Dog Breeds: Labrador Retrievers - Are They the Best Choice for Your Family?

Year after year, Labrador retrievers score the number one spot on the American Kennel Club's (AKC) list of the top ten popular dog breeds. Their popularity is due to their extremely friendly and social personalities and their keen hunting skills. However, is a Lab the best choice for you? .

The breed originated in Newfoundland and was first used by the local fishermen to help catch fish, pull in nets, and tow dories. Originally called St. John's dogs, the breed was brought from Labrador by sailors.

Labrador Retrievers made their appearance in England in the nineteenth century and were developed by English nobles like the Earl of Malmesbury for water fowling and game hunting. He is credited with providing the foundational stock for today's Labs.

How many of these fun facts about Labs did you already know? Can you picture a Lab wearing a birthday party hat?

• Origin: Newfoundland (Canada)
• Nickname/alternative names: Lab, St. John's Dog, St. John's Water Dog, Lesser Newfoundland
• Group: Sporting (AKC recognized in 1917)
• Use: Hunting and fowling, hauling, seamen’s helper, service and therapy dogs, and narcotic sniffing dogs
• Average age for Labrador Retrievers: 10 to 14 years
• Height/weight: 21 to 24 inches tall and weighing 55 to 80 pounds
• Coloration: Acceptable colors: black, yellow (including shades ranging from fox red to light cream), and chocolate (shades ranging from light to dark). Brindle or tan markings are not permissible. White chest medallions are permitted, but are not preferred.
• Coat: Double coated with a water resistant wooly undercoat and a short thick overcoat.
• Personality: As one of the friendliest breeds, they might not be the best watchdogs because of their extremely good nature.
• Eyes: Medium size friendly brown or hazel eyes. Black and yellow Labs should have brown eyes, and chocolate Labs should have hazel or brown eyes.
• Grooming: Minimal needs – regular brushings and baths combined with daily dental care. Nail trims and ear cleanings as needed.
• Need for attention: On a scale of one to ten, Labs are a solid nine for needing attention. They are extremely family oriented and will exhibit undesirable behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking if left alone too long.
• Known Health Problems/heritable diseases: Canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and canine idiopathic epilepsy
• Intelligence: Extremely high; they are fast learners but caution is needed as they learn bad behaviors as quickly as they learn good behaviors. Early obedience training is a must so that they do not get out of control and ongoing advanced training will meet their high need for mental stimulation.
• Social skills: According to Your Lab’s Life, “They are safe at birthday parties and quite willing to wear party hats, and carefully lick the hands and feet of small children.”¹ Labs are one of the most social dogs and interact well with strangers and other pets.

Now that we are better acquainted with the breed, let's talk about the specific characteristics of Labrador Retrievers.

The overall appearance of the Lab is one of muscular strength and agility. The large head has a wide nose that is either brown or black, depending on coat color. The short triangle-shaped ears are set well back on the head and should hang close.

The tail is thick at the base with a rounded appearance and is referred to as an “otter tail.” The feet are large with strong well shaped paws.

A signature characteristics of the Labrador Retriever is its social nature. They are eager to please with a high energy level that is best expended in long walks or swims. They love to retrieve so keep them well supplied with lots of appropriate toys and rubber chews to fetch.

Another signature characteristic of Labs is their hearty appetites. Labs love to eat and as a consequence may become obese.

Talk to your vet to determine the best diet for your Lab, and adhere to it religiously. According to Your Lab’s Life, these dogs love a healthy treat, like carrots, so start your puppy chewing on baby carrots at an early age.

For more information on Labs, visit your public library or the AKC website. Adding a puppy to your family is a lifetime commitment, so consider the facts carefully before deciding that one of these highly popular Labrador Retrievers is the best breed for you.

If you are willing to train and social your dog, make sure it eats a healthy diet and gets regular exercise, you will find that Labs make excellent pets.

1 -Your Lab’s Life, Virginia Parker Guidry, Joanne Howl, D.V.M., Series Editor

The Complete Dog Book, Official Publication of the American Kennel Club, 18^th edition

The Original Dog Bible, edited by Kristin Mehus-Roe

American Kennel Club (AKC), “Labrador Retriever Breed Standard," http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm