Dog Breeds - Labrador Retriever

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The tendency of a breed to show affection to family members or familiar individuals varies widely. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor reserving their warmth exclusively for their primary caretaker. Conversely, there are breeds that are universally friendly eagerly extending their friendship to all familiar faces as if each person is their most cherished companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a breed exhibits patience and tolerance towards the antics of children, as well as its suitability for family life is an important consideration. It is essential, however, to maintain close supervision when dogs interact with young children or children not accustomed to dogs, regardless of the breed's reputed gentleness or family-oriented disposition.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards its canine counterparts can differ significantly. While supervision is a must during canine encounters and introductions, some breeds naturally possess a more amiable disposition when mingling with other dogs, whether it's within the confines of their home or in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur a breed sheds can vary greatly influencing how often they'll need grooming. High-shedding breeds typically demand more frequent brushing to manage their loose hairs. These breeds might also contribute to certain allergies and necessitate a more rigorous cleaning routine including regular vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to maintain a tidy environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing and trimming, can differ significantly and should be matched to your available time, patience and grooming budget. Carefully evaluate the level of grooming commitment required when selecting a breed keeping in mind that all dogs, regardless of breed will need their nails trimmed regularly to maintain their health and comfort.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The likelihood of a breed to drool is an aspect to consider especially if you prefer a tidier living space. For those who are meticulous about cleanliness, selecting a breed known for leaving trails of drool on your arm or large damp patches on your clothing might not be the ideal fit.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The extent of a breed's friendliness towards unfamiliar people can differ markedly. While certain breeds may consistently exhibit a cautious or restrained demeanor around strangers no matter the setting, others are inherently more gregarious delighting in the chance to greet a new human companion wherever they encounter them.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The zeal for play that a breed possesses can often continue long after their puppy years have passed. Many breeds retain a spirited interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch into their mature years, while others naturally gravitate towards a more laid-back lifestyle content to spend the majority of their time lounging comfortably on the couch alongside you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds have a natural inclination to notify you of the presence of strangers, often responding to any perceived threat be it the mail carrier or a squirrel darting past the window. Such breeds known for their vigilance, are generally quick to accept newcomers once they observe them being welcomed into the home by family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change can significantly vary. Some are quite resilient when it comes to shifts in living situations, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other everyday fluctuations, while others may require more stability and predictability in their environment to remain content and stress-free.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Training ease and a dog's eagerness to learn can range widely across breeds. Certain breeds seem driven by a desire to please their owners and may absorb new commands with enthusiasm, while others display a more independent streak showing a preference for doing things in their own time and on their own terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical activity and cognitive engagement required by a particular breed varies. Breeds brimming with vigor are always on their toes anticipating their forthcoming escapade. Their days are filled with incessant motion, leaps and playful antics. On the flip side, the more lethargic breeds prefer a sedentary lifestyle content to lounge and drift into slumber.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
This particular breed's frequency of vocalization be it through barks or howls varies significantly. You'll find that while certain breeds are inclined to sound off at every person strolling by or each bird that perches on the windowsill, others reserve their barking for more specific scenarios. Interestingly, there are even some breeds that don't bark at all, yet they're not entirely silent, these dogs have their own unique array of sounds for communication.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental exercise necessary for a breed to maintain its contentment and well-being can vary greatly. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need to engage in activities that demand them to make decisions, solve problems, focus intently or exhibit other cognitive skills. If these dogs don't receive the proper mental stimulation they crave, they're bound to take matters into their own paws initiating their own forms of brainy entertainment. Unfortunately, these self-assigned tasks may not exactly align with what their human companions would deem ideal or desirable.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The tendency of a breed to show affection to family members or familiar individuals varies widely. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor reserving their warmth exclusively for their primary caretaker. Conversely, there are breeds that are universally friendly eagerly extending their friendship to all familiar faces as if each person is their most cherished companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a breed exhibits patience and tolerance towards the antics of children, as well as its suitability for family life is an important consideration. It is essential, however, to maintain close supervision when dogs interact with young children or children not accustomed to dogs, regardless of the breed's reputed gentleness or family-oriented disposition.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards its canine counterparts can differ significantly. While supervision is a must during canine encounters and introductions, some breeds naturally possess a more amiable disposition when mingling with other dogs, whether it's within the confines of their home or in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur a breed sheds can vary greatly influencing how often they'll need grooming. High-shedding breeds typically demand more frequent brushing to manage their loose hairs. These breeds might also contribute to certain allergies and necessitate a more rigorous cleaning routine including regular vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to maintain a tidy environment.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing and trimming, can differ significantly and should be matched to your available time, patience and grooming budget. Carefully evaluate the level of grooming commitment required when selecting a breed keeping in mind that all dogs, regardless of breed will need their nails trimmed regularly to maintain their health and comfort.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The likelihood of a breed to drool is an aspect to consider especially if you prefer a tidier living space. For those who are meticulous about cleanliness, selecting a breed known for leaving trails of drool on your arm or large damp patches on your clothing might not be the ideal fit.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The extent of a breed's friendliness towards unfamiliar people can differ markedly. While certain breeds may consistently exhibit a cautious or restrained demeanor around strangers no matter the setting, others are inherently more gregarious delighting in the chance to greet a new human companion wherever they encounter them.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The zeal for play that a breed possesses can often continue long after their puppy years have passed. Many breeds retain a spirited interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch into their mature years, while others naturally gravitate towards a more laid-back lifestyle content to spend the majority of their time lounging comfortably on the couch alongside you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds have a natural inclination to notify you of the presence of strangers, often responding to any perceived threat be it the mail carrier or a squirrel darting past the window. Such breeds known for their vigilance, are generally quick to accept newcomers once they observe them being welcomed into the home by family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change can significantly vary. Some are quite resilient when it comes to shifts in living situations, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other everyday fluctuations, while others may require more stability and predictability in their environment to remain content and stress-free.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Training ease and a dog's eagerness to learn can range widely across breeds. Certain breeds seem driven by a desire to please their owners and may absorb new commands with enthusiasm, while others display a more independent streak showing a preference for doing things in their own time and on their own terms.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of physical activity and cognitive engagement required by a particular breed varies. Breeds brimming with vigor are always on their toes anticipating their forthcoming escapade. Their days are filled with incessant motion, leaps and playful antics. On the flip side, the more lethargic breeds prefer a sedentary lifestyle content to lounge and drift into slumber.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental exercise necessary for a breed to maintain its contentment and well-being can vary greatly. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need to engage in activities that demand them to make decisions, solve problems, focus intently or exhibit other cognitive skills. If these dogs don't receive the proper mental stimulation they crave, they're bound to take matters into their own paws initiating their own forms of brainy entertainment. Unfortunately, these self-assigned tasks may not exactly align with what their human companions would deem ideal or desirable.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Chocolate	071
Yellow	232

