Labrador: characteristics and description of the breed, reviews from owners and price of the puppy. Labrador and retriever - what's the difference? Description of the breed, character Is Labrador a large breed or not?

Update: October 2017

Labrador is a carefree, cheerful fellow with an easy-going character. The full name of the breed is Labrador Retriever. The dog belongs to the group of gun dogs and is characterized by the following features:

• stable psyche and balanced character;
• versatility of use - the dog can be a guide, hunter, companion and even a nanny;
• loves to swim and has a strong physique;
• It has webbed feet, thanks to which the dog does not get tired in the water and moves quickly;
• they are distinguished by a special structure of the rear part of the body, which allows them to jump far;
• The labrador's tail, wide at the base, resembles the tail of an otter in structure; in water it acts as a rudder;
• in the apartment, the pet sweeps away small objects around itself with its wagging tail;
• The dog's coat is adapted to long-term swimming, it is multi-layered and has thin layers of fat;
• has a so-called soft mouth, does not squeeze objects with its teeth, transferring them into its mouth;
• obedient, excellent interaction with the owner or trainer during classes;
• has good health, but there are problems with hips, knees and joints, it occurs genetic defect eye.

Labras are full of life and are always ready for both work and play. These are sprinting dogs. On land they move at a speed of 20 km per hour. They swim twice as fast as ducks, reaching speeds of up to 5 km per hour in the water. The Labrador's record jump is more than 8 meters.

Characteristics of the Labrador dog breed

Is it difficult to care for a Labrador?	The Labrador dog breed needs exercise. Grooming is easy.
Do golden labradors exist?	There are two different breeds - Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Don't confuse them. Labras have short fur that can be black, yellow or chocolate. Golden Retrievers have longer, cream-colored coats.
What does Dudley the Labrador look like?	Dudleys are Labradors with reduced pigmentation on the nose, eye rims and muzzle.
Where is it better for a Labrador to live: in an apartment or in a house?	With active walking, the dog will feel good both in the apartment and in the house. This is an unpretentious breed.
Is aviary keeping allowed?	Labras tolerate winter well and love to swim in the snow. They can live in an enclosure, but only in a heated one. It is recommended to maintain the temperature at least 15 degrees.
Does Labrador retriever shed?	Dogs have double coats. It consists of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. They shed twice a year.
How often should you bathe?	Only bathe your pet when it starts to smell bad. It is better not to use shampoo.
Is grooming necessary?	It is enough to comb the coat once a week and remove the hairs with a wet cloth.
Are all Labradors hyperactive?	Dogs with the right temperament are not overactive. But, unfortunately, hyperactive labs are becoming more and more common. The reason is unscrupulous breeders who, in pursuit of profit, engage in thoughtless breeding.
How often should you go for a walk?	At least 2 hours a day.
What kind of work can Labradors do?	Pets perform search and rescue work. They can be guides, assistants to hunters and fishermen, and participate in therapy.
Who is the breed not suitable for?	Inactive people who prefer peace.
Can I buy for a child?	Labras love children, but they should not be left unattended. Both of them tend not to really evaluate their strength. Children from 8 years old can start raising a dog.
Is the breed suitable for guarding?	This is a peaceful breed that does not like to dominate. They have no aggression. They are not suitable for protection.
Is it better to choose show or working line puppies for hunting?	Both lines show good results. If you are interested in field trials, look for breeders who specialize in this.
At what age are Labradors considered adults?	Labras behave like mature dogs after reaching the age of three.
Can it be kept with other animals?	Pets are friends with all living things. Gets along well with cats, other dogs and small pets.

Advantages of the breed

• The breed was bred for work and is still in good physical shape.
• This is a strong and hardy dog ​​with good health. She is not afraid of colds, ice water, snow and blizzards.
• Labradors love the cold, but live in any climate.
• Requires minimal maintenance and is easy to adapt to different conditions content.
• They are easy to train, quickly learn to follow commands, and show good results in agility.
• Has an exceptional memory. His ancestors remembered the place where game fell while hunting, this ability was passed on to their descendants.
• They are the best at fetching items. This is an innate skill of labs.
• Pets are loyal to their family and do not try to dominate it.
• They adapt well to the rhythm of family life.

Flaws

• The Labrador is friendly with everyone, including strangers. It is almost impossible to train him to be aggressive. There are no guard qualities. A labra won't make a guard.
• They need constant activity and significant physical exertion.
• A bored dog can cause significant damage to property.
• Some individuals exhibit hyperactivity. As a rule, it can be corrected with proper upbringing.
• The breed is characterized by slow maturation. Until the age of three, the Lab behaves like a puppy. Prolonged childhood hinders obedience.
• It is difficult for a pet to resist swimming if the water in front of him is dirty, but dirty. A water lover considers any puddle or ditch to be a body of water.
• He doesn't know how much to eat. He is not averse to eating anything he finds on the street, and loves to dig through landfills.
• Loves to play with all his relatives. He plays games with stray dogs and animals of all sizes.
• The dog can become uncontrollable if not handled. This is especially evident during walks, when the animal pulls the owner. From the outside it is not entirely clear who is walking whom.

You can get rid of these bad habits if you consistently and competently conduct educational activities with your pet. Then negative sides the rocks will not appear at all.

Labrador: dog character, behavior

This is the smartest and kindest creature, capable of charging everyone around with its energy. Labras subtly sense the mood of the owner. They won't bother him if he has Bad mood or he just wants to be quiet. However, a violent temperament must be directed in the right direction, while avoiding unnecessary punishment.

Connoisseurs of the breed note that the pet’s character contains the following traits:

• good nature and optimism;
• reliability and loyalty;
• high activity;
• innate intellectual abilities;
• greater ability to work.

Behavior at home

The best companion is a Labrador. The description of the breed, the nature of his behavior, suggests that his dog’s happiness lies not in guarding and protecting his family, but in the ability to accompany a person at any time of the day or night. He will share all the joys and troubles and cheer you up with a wagging tail. Such a manifestation of joy can lead to chaos in the apartment. The dog sweeps away all objects around with its tail. As a rule, three-year-old dogs become more sedate.

Behavior on the street

Pets love to swim, run and just walk with their owner everywhere. Need constant attention. As a rule, they do not have jealousy or aggressiveness. They are always open to communication. They do not attack strangers, except to play. They love to learn and master new commands. This is one of the few breeds that can be trained at home.

Attitude towards strangers, protection of the owner and home

His loud barking will be heard quite often. But this does not mean that the dog guards the house. This is how he expresses his joy. The pet is happy to everyone who looks into the house or meets on the street. He is ready to be friends with everyone: children, dogs, cats. The exception is birds. The breed was bred to hunt birds. Sometimes the breadwinner instinct awakens in domestic sissies.

Labrador photo

Labrador Retriever Care: Coat, Eyes, Ears

The breed is distinguished by its cleanliness. Dogs take care of their own fur. The owner only needs to clean it with a special brush or a mitten. During shedding, it is convenient to remove fallen hairs with a damp towel.

The smooth-haired Labrador does not need frequent washing. He needs simple care and maintenance. A Labrador can easily live its entire life without a bath at all. But if the dog is rolled in the mud or smells bad, he is washed with a special shampoo.

Dogs with light coats can be cleaned with talcum powder. It absorbs dirt well, and the coat after such procedures looks shiny and well-groomed. Cleaning with talc is carried out only on the street. It requires caution. It is necessary to ensure that the dog does not inhale the substance.

The eyes are wiped daily with a cotton swab. If discharge appears, you should immediately consult a doctor. The ears are cleaned with a gently moistened cotton swab. You should not try to get to depths that are not visible.

Claws are trimmed as needed with special clippers. The cut should be made below the living part of the claw. It is clearly visible on light-colored claws. It is difficult to notice on dark ones.

Walking and exercise

The need for movement is in the Labrador's blood. He was bred for hunting. Moreover, it does not work like a husky - at a distance from the hunter, but very close to the person. Contact with the owner is important for the breed. Active walks provide your pet with such closeness.

It’s not enough for Labru to walk sedately through the park on a leash. Outdoor games are what a Labrador Retriever needs to stay healthy. The breed description contains this information. If there is no suitable company for your pet in the area, the owner should take on the role of play partner.

Loads need to be dosed. No need to exhaust yourself while walking little puppy so that he would drop dead as soon as he crossed the threshold of the apartment. A growing pet cannot move as actively as an adult dog. Gradually the load is increased.

The ideal type of exercise for a puppy is swimming. All muscle groups work, while the load on fragile joints is not significant. It is useful for dogs to move in shallow water. In winter, ponds will be replaced by snowdrifts. Driving through deep snow is a good alternative to swimming.

Vaccinations, susceptibility to diseases

Labrador is a strong dog without special problems on the health side. As a rule, regular prophylaxis is enough to avoid starting treatment. An annual examination by a veterinarian is required to early detection diseases.

The breed is prone to diseases such as:

• dysplasia hip joint;
• elbow dysplasia;
• obesity (dogs are prone to overeating);
• panosteitis is a disease of young dogs associated with rapid growth;
• osteochondrosis – most often affects the shoulder, knee and hock joints;
• progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts;
• licking granuloma - the formation of ulcers on the leg caused by idiopathic licking (fawn-colored individuals are more often affected);
• epilepsy (not common in Labradors).

Treatment against worms

Labradors are dewormed once a quarter and 10 days before vaccination. Worms are removed from bitches 2 weeks before mating. Before giving the drug, you need to carefully study the instructions and follow them strictly.

It is important to know exactly the dog’s weight, because the dosage of the drug is based on this parameter. Overdose is especially dangerous for puppies. It can even lead to the death of the animal. And an insufficient amount of the drug will not give the desired effect.

Vaccinations, first vaccination

Only healthy individuals are vaccinated. After administration of the drug, the puppies are observed for about 6 hours. It is necessary to monitor whether swelling of the nasopharynx or other symptoms of an allergic reaction have appeared. If they are present, the dog is given an antihistamine.

Vaccination schedule:

1. 2 month old puppies (Nobivac DHPPi with Nobivac Lepto or Eurican DHPPI2-L)
2. after 3-4 weeks (again with the same vaccine);
3. at 6-7 months, after the final change of teeth (together with the rabies vaccine Nobivac DHPPi+R+L)

Adult dogs are vaccinated annually against leptospirosis, parvovirosis, plague and rabies. Only rabies vaccination is mandatory. The rest are given at the discretion of the owner.

What to feed?

Labradors are not picky eaters at all. They eat everything that gets into their bowl or comes along the way. This does not mean that their nutrition should not be given attention. Quite the contrary, if you want a healthy and active dog that is not obese, take your pet's diet seriously. Find out what to feed your Labrador before he arrives in the house.

Ready-made rations

Puppies and adults can eat prepared or natural food. Ready-made diets have two important advantages: they do not need to be prepared, and they are balanced in composition. However, you only need to buy food of at least the “Premium” class. Those who save on feed later spend on veterinarians.

Ready-made diets are selected based on the age of the dog. If the pet has gained excess weight, it is transferred to dietary ration. Eat special diets for weakened individuals and lactating bitches. Menus have been developed that Labrador puppies will enjoy. Feeding is organized according to the instructions on the package.

Puppy diet

At first, the puppy should eat food that is familiar to him. Ask the breeder what your pet ate and follow their recommendations. After a week, you can gradually switch the baby to another food.

You need to immediately teach the puppy to eat in one place and at the same time. If your baby hasn't finished eating, remove the bowl with the leftovers. Just don't put away the dishes with water. She should always be in free access. And make sure the portion is not too big for a small pet.

Depending on their age, puppies are provided with the following feeding regimen:

• up to 2 months – six meals a day;
• up to 4 months – five times a day;
• up to 6 months – four times a day;
• 7–12 months – three times a day;
• Dogs after a year eat twice a day.

Adult dog diet

If the owner chooses natural feeding for his pet, he needs to decide whether he will heat-treat them. The answer to this question depends on many factors. In each individual case, it is better to consult a veterinarian. In any case, the diet should be balanced in proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

For a Labrador, it is important to maintain the following proportions:

• meat products 10–15 g/kg weight;
• carbohydrates – 3–5 g/kg;
• fats – 1–2 g/kg of pet’s weight.

Sources of protein include meat, offal, fish, dairy products, eggs. Carbohydrates - porridge and crackers, fats - dairy products and vegetable oil.

• Meat – suitable beef, chicken, turkey, horse meat and lamb, offal. It can be given either raw or boiled. Some breeders combine raw and boiled meat techniques. The product is cut into pieces, the fat must be trimmed off. Scars are useful by-products. The liver, kidneys, heart, udder are boiled and also cut into pieces.
• Fish is mainly sea fish. There should be no bones in it. If you decide not to boil it, provide your pet with a set of antihelminthic measures.
• Cereals are sources of carbohydrates. It is not recommended to take pearl barley, as it is poorly absorbed. And oatmeal can cause allergic reactions. Instead of cereals, you can give crackers made from black bread.
• Dairy products, eggs - it is not advisable to give milk to dogs; it is better to replace it with lactic acid products. Eggs produce only yolks. They are mixed raw with vegetables or cereals. Cheese and cottage cheese are suitable, not sour and not spicy.
• Vegetables - cabbage, carrots, beets, pumpkin, zucchini are given in chopped form. Add butter or sour cream to them.

We must not forget about vitamins and mineral supplements, especially in winter period. Dogs need them daily.

What should you not feed your Labrador?

The following should not be included in the diet of adult dogs and puppies:

• hot (immediately from the stove) and too cold food;
• salty, spicy, fatty, smoked;
• baked goods from wheat flour, pasta, legumes, potatoes, peas;
• sweets, sugar;
• sausages and frankfurters;
• fatty lamb and pork;
• bones (especially tubular ones);
• spices and seasonings;
• spoiled products.

Training and education

Before bringing the puppy into the house, you need to hide all small objects that he can swallow and arrange a sleeping place for him. In the first days the baby will be bored. You need to steadfastly withstand all his whims. Do not take him to bed if you do not plan to sleep in the same bed with him in the future. Don't indulge his whims. Act strictly, but without unnecessary punishments or shouting.

From the first days the dog must understand who is in charge here. Labradors rarely try to dominate, but such a turn of events is not excluded. Such attempts must be sharply stopped. Any dog ​​should occupy the last step in the hierarchical ladder of the “pack”.

You can train your Labrador on your own. He loves to study and even enjoys it. It is important that your pet knows the basic commands: “Fu”, “Stand”, “Near”, “Go”. This set can be expanded at your discretion, and they can sound differently. It is only important that your dog understands what you want from him.

Choosing and caring for a puppy

Before buying a puppy, you need to enlist the support of all family members. Otherwise, conflicts may arise. It is important to realize what a responsibility it is to have Living being in the house. If this is all right, start looking for a breeder. It is best to choose them on the advice of satisfied customers. If they can't get enough of their puppies, then there's a good chance your babies will be healthy and beautiful.

Puppy exterior

There is no single rule that will help you choose promising puppy. Looking at a baby, it is difficult to predict how he will grow up. Therefore, it is so important to be confident in the integrity of the breeder.

It’s good if you have the opportunity to see the baby’s parents. Their appearance will tell you more than what the breeder tells you about the benefits of the puppy. Ideally, you also need to see older babies from previous litters.

Gender of the puppy

Here it is better to be guided by your own preferences. Bitches are more flexible and balanced. But you will need to go through the dog's heat about once a year. It lasts about 20 days. These days, all the dog’s efforts can be aimed at finding a partner. She may even run away.

Not everything is simple with males either. They are in constant search. They can smell the smell of a bitch in heat a mile away. And their ingenuity in terms of winning the lady of their heart can be envied. Despite this, males are no less in demand than females. Many people like their cheerful outlook on life.

Which color is preferable?

If at first the black Labrador and its chocolate relative were popular, then later they began to be replaced by individuals with light hair. Choose the color that you like. It is a misconception that dogs' abilities depend on coat color. In fact, if everything is in order with the pet’s genetics, it depends only on the owner what kind of dog the dog will be.

Breed standards

Today, there are different official standards for the Labrador breed - American (1994) and English (1988). The difference between them is small. The discrepancies concern only certain aspects. The table shows FCI standard No. 122.

FCI classification	Group 8 - Retrievers, Spaniels, Water Dogs
Usage	Gun dog.
Appearance	Strong, compact, very active.
Temperament, behavior	A very agile dog with a good temperament. Good-natured and affectionate. There is no aggression. Has excellent instincts and a soft grip when serving game. Loves water and active games.
Head	Scull: wide, without fleshy cheeks. The transition from forehead to muzzle is pronounced. Muzzle: not pointed, powerful. Jaws: strong, with an excellent, even, scissor bite. Nose: Wide, with well developed nostrils. Eyes: medium size, brown or nut color. Ears: small and light, fit snugly to the head, hanging.
Frame	Back: level topline. Small of the back: wide, short and strong. Breast: Good depth and length, with arched ribs. Neck: powerful and strong, but unloaded, with good output Tail: very thick at the base, tapering towards the end, reminiscent of an otter's tail. The coat is dense and short. Should never bend over onto your back.
Limbs	Front: straight, with strong bones. Rear: well developed, the croup is not inclined towards the tail.
Movements	Free, productive. Straight and parallel fore and hind legs.
Wool	Short, thick, tough and dense to the touch. There should be no waves or frays. There is a dense waterproof undercoat.
Color	Solid black, fawn or brown (liver, chocolate). Fawn comes in different shades from very light cream to red. Small White spot on the chest is acceptable.
Height	Height at withers: Males 56–57 cm; Females 54–56 cm.
Flaws	Deviation from the above parameters is a disadvantage.

Origin story

The homeland of Labradors is the island of Newfoundland in Canada. The history of the breed is shrouded in mystery and speculation. Exact information has not been preserved. It came to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. In fact, this is a smaller copy of the black Newfoundland, created in order to get fish out of the water that have fallen off a hook or escaped from a net. The dogs also hunted birds with the same success.

Since the name "Newfoundland" was already taken, the breed was given the name "Labrador". The word "labrador" is translated as "worker". Representatives of the breed are truly hard-working. This is not the only version. It is believed that the name comes from the black labradorite stone, or from the Portuguese village of Castro Laboreiro, where dogs similar to Labradors are found.

Today it is the most popular breed in the United States. Labras serve in the police and customs. They work as guides and take part in the rehabilitation of patients. But most of them are just pets.

The Labrador Retriever dog was bred to be an example of true friendship and pure, sincere love! In fact, this is not entirely true, and the Labrador was bred for hunting, however unique composition The all-encompassing love in character and perky, playful temperament have made the Labrador an ideal family dog ​​popular throughout the world. Labs love to walk, run and play, and they are ready to do this all day long. After walking, the coat may become too dirty, but this is not a reason to deny your Labrador the thing he loves most in the world - walking. Moreover, the problem can be eliminated by using a damp towel.

The Labrador Retriever dog breed will fit perfectly into a family of any composition, as long as sufficient time is provided for walking and playing. Do you have small children? Perhaps no one loves them more than the Labrador, whose character is docile enough that a child of 8-10 years old can handle raising a dog.

Breed standard (briefly). Male weight: about 27-40 kg. Bitch weight: about 27-35 kg. Male height: 56-57 cm. Bitch height: 54-56 cm.		Difficulty of care: low. Grooming: not enough. How many times to bathe: 1-2 times a year. Preferred living conditions: in a warm room. Can they live in an apartment: Of course, but walking is required. Lifespan: about 12-13 years old.
Country: Canada. Date of birth of the breed: XIX century. FCI Group: Group 8. Retrievers, spaniels, water dogs. FCI Section: Section 1. Retrievers. FCI Standard No: 122.	Labrador retriever price. "By hand": up to $200. PET class: up to $250-400. BRID class: from $600 to $1000. SHOW class: from $900 to $1200 and above.	Education and training: Difficulty of education: low. Difficulty of training: low. You can train your child with: 8-10 years.
Purpose of the breed. Initial purpose: hunting. Where is it currently used: To this day, the Labrador is used in hunting, but it is much more popular as a true friend and companion.	Attitude towards living beings. Strangers: friendly. Children living in the family: loving. Animals: friendly.	Activity level and walking: Need for activity: very high. Playfulness: Very playful. Duration of walking: 2 or more hours a day. Walking intensity: walks, running, active games.

Character and description of the Labrador Retriever breed. Who is the dog suitable for?

The character of the Labrador Retriever is truly angelic. These creatures seem to have been sent from heaven to bring love and positivity. Always cheerful and ready for new adventures, Labradors are created for movement, and therefore the owner of the dog needs to be equally active and mobile. Without physical activity, the dog will shift its attention to various kinds of pranks and, in general, will obey commands less well. But a walker, tired of playing, turns into an affectionate, gentle creature who will fall asleep next to the owner on the sofa and allow himself to be endlessly pleased by stroking his luxurious body. In general, Labradors are prone to obesity, and they definitely need to exercise a lot. Be sure to take this into account when choosing a breed.

The Labrador Retriever has a very docile character and will feel good in a family of any composition. A single person, a married couple or even big family with small children of any size, he can take a puppy or an adult lab. In any case, it is imperative to engage in education and training, otherwise even such a gentle and kind creature as a Labrador will get out of control and turn into a hellish beast. In addition, never leave a child and a dog of any breed alone until the child learns how to behave properly with the animal.

History of the breed (briefly).

Labrador is a relatively young breed. Its history begins in the 19th century. At that time, on the island of Newfoundland, there lived the eternal helper of fishermen, the “little Newfoundland.” Several individuals of the breed were brought to England, where they were crossed with the Curly-Coated Retriever, Setter and English Foxhound. This is how the modern lab came into being. In general, the British know a lot about dogs and it is not surprising that they managed to breed such a wonderful breed!

Already in 1887, the first standard for the Labrador Retriever dog breed was established. The first labs appeared in Russia only closer to the 70s of the last century. Although the breed is popular here, it enjoys the greatest fame in America.

Maintenance and care of the Labrador Retriever.

Caring for a Labrador Retriever is not difficult. It is enough to brush your Labrador's coat several times a week with a rubber brush, which, in addition to fine hair, helps improve blood circulation. It doesn’t make sense to bathe your lab often; twice a year is enough. Surely, while walking the dog will get dirty, then wipe the fidget with a damp terry towel. Actually, the most difficult part of caring for a Labrador is walking, since you will have to spend a relatively large amount of time on it. To walk your dog faster and tire it out physically, you need to play active games with it. Be sure to teach your pet the “fetch” and “give” commands. You can find out about them on the website in the “Dog Training” section.

The owner chooses what to feed the Labrador Retriever, dry food or natural food. Which is better is an age-old debate. Dry food is more profitable in terms of time, while natural food will cost less money, which is true for small cities and rural areas. Under no circumstances should you mix the two types of food. If you have doubts about the composition of the food, then it is better to either choose a higher quality food (super premium class) or feed it yourself. By choosing natural food, you can control the quantity and quality of the necessary products.

Training and education of the Labrador Retriever.

Training a Labrador Retriever will not take much time, as these dogs are incredibly smart and occupy the 7th place in the list of the smartest dog breeds in the world. But the dog will direct its mental activity not only to the correct execution of the owner’s commands, but also to doing nothing and, nevertheless, receiving a reward. The Labrador dog is very cunning, but the owner must be more cunning and be able to insist on his own. It is enough for a lab to know the commands “come to me”, “lie down”, “sit”, “place”, “near”, “give”, “fu” - they are most often used in everyday life, and therefore the dog should be taught them from the moment of appearance in the house. Also, be sure to teach your lab the “fetch” command - it will help you walk the dog much better and faster, after tiring it physically.

To raise a Labrador Retriever puppy correctly, you must first establish rules of conduct in the home. The labrik must clearly understand what is allowed and what is prohibited. How quickly the dog accepts them depends on how correctly the owner explains his requirements to the dog. In general, raising a Labrador is not a difficult process, although these creatures love to be cunning! Be persistent, and you will very quickly be able to explain to your pet where his toilet is, that you can’t gnaw on the owner’s things and bite hands in play, jump with your paws after the owner comes home, and also instantly stop picking up food from the floor or eating from someone else’s hands. A child should be entrusted with raising and training a Labrador no earlier than 8-10 years old.

Love the labs so much that you want to know more about this cute charm? Then the video below will definitely interest you. Enjoy watching;)

Labrador Retriever is a hunting gun dog. This is one of the most popular breeds around the world, especially in the UK and USA. Today, Labrador Retrievers serve as guide dogs, therapy animals in hospitals, rescue dogs, help children with autism, and serve in customs. In addition, they are valued as hunting dogs.

• These dogs love to eat and will quickly gain weight if overfed. Reduce the number of treats, do not leave food lying in the bowl, regulate the amount of food and constantly exercise the dog.

• In addition, they can pick up food on the street and often try to eat dangerous things. Yes, even at home they can swallow inedible things.

• This is a hunting breed, which means it is energetic and needs exercise. They need at least 60 minutes of walks a day, otherwise they will start to get bored and destroy the house.

• The dog has such a good reputation that many people believe that there is no need to educate him at all. But this is a large, energetic dog and needs to be taught good manners. A training course will be useful and will help avoid problems in the future.

• Some owners consider them to be a hyperactive breed. Puppies are like that, but as they grow older they calm down. However, this breed late adulthood and this period can last up to three years.

• Not inclined to intentionally run away, they may get carried away by a scent or become interested in something and get lost. This is a dog prone to wandering and it is advisable to have a microchip installed.

History of the breed

It is believed that the direct ancestor of the breed, the St. John's Water Dog, appeared in the 16th century as an assistant to fishermen. However, since there are no historical information does not exist, we can only guess about the origin of these dogs.

Official history says that back in the 15th century, fishermen, whalers and traders began to cross the ocean in search of lands suitable for colonization.

One such person was John Cabot, the Italian and French explorer who discovered the island of Newfoundland in 1497. Following him, Italian, Spanish, and French sailors arrived on the island.

It is believed that before the arrival of Europeans there were no native dog breeds on the island or there were negligible ones, since there is no mention of them in historical documents.

It is believed that the St. John's Water Dog originated from various European breeds who arrived on the island along with the sailors.

This is logical, since the port on the island became a stopover for many ships, and there was enough time to create any breed.

The St. John's Water Dog became the ancestor of many modern retrievers, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, and Labrador Retriever.

In addition to them, the friendly giant also came from this breed.

It was a medium-sized dog, stocky and strong, more like the modern English Labrador Retriever than the American Labrador Retriever, which is taller, slimmer and more graceful.

They were black in color, with white spots on the chest, chin, paws and muzzle. In modern Labrador Retrievers this coloring still appears as a small white patch on the chest.

Like the modern breed, the St. John's Water Dog was smart, tried to please its owner, and was capable of any job. The dog breeding boom on the island began in 1610, when the London and Bristol Company was formed, and ended in 1780, when the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland, Richard Edwards, limited the number of dogs. He issued a decree according to which there could only be one dog per household.

This law was supposed to protect sheep owners from attacks wild dogs, but was actually politically motivated. There were strained relations between the merchants who fished and the colonists who raised sheep on the island, and the law became a tool of pressure.

Industrial fishing at that time was in its infancy. The hooks were no match for modern ones, and large fish could free themselves from them while rising to the surface. The solution was to use dogs, which were lowered to the surface of the water using ropes and raised back with the prey.

These dogs were also excellent swimmers because they were used for fishing with a net. When fishing from a boat, they carried the end of the net to the shore and back.

By 1800, arose in England high demand for good sporting dogs. This demand was the result of the appearance of a hunting rifle equipped not with a flintlock, but with a capsule lock.

At that time, the St. John's Water Dog was known as the "little Newfoundland", and its fame and demand for sporting dogs opened the way to England.

These dogs became very popular among the aristocracy, as only a wealthy person could afford to import a dog from Canada. These aristocrats and landowners began breeding work to develop and strengthen the qualities they needed.

Dogs were imported from the late 1700s until 1895, when the British Quarantine Act came into force. After him, only a small number of kennels could import dogs, and the breed began to develop independently.

James Edward Harris, 2nd Earl of Malmesbury (1778–1841) was the man responsible for the development of the modern Labrador Retriever. He lived in the southern part of England, 4 miles from the port of Poole, and saw these dogs on a ship arriving from Newfoundland. He was so impressed that he made arrangements to import several dogs into his estate.

An avid hunter and sportsman, he was amazed by the character and working qualities of these dogs, after which he spent most of his life developing and stabilizing the breed. His status and proximity to the port allowed him to import dogs directly from Newfoundland.

Since 1809, he begins to use the ancestors of the modern breed when hunting ducks on his property. His son, James Howard Harris, 3rd Earl of Malmesbury (1807-1889) also became interested in the breed and they imported dogs together.

While the 2nd and 3rd Earls were breeding Labradors in England, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Francis Montagu Douglas-Scott (1806 – 1884), his brother Lord John Douglas-Scott Montagu (1809-1860) and Alexander Home, 10th Earl of Home (1769-1841) worked together on their own breeding programs and a nursery was established in Scotland in the 1830s.

Around this time, the Duke of Buccleuch became the first person to use the name Labrador for the breed. In his letter, he describes a trip on a yacht to Naples, where he mentions Labradors named Moss and Drake, who kept him company.

This does not mean that it was he who came up with the name for the breed, especially since there are several opinions on this matter. According to one version, the word Labrador comes from the Portuguese “toiler”, according to another, from a peninsula in northern Canada. The exact origin of the word is unknown, but it was not widely used as a breed name before 1870.

The 5th Duke of Buccleuch and his brother Lord John Scott imported many dogs for their kennel. The most famous was a girl named Nell, who is considered either the first Labrador retriever or the first St. John's water dog to be photographed. The photo was taken in 1856 and at that time these breeds were considered one.

Although the two kennels (Malmesbury and Buccleuch) bred independently for 50 years, the similarities between their dogs suggest that the first Labradors were not too different from the St. John's Water Dog.

It is important to note that the period before the British Quarantine Act in 1895 was extremely important for the development of the breed. The law limiting the number of dogs on the island also endangered the population outside it.

This was one of a series of laws that led to the extinction of the St. John's Water Dog and which reduced the number of dogs being used for breeding in England.

The second law that had a serious impact on the population was an act in 1895 that imposed a heavy tax on all dog owners in Newfoundland.

For females it was significantly higher than for males, which led to them being destroyed immediately after birth.

In addition, trade with Newfoundland decreased significantly in 1880, and with it the import of dogs. In addition, 135 areas on the island have decided to completely ban pet dogs.

These laws led to the fact that the St. John's water dog almost became extinct. By 1930 it was extremely rare even in Newfoundland, but a few dogs were purchased and brought to Scotland.

In the first part of the twentieth century, the popularity of the breed increased significantly, as a fashion for hunting and dog shows arose. At that time, the term retriever was applied to completely different breeds and it was common for puppies of the same litter to be registered in two different breeds. In 1903, the English Kennel Club fully recognized the breed.

In 1916, the first club of breed lovers was created, among which were very influential breeders. Their task was to develop and create as many purebred. The Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) still exists today.

The early years of the 20th century saw the establishment of some of the most successful and influential kennels in the UK, a golden age for the breed. During these years, dogs demonstrate versatility; they perform successfully both in shows and in the field. The dogs from Banchory, the kennel of Countess Lauria Howe, are especially famous.

One of her pets became a champion both in beauty and in working qualities.

During World War I, they came to the United States and became known as English Labradors. The breed's popularity peaked in 1930 and more dogs were imported from England. Later they would become the founders of the so-called American type.

During World War II, the number of retrievers decreased significantly, as did other breeds. But in the USA it increased, since the country was not affected by military operations, and soldiers returning from Europe brought puppies with them.

The post-war years became crucial in the development of the breed; it gained worldwide popularity. However, the USA has developed its own type of dog, somewhat different from European ones. The American canine community even had to rewrite the standard, which led to disputes with European colleagues.

These dogs came to the USSR in the 1960s, and even then to the families of diplomats, officials and people who had the opportunity to travel abroad. With the collapse of the USSR, the situation improved, but they really became popular only in the 1990s, when dogs began to be imported en masse from abroad.

In 2012, the Labrador Retriever was one of the most popular breeds in the United States and the world. Smart, obedient, friendly, these dogs fill different roles in society. These are not only hunting or show dogs, but also police dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, and rescue dogs.

Description of the breed

A reliable working breed, a medium-large dog, strong and hardy, capable of working for hours without fatigue.

Quite a compact dog with well-developed trunk muscles; males weigh 29–36 kg and reach 56–57 cm at the withers; females weigh 25–32 kg and reach 54–56 cm at the withers.

A well-built dog looks athletic, balanced, muscular and does not suffer from excess weight.

The webbing between their toes makes them excellent swimmers. They also serve as snowshoes, preventing snow from getting between your toes and forming ice. This painful condition, which affects many breeds.

Labradors instinctively carry objects in their mouth, sometimes this can be a hand, which he grasps very gently. They are known for what they can carry in the mouth egg without damaging it.

This instinct is hunting, it is not for nothing that they are classified as retrievers, dogs that bring shot prey intact. They have a tendency to chew on objects, but this can be cured with training.

A distinctive feature of the breed is the tail, called the otter tail. It is very thick at the base, without dewlap, but covered with short, dense hair. This fur gives it a rounded appearance and similarity to the tail of an otter. The tail narrows towards the tip, and its length does not allow it to bend behind the back.

Another feature is the short, thick, double coat, which protects the dog well from the weather. The outer shirt is short, smooth, very dense, which is why it feels tough. The thick, moisture-proof undercoat is weather-resistant and helps the dog withstand the cold and enter the water without problems, as it is covered with a layer of natural fat.

Acceptable colors: black, fawn, chocolate. Any other colors or combinations are highly undesirable and may result in the disqualification of the dog. Black and brown Labrador Retrievers may have a small white patch on their chest, although this is undesirable. This spot is a legacy from an ancestor, St. John's Water Dog. Black dogs should be solid in color, but fawn dogs have a variety of colors, from yellow to cream. Chocolate Labradors from dark to light shades

Fawn or chocolate puppies regularly appeared in litters, but were discarded because the first dogs were exclusively black.

The first recognized fawn Labrador Retriever was Ben of Hyde, born in 1899. Chocolate ones were recognized later, in 1930.

It should also be noted the difference between show-class dogs and working dogs. The first ones are heavier and with short paws, workers are more functional and athletic. Typically, these types also differ in the build and shape of the muzzle.

Character

An intelligent, loyal, friendly retriever strives to please a person and is very attached to him. Its gentleness and patience towards children and friendliness towards other animals have made the breed one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are adventurous and curious, add to this a love of food and you get a dog prone to wandering.

You need to be careful while walking, as this dog may be carried away by a new smell or decide to take a walk and... get lost. In addition, their popularity and character make him an attractive dog for unscrupulous people.

Yes and ordinary people they are in no hurry to return such a miracle. It is recommended to microchip your dog and enter information about it into a special database.

Since this is a working breed, it is characterized by energy. Regular exercise will help your dog stay fit, happy, and prevent boredom. Despite their large size, with proper and regular exercise they are able to live peacefully in an apartment. The load should also be intellectual; it helps the dog avoid boredom and the stress associated with it.

Labrador retrievers mature later than other dogs. This is a dog of late maturation and it is not uncommon for a three-year-old Labrador to retain puppy enthusiasm and energy.

For many owners, it will be difficult to keep a puppy in the house that weighs 40 kg and jumps around the apartment with irrepressible energy.

It is important to start training a dog from the first day, accustoming it to a leash from the first days of its life. This will acclimate the dog and allow the owner to successfully manage it when it becomes much larger and stronger.

It is important that any process of training and education is accompanied by exercises that are interesting for the dog.

High level Intelligence also has its drawbacks, one of which is that dogs quickly get bored with monotony. This breed does not tolerate rough methods of influence, especially physical punishment. The dog becomes closed, stops trusting people, refuses to obey.

Despite the fact that the breed does not have aggression towards people and they cannot be watchdogs or guard dogs, they readily bark if something strange happens near your house. However, these dogs are not prone to endless barking and only voice when excited.

Labrador Retrievers love to eat. This makes them prone to excess weight, in addition, they happily eat everything they can get their hands on. On the street, these can be potentially dangerous or indigestible objects.

It is necessary to remove all unsafe things away, especially when there is a puppy in the house. The amount of food must be limited so that the dog does not suffer from obesity and related health problems.

Stanley Coren, in his book “Dog Intelligence,” ranked the breed seventh in intelligence development. In addition, they are also versatile and eager to please, making them ideal for search and rescue, therapy, as well as hunting.

Care

Labrador retrievers shed, especially heavily, twice a year. At this time, they leave tufts of fur on the floor and furniture.

In temperate climates, they may shed evenly throughout the year. To reduce the amount of hair, dogs are brushed daily with a stiff brush.

This procedure will help remove dead hair and at the same time distribute natural fat over the rest of the wool. The rest of the time, it is enough to brush the dogs once a week.

Health

Like most purebred dogs, the breed suffers from some genetic diseases. And the fact that they are one of the most popular breeds makes them more vulnerable. Their friendliness and loving nature make them one of the best-selling dogs.

Some take advantage of this and run nurseries solely for profit. In principle, this is not so bad if they select them well. But the fact that some people keep and raise dogs in terrible conditions is already a problem.

Since for such people a dog is, first of all, a certain sum, they do not care about its health, future and psyche.

They are most interested in making as much money as possible and selling the puppy as quickly as possible. Puppies raised in such nurseries have much worse health and an unstable psyche.

Overall it's enough healthy breed. Life expectancy is 10-12 years. Like other large breeds, they suffer from hip dysplasia. Some have vision problems: progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and corneal dystrophy.

There is a small prevalence of diseases such as autoimmune diseases and deafness, which manifest themselves either from birth or later in life. But the most common problem...

Obesity. They love to eat and lie down, which leads to speed dial weight. Despite all its external harmlessness, excess weight seriously affects the health of the dog. Obesity directly affects the occurrence of dysplasia and diabetes.

A US study concluded that about 25% of dogs are overweight. To avoid this, Labradors need to be fed and walked properly. Healthy dog can swim for up to two hours, has very little body fat and looks fit rather than fat. Osteoarthritis is very common in older and overweight dogs.

Purina conducted a study on the lives of dogs for 14 years. Those dogs whose diet was monitored outlived their peers by two years, which indicates the importance of feeding.

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Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds today.

If you need to choose one word as a description, then this word would be friend.

About how this breed of dogs originated, how to properly care for them, how many years they live, how much they cost different countries, as well as how much one Labrador can eat in a day, you will find out in this article.

To this day, people still don’t fully know how these dogs appeared in our lives.

A huge number of researchers believe that the origin of this breed was from the domestic dogs of North American Indians. At that time, they helped their owners fish.

At the beginning of the 19th century, European sailors wandered onto a Canadian island called Newfoundland and noticed such beautiful breed dogs.

They have become real, universal helpers. Their duties included diving for fishing nets and bringing game from the forest.

In 1830, the Labrador breed appeared in Britain, and gained great success among hunters.

Endurance, patience and activity helped hunters get out of the most difficult situations.

Only in 1903 this breed was officially recognized and named “Labrador”. They got their name due to their origin.

Their ancestors were bred on the Labrador Peninsula. Now these dogs are in the life of almost every famous person.

Whether he is a politician or a movie star. Labradors are often used as guide dogs for blind people.

The external description of the breed is quite simple. This dog can be recognized very easily.

Exist international standards, by which you can determine whether a particular dog is a representative of its breed.

Calculations and criteria were carried out and recorded in a table. Thanks to the created table, it is determined whether your pet can be classified as a Labrador Retriever or not.

First of all, you should pay attention to the fact that the dog must be strong, muscular and compact.

The height of a standard male at the withers is 56-57 cm, and that of a female is 54-56 cm.

According to the American standard, the height at the withers of a male dog should be 57-62 cm, and the height at the withers of a female dog should be 55-59 cm. The height at the withers can be measured with an ordinary centimeter or a ruler.

The head is wide, the ears are small, hanging slightly back. The neck is powerful and large, the chest is wide, the limbs are strong, and the paws are compact.

The tail is also an indicator of the breed of the dog. In a Labrador, it should resemble an otter's tail.

Height and color

The growth of these dogs is optimal, as it is not very big dog, but not small either.

In the first month of their life, their height is 23 cm, by three months - 40 cm, 6 months - 50 cm. When the puppy is one year old, its height will be about 56 cm, at which point its growth stops.

Today there are three varieties of color:

• black;
• chocolate (brown);
• white.

Labradors are a breed that has excellent positive characteristics.

