Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Labrador Retriever is a sturdily
built, medium to large sized dog used primarily
for hunting and as a companion. The dog is
strongly muscled with a powerful jaw, but is
renowned for its delicacy in carrying objects in
its mouth. The male dog should be between 22 ½"
to 24 ½" at the withers, with the bitch an inch
less in both measurements. A top weight for the
dog would be 80 pounds, and 70 pounds for the
female. The Labrador coat can be yellow,
chocolate, or black, and the colors must be
solid. A touch of white on the chest is permitted.

Temperament: The Labrador Retriever is renowned
for its equable, friendly disposition. Labradors
are enthusiastic and loyal dogs and are gentle
and kind with children. Despite their reputation
as hunting and retrieval dogs, Labs get along
well with dogs and other animals. Because
Labrador Retrievers are trusting and friendly,
they generally are not utilized as guard dogs.
They are widely used as rescue and helper dogs,
however.

History: Settlers on the isle of Newfoundland,
Canada, are responsible for helping to develop
the Labrador breed. The progenitor of the
Labrador Retriever was the St. John's Water Dog,
which also gave rise to the Newfoundland. The St.
John's Water Dog was used by fishermen on the
island to help bring in their nets. The St.
John's Water Dog was taken to England in the
1800s, but it was not until later that the
Labrador breed began to emerge on its own. This
is due mostly to the fact that the Earls of
Malmesbury worked to refine the breed and promote
it. Because of their efforts, the Labrador
Retriever won recognition as a separate breed in
the late 19th century.

Health Issues: Fortunately, the Labrador
Retriever is a basically healthy breed not
encumbered with too many serious genetic
problems. As can happen in the larger breeds, the
Labrador can suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia.
Knee problems might also surface and exercise
induced collapse can also affect these dogs. Ear
infections can occur as the soft, pendulous ears
restrict air flow and help to create an
environment suitable for bacterial growth. The
ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to
help prevent infections.

Grooming: Although the Labrador Retriever is a
short-haired dog, there are shedding and coat
concerns that should be addressed. The yellow
dogs have a tendency to shed continuously, and
need to be brushed frequently, at least several
times a week. The black Labs lose most of their
coat twice a year, but do not shed much
otherwise. The chocolate dogs shed heavily during
the summer. Both the black and chocolate
varieties should be brushed once a week to remove
dead hairs and spread the coat's oil evenly.
Although there are many different types of
grooming tool available, the most the average
owner will need is just a good, basic brush.

Living Conditions: Since the Labrador Retriever
is basically an outdoor hunting dog, it is
capable of living outside as long as it has a
snug doghouse. But, as with most hunting dogs,
the Labrador is a human-orientated dog and is
much happier when allowed to live in the house
with the family. These dogs enjoy interacting
with their human friends and keeping them inside
will only reinforce their attachment to their
owners.

----------------------------------------------------
For more information on the Labrador Retriever,
Training and Puppies for sale visit the page
below.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Labrador-Retriever-Dog-B
reed&id=3731727

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=86930

>