Skip to main content

Labrador Retriever

Labrador-Retriever-smiling

Labrador Retrievers or “Labs” are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia and around the world. 

Labradors were originally found in Newfoundland, where they were used by cod fishermen.

Not only used for retrieving game, Labradors are often trained to become guide dogs for the blind, handicapped assistance dogs and ‘sniffer’ dogs for drugs and arm detection.

Labrador Superpup - Assistance Dogs Australia

Appearance

Labrador Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs with sturdy, athletic builds, making them very agile. They come in black, yellow, which is a mutation of the black and a rarer chocolate brown.

They have a broad, clean-cut head with hanging ears and alert, friendly and intelligent eyes. They have thick noses and wide muzzles and strong necks.

Labradors have a double coat: a soft downy undercoat that keeps them dry and warm in cold water and a hard outer coat that helps them repel water, making them excellent water dogs.
  • Height: Males: 56-57cm; Females: 54-56cm 
  • Weight: 25-34 kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website.

Temperament


Their temperament is intelligent with a strong will to please. They have a kind nature with no trace of aggression or shyness.

As true family dogs, Labs usually get along well with children are known to be incredibly loyal, loving and active. Because of this, Labs are best suited to homes where they can get plenty of exercise, attention and training.



Health and lifespan


Labrador Retrievers have three main health problems to watch for: Elbow Dysplasia which is a degenerative disease of the elbow joints; Hip Dysplasia which is a degenerative disease of the hips; over-eating which can lead to obesity and this can cause problems with the joints.
Elbow and hip dysplasia problems can be avoided by buying dogs from parents that have been x-rayed and cleared of these conditions. Over eating can be controlled by maintaining a strict diet and giving your Labrador plenty of regular exercise.

Recommended for

The ideal owner for a Labrador Retriever is a family because they like to be part of their activities. They are versatile animals and are also good with elderly people.

  • Temperament: loyal, fun loving
  • Maintenance: low
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Recommended for: families and couples

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Dog Eye Injuries can be a Vet Emergency

Eye injuries in dogs and cats are common and are usually caused by trauma (such as a fight with another animal), a foreign body in the eye, infection, an inability to form lubricating tears, or an abnormality in the eye.  WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN EYE INJURY? Presentations for these include squinting, pawing the eye or face, watery eyes, a discharge from the eye, the eyes can look red or inflammed, the pupil size may be abnormal, or the pet simply appears uncomfortable or in pain. But when is this an emergency and when should pet owners seek veterinary help? Most injuries that appear superficial occur to the cornea. This is the outer layer of your pet’s eye. There are many very thin layers to the cornea and the seriousness of the injury depends on how many of the layers have been damaged. Injuries to the outermost layer can heal quickly with medication in little time. However, the deeper the injury, the greater the chance of scarring or blindness which often requires surgery to prev...
Read more

AWLQ Stray Animals Day Challenge - April 4

AWLQ’s Stray Animals’ Day – a chance to make a $124,000 difference Ambassador NRL Titan Chris McQueen has launched AWLQ’s inaugural Stray Animals’ Day April 4 challenge with a target of $124,000, to cover the cost of running its vital foster house program. “An incredible 6,200 animals, or more than 71% of all animals in AWLQ’s care, spend time in foster care each year,” Chris McQueen said. Oliver, the Staffy cross - what a difference a month makes! Animals, just like Oliver. The Staffy cross had a severe skin condition and has so far spent a month with foster carer Amelia and was at the challenge launch. “It’s amazing to see the difference in Oliver’s condition in that time,” Chris said. “This is clearly a happy dog that is enjoying a home environment while he recuperates.   “In the off-season Nicole and I would be looking to foster for AWLQ – as it’s so rewarding and makes such a difference.” Animal Welfare League Queensland continues to be a leader in animal rehoming....
Read more

Crystal Brook Tourist Park - Offleash Area

If what you’re looking for is conveniently located pet-friendly accommodation near Melbourne, look no further than Crystal Brook Tourist Park . From here guests can enjoy easy access to everything the city has to offer, all whilst enjoying the peace and natural environment of a bush park. To make the stay even more appealing for dog lovers, a large dog offleash area was officially opened on Saturday 11th February 2017 . The Grand Opening Day was also the occasion to hold a pet market and a fundraiser for the local Pyrenees Animal Rescue .  There was a great mix of dogs, children and adults who enjoyed playing in the brand new offleash area and interacting with the local stallholders of pet products and services who all came to support this event. The new offleash area is for recreation under supervision from owners but if you need to go out for the day, the property can recommend services in the local area that can look after your pets. Crystal Brook Tourist Park has a variety of...
Read more