They are very gifted and have high intelligence. You never feel scared, sad or lonely with them. No matter what lifestyle you lead, your dog will easily adapt to you.

First of all, you need to remember that the dog loves communication very much and therefore it should arrange a place where it would have a good viewing angle.

You don’t need to buy your dog a kennel or box; bedding made from natural materials is enough. The size should be such that the dog can easily stretch out and relax.

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is the key to the health of any dog, especially when it is active image life.

How many times a day such a guide dog should be fed and what to feed it is of interest to everyone who likes this breed.

Her diet should contain all useful and nutrients. And then it will look like in the picture.

Labradors are prone to obesity, so if you decide to eat meat, it is better to choose the dietary type.

Eg:

• mutton;
• beef;
• bird.

Most often, breeders refuse natural feeding and prefer professional food. But here everyone decides for himself.

When buying a dog from a kennel, you can ask for a full description of what the puppy has been eating all this time.

At first you will have to stick to this so as not to upset the puppy’s stomach. Several years will pass and you will forget how you taught him to eat this or that food.

No matter how old your pet is, his susceptibility to disease will not go away.

First of all, you should pay attention to a disease such as obesity. Only physical exercise will help you protect your dog from this.

Also, many large breed dogs have a disease called dysplasia. This disease has not yet been fully studied and for what reasons it may occur in your pet is unknown.

Try to go to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. At proper care all diseases will bypass your pet.

Interesting facts from the life of Labradors

If you still doubt whether it’s worth it, here’s a whole list for you interesting facts about Labradors and their lives:

• In 3 seconds they reach a speed of 20 km/h.
• They dive to depths of up to 14 m.
• A Labrador's sense of smell is 25% better than a Shepherd's.

There is already a proven fact that a Labrador can calmly take an egg into its mouth and bring it back whole.

Labrador retrievers are reliable and patient dogs. Most of all they love activity and attention. They are always ready for a walk and endless play.

These dogs are easy to train. They are patient and obedient by nature.

At home, these dogs enjoy playing with children and other animals and love to participate in family activities.

Labradors tend to get very bored when left home alone for a while. for a long time. Unspent energy and lack of sufficient attention lead to apathy and destructive behavior at the dog.

Happiness for a Labrador is a lot of movement and playing outside. Ideally, when such a dog lives in a country house, when kept in an apartment, the Labrador needs regular long walks or visits to the park.

This breed makes excellent family pets, making them very popular, but they can be a challenge for inexperienced dog owners who don't know how to handle large, active dogs, such as Labradors are.

Although Labradors are very intelligent dogs, they often have a reputation for being the "goofball" in the dog world for their spontaneity and hyperactivity. In addition, these dogs remain mentally immature during the first three years of their life, which aggravates the problem of their excessive friendliness significantly. Careful preparation can teach these smart dogs, think twice about your actions.

These dogs are great with children, but you must be careful when allowing small children to play with them. Although a Labrador would never knowingly harm a child, they may knock over small child unintentionally during the game. It is best not to allow small children to play with dogs unsupervised unless the Labrador is well trained or is not yet out of puppyhood.

Anyone who tries to use a Labrador Retriever as a guard dog will likely be disappointed. Although this dog may bark a lot and loudly in some situations, it is too friendly and not too aggressive to be an effective property guard or scare away strangers.

Diseases

In general, Labrador Retrievers are a fairly healthy breed of dog. However, most often they are susceptible to the following diseases:

• Bloating
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Progressive retinal degeneration
• Angiosarcoma
• Epilepsy
• Interdigital dermatitis or pododermatitis
• Atopy
• Food allergies
• Mast cell cancer
• Perianal fistula
• Lymphosarcoma or lymphoma
• Cataract
• Lipoma

In addition, the following diseases are rare in this breed:

• Tricuspid valve dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis
• Diabetes
• Hyperadrenocortism (Addison's disease)
• Depigmentation of the nose
• Histiocytoma
• Retinal detachment
• Entropy
• Ectropion
• Lick granuloma
• Myasthenia gravis

Care

The Labrador Retriever has a waterproof layer of coat, which to some extent simplifies the care of the coat of this breed. However, this does not mean that this dog's wonderful coat can be left without care.

This breed has a coarse outer coat and undercoat that requires brushing once a week to remove all dead hair and soften shedding. Labradors can be washed as needed, however, use only a small amount of shampoo to avoid damaging the dog's waterproof coat.

Often, simply swimming in a river or pool can be enough to cleanse the animal itself.

Periodic examinations of the animal will help determine when it is time for brushing and bathing, as well as whether the animal has fleas or whether the dog has caught a tick.

Labrador retrievers need a lot of exercise, especially during the first three years of their lives. At a minimum, you should be prepared to take your dog on two long walks a day. Make sure you use a secure leash, Labradors have very powerful necks and shoulder muscles and can easily knock you over if you're not careful.

In addition to walks, you need to provide your pet with space to exercise. The yard is best place for this type of activity.

Since these dogs are good jumpers, make sure your fence will prevent your pet from escaping.

Labradors are natural swimmers. If you have access to any type of water: river, lake, pool, pond, this will be an ideal place for your dog to exercise.

Although all dogs of this breed are swimmers by nature, young Labradors may need some time to get used to the water.

The Labrador must enter the water from the shore or other shallow places, it is very important that the dog knows how to return to land when it gets tired or simply wants to get out of the water.

Do not under any circumstances allow your Labrador to jump into deep water; even the best swimmers cannot stay afloat if they do not know how to get out of the water when they need to.

Note

Labrador Retrievers are working dogs that require regular exercise. They should not be left idle and allowed to gain excess weight.

Dog with overweight It has high probability die in early age, in contrast to the slender and active Labrador. Dogs of this breed can suffer from depression and behave poorly at home if they do not get enough exercise.

It is worth keeping in mind that every dog ​​is individual. This description is typical for the breed as a whole and does not always completely coincide with the characteristics of a particular dog of this breed!