally don't bathe dogs unless they are dirty - so in my opinion, your lab won't need regular baths. That being said - they do love a good mud puddle!
Additionally, it’s important to give their ears regular cleanings as this helps prevent infections caused by bacteria buildup due to moisture being trapped inside the ear canal.
Lastly, brushing their teeth regularly will help ensure good dental health throughout their life!
Conclusion
Overall, if you're looking for an active playmate who loves people then a Labrador Retriever could be the perfect fit for your family! While there are some common health concerns associated with this breed, these can often be avoided by researching your breeder carefully before purchasing a puppy and providing regular checkups at the vet's office throughout its life. In addition, Labradors have relatively low maintenance grooming needs which makes them even easier to take care of! So if you think a Labrador might make a great addition to your family then why not consider adding one today?
Here are 8 great reasons for considering a Labrador retriever as your next best bud:
- Labs are incredibly smart and easy to train. Labradors are one of the smartest dog breeds out there, which makes them incredibly easy to train. They also love to please their owners, so they’re always eager to learn new tricks and commands!
- Labs are loyal companions. Labradors will be your lifelong friend—they’ll stick by your side through thick and thin! They’re also known for their strong bond with their owners; they form deep connections and will happily follow you around wherever you go!
- Labs have boundless energy. Labradors have an endless supply of energy that can sometimes be difficult to keep up with! If you’re looking for an active partner in crime then look no further; these dogs love long walks and plenty of playtime. Just make sure you have enough space for them to burn off all that energy or else it could lead to some naughty behavior!
- Labradors love kids. The Labrador Retriever breed is known for its gentle nature when it comes to children—making them the perfect pet if you have little ones at home! Not only do Labs provide comfort and companionship, but they can help teach kids important lessons on responsibility as well as how to care for another living creature (with supervision of course).
- Labs make great jogging partners. For those who like running or jogging outdoors, having a Labrador by your side is ideal because they can keep up with your pace effortlessly! Plus, their boundless energy means they won’t get tired easily either—so you can rest assured knowing that they won’t slow down anytime soon while out on a run with you.
- Labs are very social animals. Labradors love spending time with people—especially other animals too if given the chance! This makes them great candidates for families who already have other pets or who like to travel often since these dogs tend to get along well with others in any setting or situation.
- Labradors are generally healthy dogs (with proper care). With proper veterinary care, diet, exercise, and exercise routines labs tend to stay healthy throughout their entire life span (which is roughly 12-15 years). This makes them ideal pets if you want something that won’t require too much maintenance over time while still providing plenty of companionship in return!
- Labrador Retrievers have been one of America's favorite breeds for many years! They are loyal, friendly and just overall great dogs! You couldn't ask for a better best friend.
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