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

Year after year, the endearing and winsome Labrador Retriever holds its spot as one of the most favored dog breeds in the United States. Known for their sociable and vivacious nature, Labs make perfect partners for a family seeking a medium-to-large canine friend brimming with love to share.

Both robust and evenly proportioned, Labrador Retrievers stand between 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder based on their gender and their weight ranges from 55 to 80 pounds. Their thick, resilient fur can dazzle in shades of yellow, black or a rich chocolate hue. Their broad head, eyes sparkling with warmth coupled with their dense gradually narrowing 'otter tail,' constantly express the breed's instinctive zest for life. Renowned for their congenial disposition, Labs mesh seamlessly into family life, forging strong bonds with each member and they're equally affable when mingling with neighborhood pets and people. However, it's a misconception to equate their easygoing nature with a lack of vitality. Labs are exuberant athletes who thrive on vigorous activities like swimming and extended sessions of fetch to stay both physically robust and mentally sharp.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Labrador Retriever: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Labradors are generally robust and hearty dogs but a conscientious breeder will proactively screen their breeding dogs for potential health issues. These can include joint conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiac problems, inherited myopathy which is a form of muscle weakness and various eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy. There's also a specific condition known as exercise-induced collapse (EIC) that can affect some young adult Labs fortunately, through DNA testing, breeders have the means to identify carriers and strategically plan their breeding to prevent passing on the ailment. Moreover, as with other sizable deep-chested breeds, Labradors are susceptible to a critical stomach problem known as bloat. It's crucial for owners to be well-informed about the symptoms signaling the onset of this condition and to understand the immediate actions required should it occur. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test D Locus (Dilute) - DNA Test Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) - DNA Test Elbow Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Labrador possesses a dense, double-layer coat that not only repels water but also sheds. Routine baths can help maintain their cleanliness. And as is the case with all dog breeds, it's important to trim a Lab's nails on a regular basis to prevent discomfort or damage and ensure their teeth are brushed frequently to promote dental health.

Exercise

	Brimming with vigor, the Labrador Retriever is a bundle of energy and requires ample daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A Lab that doesn't get sufficient physical activity is prone to displaying hyperactive and potentially disruptive behaviors as a way to dissipate their surplus energy. Retrieving and swimming top the list of activities that Labs adore. They are equally enthusiastic about outdoor adventures like hunting expeditions or field trials and they thrive in canine athletics, including agility, obedience, tracking and dock diving competitions. Many Labradors channel their work ethic into critical roles. They serve with dedication in search-and-rescue operations, substance detection tasks such as drugs and explosives and as invaluable service and assistance dogs, demonstrating their versatility and tenacity.

Training

	Given the Lab's robust physique and zestful spirit, initiating early socialization and puppy training courses is crucial. Softly introducing the young Lab to a diverse range of people, locations and experiences from the age of 7 weeks to 4 months and kick-starting obedience training from an early stage can significantly aid in shaping a sociable well-behaved adult dog. Puppy training classes play a key role in the socialization spectrum and also support owners in identifying and amending any emerging undesirable behaviors. Labs are affectionate, sharp-witted and eager buddies, eager for engagement and deserving of a spot right in the heart of family affairs.

Nutrition

	A Labrador Retriever will thrive on a diet of high-quality dog food, whether it's a commercial brand or a meal you prepare at home under the guidance and approval of your vet. It's vital to match the food to the specific life stage of the dog, be it puppyhood, adulthood or the senior years. Labradors may have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it's important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. While treats can be incredibly effective for training purposes, they should be given judiciously to avoid the risk of obesity. Make sure to educate yourself about which human foods are dog-friendly and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your Labrador's weight or diet, your veterinarian should be your first point of reference. Remember to always provide ample clean fresh water for your dog at all times.

Historiography

Originating from Newfoundland as the quintessential waterdog, the Labrador Retriever earned its reputation early on as an adept duck retriever and a fisherman’s trusty sidekick. Their journey to popularity commenced in the early 19th century when visiting English nobility noticed these capable dogs in Canada. They returned to England with what they referred to as 'Labrador dogs.' (The reason these Newfoundland dogs were associated with Labrador is a bit of a mystery, but the moniker endured.) British enthusiasts later in the 1800s focused their efforts on refining and standardizing what we now recognize as the Labrador Retriever.

The breed traits we admire today their physical build and temperament echo the Lab's historical roles. A short, dense coat that resists harsh weather provides an advantage, particularly because longhaired breeds would accumulate ice when emerging from waters in Canada's chilly climate. The Labrador's role traditionally entailed retrieving fish that escaped from lines and nets, thus necessitating both gifted retrieving instincts and a coat that could withstand the chilling North Atlantic waters. The Lab's well-known 'otter tail' acts as a potent steering device, propelling and guiding them through the water.

The breed's character is as distinguishing as any physical trait. The breed standard describes the ideal Lab demeanor as kind, friendly, willing to please and nonaggressive toward humans and other animals, all attributes that are deeply embedded in the breed's legacy. Labs have charmed people globally with their sweet disposition, smarts and adaptability, making them unparalleled companions.

When considering the essential qualities of a Lab, the temperament is perhaps the most vital, the breed's usefulness hinges on its amiable nature. As a revered dog judge penned, a dog lacking the authentic temperament of a Lab doesn't fully embody the breed. The Labrador was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in England in 1903 and registered by the AKC in 1917. The Lab first topped AKC registration charts in 1991 and has maintained its status as America's beloved breed for an impressive 31 consecutive years.