Labrador Information

The original Labrador Retriever was developed in the early 1800’s as a gun dog, retriever, and all around hunting dog. The breed is originally from Newfoundland, and it was created using a mixture of retrievers and water dogs. Unfortunately the breed almost went extinct due to a dog tax, but lovers of the breed rescued the remaining Labradors, cross bred them with additional retriever breeds, and created a breed standard in the late 1800’s.

Labrador Retrievers are well-rounded dogs, popular not only as a house pet but also as hunting, working or show dog. They are the perfect family dog or companion.

Labs are a treasured and devoted companion due to their adaptability. The true Labrador Retriever temperament is one of a calm, gentle, outgoing nature, eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal.

Labs are easily trained and respond best to positive reinforcement for the desired behavior rather than punishment for the undesired behavior. The latter only causes them to be timid and fearful.
A Labrador is lively with a great zest for life with natural curiosity and playfulness. They are extremely affectionate, loving dogs who prefer to be near you. They are known for their friendly and reliable behavior with new faces.

Unlike many breeds, Labs usually share a powerful love for all members of the family without singling out a favorite (including the other animals in the house). They require a great amount of attention, affection and a fair amount of exercise and playtime and they love to eat.

The Lab's coat is short and dense and easily maintained, basically dirt and water repellent and seldom becomes offensive. There is little shedding with only the undercoat lost once or twice yearly. Bathing is not a necessity for a Labrador in fact excessive bathing dries their skin and natural oils. A bath once to twice a year is more than sufficient.

Common Labrador Retriever Illnesses

Every dog breed carries a distinct set of genetic advantages and health risk factors. The following are the most common diseases found in the Labrador Retriever breed. Hopefully, your Labrador retriever will not face these problems. However, early detection and preventive healthcare can make all the difference in helping your dog live a longer, happier life. It is beneficial when choosing your veterinarian to ensure they are familiar with lab related issues.

Allergic dermatitis
Skin inflammation due to an allergic reaction to something in contact with the skin, inhaled dust or pollen, food, or fleas. Itchiness, scratching, rubbing, excessive grooming and licking are the main signs. Other signs may include head shaking, red skin, hair loss, smelly skin, skin thickening and skin darkening.

Developmental bone/joint disease
Includes abnormal development and arthritis of the hip joint (called hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs); elbow joint (elbow dysplasia); or cartilage diseases involving the shoulder, knee, or ankle (osteochondritis dessecans, OCD. Affects predominantly young, large-breed dogs. Dogs may show no signs or may show pain, lameness, and reluctance to exercise. With hip dysplasia, there may be muscle wasting in the hind legs.

Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver. Signs include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and membranes), and sometimes a distended abdomen.

Hypothyroidism
Insufficient thyroid hormone production caused by disease of the thyroid glands. Symptoms include hair loss, obesity, lethargy, cold intolerance and skin infections.

Ear infections (Otitis externa)Infection or inflammation of the ear canal. May be due to bacterial, yeast or ear mite infection, foreign bodies, allergies or hormonal disorders. Signs may include head shaking, smelly ears, scratching and rubbing of ears, reddening of the ear flap, discharge from ears, and pain on touching around the ears.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A disease of light sensitive cells in the back of the eye (retina) that causes progressive visual impairment leading to blindness. Signs include night blindness, bumping into objects, dilated pupils, a shining appearance to the eyes and reluctance to exercise or play.

Retinal dysplasia.
An inherited birth defect of the retina (back of the eye). Signs may include impaired vision or even blindness.

Labradors Physical Appearance

Size

Labradors are relatively large with males typically weighing 65 to 80 pounds and females 55 to 70 pounds. Some labs do become overweight and may weigh significantly more.

Coat and Color

The Lab's coat is fairly short, straight, smooth, and waterproof. They possess a straight, powerful, broad tail that is often likened to an otter's tail. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of color, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever. The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates. Some Labs shed a lot, although individual dogs vary.

Appearance

English Labradors, typically the "show" type, and American Labradors, typically the "working" or "field" types, differ in terms of physical build and mental disposition. Differences in the physical build are the result of specialized breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and field trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas dogs bred to compete for show championships are selected for the characteristics sought by judges in the show ring.

English Labrador Retrievers

English Labradors are medium sized, shorter, and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature. They also have a thicker coat and tail. In the head, show Labs tend to have broader heads, better defined stops, and more powerful necks.

American Labrador Retrievers

American Labradors are bred as a longer-legged but lighter built dog. Field Labs have lighter and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles.