Labrador Retriever

Quick Facts

• Reliable, loving and loyal


• Family friendly


• Regular brushing, double coated


• Plenty of exercise


• Male : 56-61cm & 27-34kgs


• Female :  53-58cm & 25-32kgs

History

Originally used by fishermen to retrieve cork floats and drift nets in the St Johns area of Newfoundland, Canada. The Labrador Retriever earned the reputation as a hardworking 'water dog'. When the breed was brought by fisherman to the coast of Dorset in England in the 1800's locals realised the breeds potential as gun dogs which proved very popular and eventually the Labrador Retriever became England's most popular hunting dog.

Description

Labradors are strong, active dogs with a powerful frame. The coat is dense and waterproof with no feathering, and will shed excessively during seasonal moults. The tail can be describe as an  "otter tail" as it is thick at the base, round and tapered. Early labradors were mostly black and wasn't until the 1890's that the odd yellow started appearing in litters as well as chocolate coloured. Today the yellow Labrador outnumbers both black and chocolate varieties.

Temperament

Labradors are reliable, obedient and easily trained. They are very people orientated dogs, very good with children and make an ideal family pet. 

Grooming

The thick double coat makes the Labrador easy to groom, however regular brushing is required to get rid of the dead hair in the undercoat especially during moulting. Bath only when necessary, being careful not to use harsh shampoos that strip the coat of its natural oils.

Exercise and Diet

Labradors love their food and obesity is a huge problem with the breed. Although there are no special feeding requirements, moderation of food intake is required. This means feeding only the right amounts at the right times. No snacks or leftovers and plenty of exercise to ensure a healthy, happy dog.

Health Issues

As previously mentioned, Obesity is a major problem that is can be easily controlled by the owner. Another well known health issue with Labradors is hip and elbow dysplasia which unfortunately is very hard to know if your puppy will be prone, however buying your pup from a registered breeder who has had the parents hip and elbow scored, reduces the chance of the puppies inheriting the disease.

Contacts for more information

Labrador Retriever club of New South Wales

Labrador Retriever club of Queensland

Labrador Retriever club of Victoria

Labrador Retriever club of South Australia

Labrador Retriever club of Western Australia