Labrador retrievers have long been known for their great personalities. Labs are suited well for a variety of jobs; they are great family pets, good hunting dogs and a lot of them are trained around guns because of this. Labs are great therapy dogs and guide dogs for the blind as well as medical alert dogs. Some labs are used for personal protection as well as they are normally very devoted to there two-legged parents. They are loyal and have a very friendly temperament.
The Labrador retrievers are known for their strong heavy body build and square shoulders. They have a very broad head and strong set to their jaw. Most often they have strong legs and shoulders, which makes them one of the faster breeds out there. A full-grown adult Labrador Retriever can weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds. They have thick, straight, short coats, often their outer coat can be course, and they have a softer undercoat which is also very thick. The Labrador Retriever is almost completely waterproof with all those layers of coat. Labrador Retrievers have a very proud demeanour and friendly facial expressions; this allows new acquaintances and endures them to their human families.
Labrador Retrievers are very active, and they tend to be calm and obedient most of the time, although, like any other breed, this does take the proper training and daily exercise. Regular exercise is very important with Labrador Retrievers; they should be allowed to play and exercise on a daily basis. Retrieving and swimming are the Labrador retrievers’ favourite sports. Labrador retrievers are easy to get along with, and they normally get along well with other animals and children. Their good temperament does not make them a good candidate for doing guard dog work, as mentioned. They are great family and therapy dogs because of their friendly personalities.
Labrador Retrievers normally have a life span of 10 to 12 years. The following are some of the general health conditions that may be associated with the Labrador Retriever. Joint problems, allergies, ear problems, obesity, hip dysplasia, canine elbow and shoulder dysplasia. Labrador Retrievers have been known to suffer from entropion occasionally, exercise-induced collapse, and diabetes.
The care for Labrador Retrievers is generally quite simple, bathing them every few months and brushing them on a regular basis will keep their coast heathy and happy.
As with any pet, you should look at your family’s lifestyle, and research a number of breeds that you may be interested in before picking the one that will be the right fit for you and your family.
Written by: Shannon Knox, Practice Manager
Reference
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/labrador-retriever