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Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Labrador Retrievers
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Labrador Retriever Puppy?
● Most Asked Labrador Retriever Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

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Temperament

Labrador Retrievers are cheerful and outgoing dogs, and tend to be friendly and affectionate to anyone and everyone. They are often trained as service or therapy dogs, and their loving natures serve them well when kept as family pets.

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The Ultimate Guide to Labrador Retrievers

● Key Characteristics Of Labrador Retrievers
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Labrador Retriever Puppy?
● Most Asked Labrador Retriever Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the world for good reason. They’re smart, playful dogs that also excel at all sorts of work roles. They need a lot of attention and care, but they repay that with oodles of affection and wonderful personalities.

 

Labrador Retriever Origins

Labrador Retrievers come from the island of Newfoundland, off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The breed was first called the St. John’s dog, and took its name from the capital city of Newfoundland.

Since the 18th century, Labrador Retrievers have helped fishermen haul in fishing nets, as well as recover fish that had fallen out of the nets. Labrador breeders chose dogs that would excel at working all throughout the day, a trait which has carried on to modern Labrador Retrievers.

Their long history by the sea has made them excellent water dogs, and their retrieving ability stems from their soft mouths and gentle jaws.

Most Labs these days are no longer kept as working dogs, and spend their days being pampered and adored family pets. However, some Labs are still working dogs, and they excel in a variety of roles.

Key Characteristics of Labrador Retrievers

Are Labrador Retrievers Family-Friendly?Yes, Labrador Retrievers are famously eager to please their owners and family members, and are almost always loving and affectionate with humans. They are also friendly with dogs and strangers.
Daily Exercise Needs?
In terms of exercise, the Labrador Retriever is an extremely active dog breed that needs a lot of outdoor activity and frequent walks.
Common Health Issues & ConsiderationsWhile generally healthy, the Labrador Retriever may be prone to:
● Hip and elbow dysplasia
● Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
● Cold Tail
Lifespan10 to 12 years
Nature & Temperament
Playful, Friendly, Loving, Active, Intelligent
SizeWeight
55 to 80 pounds

Height
53 to 60 cm
Suitable EnvironmentThe Labrador Retriever loves the outdoors, and thrives in larger homes where they have the space to be playful. They aren’t well suited to being apartment dogs, as their natural instinct is to go through life at maximum intensity.

Labrador Retrievers will be able to adapt to medium or large sized properties. They love being smothered with affection, and need to spend most of their time with humans.
GroomingLabrador Retrievers are heavy shedders and will need very frequent brushing.

Other considerations:

● The Labrador Retriever is one of the most food-focused dog breeds and can be prone to weight gain.

● Labrador Retrievers tend to make very poor guard dogs as they are not naturally wary of humans.

● Most Labrador Retrievers are great swimmers due to their webbed feet, and letting them play in water is a great way to give them the exercise they need.

 

How can I take good care of my Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever Puppy?

Nutrition

Labrador Retriever puppies should always be fed high-quality dog food. It’s best to give them a large-breed-specific food that gives them all the nutrients they require to grow properly. Clean water should be made available at all times.

Since Labradors are prone to weight gain, it’s a good idea to weigh out your dog’s food even when they are puppies. Avoid free-feeding where you leave out food for extended periods of time. You may consult with your vet about your dog’s diet and nutrition, if necessary.

Grooming

Labrador Retriever puppies and adults will need frequent brushing so that shedding is minimised. Apart from that, their grooming needs are moderate as their fur does not grow very long.

Recommended Grooming Tips:

● It may be a good idea to get a vacuum cleaner for the mounds of Labrador fur that is bound to end up on your floor, no matter how much you brush your dog.

● Though they don’t need haircuts often (or at all, really), you may visit a professional groomer to have your Labrador deshedded, which may help during their heavier shedding periods that happen twice a year.

● It’s important to brush your Labrador’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste.

Exercise

Labrador Retrievers are working dogs at heart, and love having things to do – if you don’t give them a job, they’ll happily play all throughout the day. However, they tend to be workaholics and may drive themselves to exhaustion, which isn’t good for them. Watch your Labrador’s habits and get them to take a break if they seem like they’re starting to get too tired. A couple of 30-minute walks each day is a good start for most Labrador Retrievers.

Training

Training a Labrador Retriever puppy early and often is the best way to help them learn proper doggy behaviours. They’re happy to learn and even happier to please their owners.

Labrador Retrievers can start obedience training as soon as you bring them home. Because they’re so affectionate, they can sometimes tug on leashes and jump on people. These behaviours should be trained out as soon as possible.

If you are intending to have your Labrador Retriever become a service dog or therapy dog, professional training is required. If you enrol your dog in a training course, ensure that the training methods are based on positive reinforcement.

This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.

Most Asked Labrador Retriever Questions

Can Labrador Retriever puppies live outdoors?

No, Labrador Retriever puppies do not do well when left alone for long periods of time, as they are meant to be close companions to their owners.

Are Labrador Retrievers aggressive?

No, Labrador Retrievers do not tend to be aggressive – however, you need to socialise and train your Labrador Retriever puppy so that they get along well with strangers.

What is the cost of a Labrador for sale in Australia?

If you are searching for a Labrador for sale, we recommend that you adopt from reputable Labrador breeders. Labrador Retriever puppies from good breeders will be happier and healthier in the long run. The average cost of a Labrador for sale will be between AUD $2000 and $5000.

This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.

Similar Breeds

● Labradoodle

● Golden Retriever

● Kelpie Cross Labrador

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