What does a real Labrador look like?

An ideal companion for people of any age but ready for active fun. We asked experts about the characteristics of the breed, character and rules for caring for one of the friendliest dog breeds. The nuances of feeding, treatment, care and education of Labradors, advice from a doctor and breeder.

Labrador: basic information about the breed

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• Names: Labrador, Labrador Retriever
• Height (height at withers): males 56–57 cm, females 55–56 cm
• Weight: males 29–30 kg, females 27–29 kg
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Price: 50–100 thousand rubles.

Description of Labrador

The Labrador is a large and strong dog with a strong skeleton and powerful muscles. The large head and wide muzzle with brown eyes make the Labrador look especially good-natured. This breed has hanging triangular ears, by the movements of which experienced owners determine the mood of the pet, and a completely unique tail – thick at the base and tapering towards the end; it has even been compared to an otter’s tail.

Labradors are smooth-haired, the coat is thick and short, and can be of various colors – from milky and red to dark brown and black.

History of Labrador

Initially, the ancestors of Labradors were favorites of fishermen. In the 19th century, they were called “little Newfoundland” by analogy with the island where they helped people get fishing nets out of cold water. From crossing these pets, which were distinguished by a waterproof undercoat, with the curly-coated retriever, setter and English foxhound, Labradors appeared.

The breed standard was first established in 1887. At the same time, until the end of the 1960th century, professional dog breeders recognized only the black color of Labradors, then fawn was also called acceptable, followed by chocolate brown. The first standardized dogs of this breed were brought to the USSR in the late XNUMXs, and they immediately became the favorites of not only dog ​​handlers, but also many people who decided to get a pet.

Character

Labrador is one of the best dogs for families, including those with children. These are friendly and kind dogs that easily get along with everyone, unlike, for example, the wayward Chihuahua. Labradors are very loyal and sociable, and it is important for them to participate in all family activities. The only person who would most likely not be suitable for a dog of this breed is a busy person who is rarely at home. In all other cases, the owners will find in the Labrador a true friend, ally and companion in any activity. People who have a Labrador should be easy-going: this dog needs to communicate with its owners, it will always be close to them.

Aggressiveness

The Labrador is not initially a guard or fighting dog; it is not prone to unmotivated aggression. But do not forget that genetically any dog ​​is predisposed to dominance according to the laws of the pack: with improper upbringing and congenital character defects, a Labrador can feel like the leader in the family. In this case, it is possible to display aggression towards the owner, who, in the eyes of the dog, should obey him and not command him. This is extremely rare and can be corrected. More often, situational manifestations of aggression towards “strangers” occur, for example, if a Labrador gets scared or defends the territory or owner. As a rule, Labrador aggression is the result of improper upbringing based on permissiveness. No matter how much you would like to pamper your pet when he is still a small and cute puppy, try to establish rules of behavior that will consolidate an adequate relationship with the dog.

Attitude towards other animals

If you dream of a large and friendly family and plan to have several pets, a Labrador will be an ideal option. This is a true extrovert of the animal world who gets along with other dogs, cats, rodents and even birds. Keep in mind that Labradors are very active: they need to run, jump, roll on the floor, swim and play. The energetic movements of a rather large pet in a confined space in an apartment can be dangerous for others, especially small animals, if they move around rooms unattended.

Attitude to children

Labradors are called not only the kindest, but also the most patient breed. They perceive small children as their own puppies, to whom much can be forgiven. If most dogs of small breeds tend to react aggressively to inept squeezing from a child, then a large Labrador will tolerate being pulled by the tail and ears, trying to ride and hugging without letting go. Under no circumstances should you allow your child to use your dog as a toy: yes, she is patient, but there is a limit to everything. Play between children and animals should be supervised and corrected by adults present.

A separate plus is joint activity in the fresh air. Labradors are very fond of outdoor games, which are also necessary for children. The dog will happily run and jump next to the child, follow simple commands and fetch toys.

Care, nutrition and maintenance at home

Consider the characteristics of the breed, consult with the breeder and veterinarian before deciding to buy a dog.

Health and illness

Veterinarian Alexandra Moleva says that dogs of this breed have health features that are worth paying attention to:

1. “Labradors have a predisposition to gaining excess weight.
2. As they age, they may develop retinal atrophy, an inherited disease that usually leads to blindness.
3. Von Willebrand disease is another inherited disorder characterized by a bleeding disorder.
4. Nasal parakeratosis is a hereditary skin disease of the nose. Characterized by the development of crusts and cracks on the tip of the nose.
5. Narcolepsy is an inherited sleep disorder characterized by abnormal daytime sleepiness, inability to stay awake for long periods of time, and an unusual transition between wakefulness and REM sleep.
6. Cystinuria is a hereditary disease that impairs kidney function. Cystine can form crystals or stones in the urinary tract, which interfere with the normal process of urination and can become a source of bacterial infection.
7. Insufficiency of pyruvate kinase (an enzyme involved in metabolism). A hereditary blood disorder that leads to chronic anemia, exercise intolerance, and bouts of weakness.
8. Joint dysplasia is the abnormal, abnormal development of a joint. Labradors have dysplasia of the elbow and hip joints.”

According to dog trainer Maya Radostnaya, dysplasia is the most common disease in Labradors: “When buying a puppy, it is advisable to ask the breeders for dysplasia tests from the puppy’s mother and father, and then check the information with the RKF (Russian Canine Federation). This is not a 100% guarantee, but it increases the chances that you will buy a dog without dysplasia.

It is also important to raise a young Labrador correctly. For example, you bought a puppy from healthy parents. Over time, he begins to grow and you notice that his paws move apart, his coordination is impaired, and the dog often falls. If during active games he receives regular injuries, this also contributes to the development of dysplasia. In addition to genetic tests, it is very important to take care of the puppy and not let him play with other dogs.”

Alexandra Moleva, veterinarian general practitioner, chief physician of the Mitino branch of the Bely Klyk clinic

“Healthy animals are recommended to visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up. Depending on age, it includes different studies. Standard: appointment with a therapist or general practitioner, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests. At an older age or before operations, cardiac echo and ECG may be required, as well as other studies that are prescribed by the veterinarian after examination and history taking.

Throughout life, you should pay attention to the activity, appetite, quality of stool and urination in your pet. You also need to monitor the amount of fluid you drink – increased thirst and frequent urination may indicate the presence of a disease in the animal.

There is a myth that the health of a dog can be determined by the condition of its nose – if it is wet and cold, then everything is fine with it. Unfortunately, it is not. Therefore, if any of the symptoms appear (vomiting, diarrhea or lack of stool, increased thirst or urination, decreased activity, refusal to eat, vocalization, lameness, convulsions, strange gait, change in the color of mucous membranes, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, cough, various discharges), you should consult a doctor. Remember that timely assistance can save your pet’s life.”

Walking and physical activity

Dog trainer Maya Radostnaya recommends taking the puppy outside when he has completed quarantine and all vaccinations: “The more often, the faster the dog will get used to it. Moreover, the task here is not the duration of stay in the fresh air, but the frequent opportunity to go to the toilet on the street. The puppy must be praised for relieving itself in the right place. As he grows up, you can go for long walks, increasing the load. Distances should not be very long; you should walk with a teenage puppy “as much as possible and a little more.” There is no need to force him to walk a lot; pay attention to the dog’s condition.

You can walk with or without a leash. But it is advisable that the dog be on a leash up to 2-3 m long, no more – this makes it easier to control. I categorically do not recommend choosing a roulette leash; it makes it more difficult to control a Labrador. Many people want to let their dog off the leash so it can run and play. Labradors, especially small puppies and teenagers, welcome all people and dogs. As soon as you let your pet off the leash, it may run to another animal or, for example, a child. It makes other people uncomfortable. The best walk for a young Labrador is when he is on a leash and his owner is walking briskly next to him.”

Molting

Labradors have easy-to-care coat – it is thick and short, and does not require frequent combing, much less cutting. The first shedding in puppies begins between eight and thirteen months, depending on the time of year at which this stage falls. Then the young Labrador sheds its fluff and awns—light stubble. A healthy adult dog sheds twice a year and may require daily brushing with a special brush that can be purchased at a pet store.

Education and training

Maya Radostnaya, director, dog handler of the Labrador kennel “Rusmayras”

“Labradors are the kindest breed, they love children and other dogs very much, they have no aggression. Therefore, many believe that there is no need for training, the main thing is to love and feed. In fact, any large dog needs to be trained (by the way, Labradors really like it). During the classes, experts will teach owners how to control the dog so that the family can feel comfortable and the pet will obey people.”

Food

Alexandra Moleva advises making a balanced diet for Labradors: “With age and after castration or sterilization, the size of the food portion can be reduced, since with age and after the removal of the reproductive organs, dogs can become a little less active and begin to gain excess weight.

There are several diet options:

Each of them has its own pros and cons; you can evaluate which type of food is right for your pet at an appointment with a veterinarian. Homemade and mixed diets must be prepared with a nutritionist to take into account all the necessary macro- and microelements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the feed. This is especially important for puppies, as their growing bodies need a balanced diet.”

Labrador price

Prices for Labradors vary, but dog handler Maya Radostnaya says that the cost of a healthy Labrador puppy starts from 50 thousand rubles: “It all depends on who his parents were, how famous the dogs are in breeder circles. Mating could be carried out in the same city where the breeder lives, but there is also away mating. In the second case, costs increase and puppies will cost more. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the documents – the puppy’s birth certificate, veterinary passport with the first vaccination. Compare the puppy’s brand with the one indicated in the document.”

Labradors are large, strong dogs with a strong build and a strong skeleton. They have wide heads and gentle, intelligent eyes. Their tails are absolutely unique and similar to the tail of an otter. The short, dense coat comes in solid black, yellow and chocolate/liver.

Country of origin:	Canada
Time of origin of the breed:	XIX century
Size:	average
Wool:	medium soft
The weight:	males – about 30 kg, females – 28 kg
Height (height at withers):	males – 56-27 cm, females – 55-56 cm
Lifespan:	10-12 years
Need for a walk:	2 hours per day

• Dogs suitable for owners without experience
• Basic training required
• Prefers intense walks
• Prefers to walk more than two hours a day
• Big dog
• Average salivation
• Requires maintenance every two days
• Non-hypoallergenic breed
• Quite a noisy dog
• Without guard qualities
• Gets along with other Pymtos
• Ideal for family life

Origin

The Labrador Retriever breed originated not in Labrador, but on the coast of Newfoundland in the 17th century. These dogs were trained to fetch fishing nets from icy waters. At the beginning of the 19th century, the breed came to Pearl Harbor in Great Britain. The dogs were so attractive that fishermen often received offers from the British to sell the dog. The breed instantly established itself as an excellent pointer. The Earl of Malmesbury was fascinated by these dogs, known at the time as the St. John’s breed. He started breeding them, calling them Labradors (or Labs).

Character

The Labrador breed is definitely one of the top three breeds to be a family pet, but only if you lead an active lifestyle! These are friendly, kind dogs who love everyone. They are socially adept and can communicate well with other animals and children. They are patient and ready to forgive a lot, but this should never be abused. Labradors are extremely loyal and love to participate in all family activities. They bark to attract your attention to strangers, but always give guests a very warm welcome.

Behavior

Some of our favorite and most popular breeds are from this group: they are generally good-natured, playful and very sociable dogs that make ideal family pets. With reward-based training, they will quickly come to love the company of everyone in the family, including cats. The breed of pointing dogs was bred specifically to work all day long in all weather conditions. Therefore, they need an active and resilient family that can provide the pet with the necessary physical and mental stimulation.

Health (problems)

Like many breeds, Labradors can suffer from a variety of inherited eye conditions and hip and knee dysplasia (joint conditions that can cause pain and lead to mobility problems). Therefore, assessing the condition of the dog’s eyes and hips before breeding is important.

Physical exercise

Labradors easily adapt to the amount of exercise you can provide. However, keep in mind reasonable requirements: a healthy adult dog requires a couple of hours of exercise per day. They love fairly long walks with the opportunity to run and play without a leash. They love to search for objects and water, so be sure to be safe if there are bodies of water nearby. They tend to gain excess weight. This is often explained by a lack of physical activity, as well as a love of food.

Food

Large dog breeds with large appetites require a different combination of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, than smaller dogs. Labradors are prone to flatulence and stomach problems. To reduce the risk of such problems, more frequent and smaller meals are recommended.

Hair care

The Labrador’s coat is easy to care for. The coat is thick and dense, with an undercoat that is resistant to weather conditions. It is enough to brush your dog once a week, and more often during shedding periods.

The best breeds for children

Dogs are generally considered to be good with children. However, dogs and children must learn to get along with each other, respect each other and feel safe being together. In any case, small children should not be left alone with a dog; adults must supervise all interactions between them.

Is this breed right for you?

Each dog has an individual character, but some instincts and behavior patterns in animals are innate. Take our online test to find out which breed best suits your preferences and lifestyle. The more you and your dog have in common, the more likely your life together will be happy and fulfilling.

What else should you keep in mind?

Do you want to adopt a puppy?

Shelter dogs often become the most loyal friends because they get a second chance. Countless dogs are waiting for their loving family and cozy home. Good shelters always try to make sure that the person and the animal fit together. Shelter staff usually know their “residents” well, but this is not the only thing they have to consider when selecting them. You will be asked to talk about yourself, your family and your home environment. In addition, at any time before and after you adopt an animal from the shelter, you can contact the staff for advice and get answers to your questions.

Search for a breeder

If you like purebred dogs, try to find a reliable breeder. We also recommend visiting dog shows, where you can meet professional breeders and learn more about the desired breed.

First days in a new house

In anticipation of the arrival of a new inhabitant in your home, take time to take into account a number of important details. This way, you can make your home as comfortable as possible for the animal.
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