Information > Labrador Retriever

Background

The Labrador Retriever, or just Labrador, is a large breed of retriever-gun dog. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A favorite disability assistance breed in many countries, Labradors are frequently trained to aid those with blindness or autism, act as a therapy dog, or perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. The breed is best known for their obedience, loyalty, and playful composure. Additionally, they are prized as sporting and hunting dogs

The Labrador  is a beautiful, heavy-coated, playful dog. Labradors  are considered a highly popular dog breed and a great family dog.

Appearance

Labradors are pretty big dogs (medium, large breed) and they show the following characteristics:

• Weight: Males – 29 – 36 kg. Females – 25 – 32 kg.
• Height: Males – 57 – 62 cm. Females – 55 – 60 cm.
• Coat: Short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch and weather-resistant undercoat.
• Colour: Gold, Chocolate and Black.
• Lifespan: 10-12 years.

Refer to the KUSA website for more information regarding the Labrador’s appearance, characteristics, etc.

What are they like?

There’s a reason the Labrador is considered the perfect family dog! Not only are Labradors gentle, they love children and are highly intelligent and stable by nature. 

Labradors love to run around and play outside. They love water and tend to jump in whenever they get the chance! Labradors also love to tug on things with their mouths, whether sticks or toys. 

In fact, Labradors can pretty much do it all! Because they are highly trainable and eager to please, they are extremely popular as service dogs. Besides helping the blind and disabled, they are also used to sniff out bombs or drugs, as rescue dogs during natural disasters and as lifeguard dogs because of their good swimming ability.  

Labradors are at low risk for illnesses and diseases, but there are still some common sicknesses in the breed:

• Bloat, which can lead to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)
• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies 
• Heart disease 
• Certain types of cancer
• Retinal Dysplasia Atrophy (RDA)
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)

Right for you?

Just because you’ve heard a lot about how great Labradors are as family dogs, it doesn’t mean they are suitable for everyone. Here are a few considerations to take into account if you are thinking about welcoming a Labrador into your home:

• Grooming and shedding! Labrador are among the heaviest shedding dog breeds and shed twice a year. This is something to consider if you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to cope with fluff coating your house! Also, they require regular grooming, which they love! When they aren’t shedding, they need to be groomed at least once a week; when they are shedding, grooming should be done daily.  
• Labradors need space and lots of it. Having a yard, preferably with fencing, is a must. They are big, sprawling dogs with lots of energy and need to have space to move about, exercise, and generally blow off steam. Plus, they have huge furry tails that can easily wreak havoc in a small space!
• Labradors, like many dogs, need lots of exercise. If you are sedentary or don’t have time to take a Labrador out for up to 90 minutes of exercise per day, it might not be the right breed of dog for you.
• Chewing. Labradors love to chew! The typical Labrador household has a few stray chew marks here and there – on furniture, on toys, and on other items. Keep this in mind.
• I’m over here! Labradors love people, plain and simple, so they need attention If you aren’t around enough to spend time and bond with a Labrador, he’ll end up being stressed and unhappy.