Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. To avoid complications with nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , talk with your veterinarian about appropriate dog foods that are not grain-free Did you know Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed Labrador Andrex Puppy But no matter what personality your Lab puppy grows to develop, one thing is always the same Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Read More Appearance Labradors are muscular and athletic with a short top coat and dense undercoat Descended from St If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature Here is a complete list of health problems in Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retriever personality In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training

In other words, according to the AKC, your silver Lab is actually a chocolate Lab also has inherited dilution gene that washes the chocolate into a silvery gray

Labs have been known to dig and chew, so invest in plenty of sturdy chew toys to keep yours entertained The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same But almost certainly silver Labrador Retrievers are here to stay And they absolutely love to swim And they absolutely love to swim. But they also shed some all through the year Thankfully saved by English breeders, they were introduced to the U Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention Labrador Mix Puppies For Sale In Pa Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong They need to be socialized with different people and pets, so they get used to being around others at a young age They need to be socialized with different people and pets, so they get used to being around others at a young age. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws At the end of the work day, Labs were then happy to head home to spend the night with the fishermen's families Puppy food will provide the extra calories they need to grow to their full potential Puppy food will provide the extra calories they need to grow to their full potential. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know .

Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today Labrador Retriever As A Puppy Another surgery Grooming needs are minimal Grooming needs are minimal. This heart condition may first be detected by a veterinarian hearing a heart murmur during a routine exam, or by a blood test called an NT-proBNP assay that measures heart function Originally called St Labs also need mental stimulation, which means interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated: For example, a challenging dog sport agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, frisbee, field trials ; interactive dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; fetch games and tricks Whatever the shade, it's still just a yellow Lab A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming Are they friendly with strangers? Yes, most Labs are happy to see everyone

Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind

An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs

All of these are taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies They do have lots of energy, so you'll need to stay active with them, but they are also happy to relax at home for family movie night This is a friendly, trusting breed Owners will also need to keep an eye on their Labs as these dogs are known for consuming inedible objects Owners will also need to keep an eye on their Labs as these dogs are known for consuming inedible objects. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature A daily minute walk or a lively game of fetch will help your pup burn off some of his energy However, since genetic diversity is a good thing in living creatures, I don't view cross-breeding as an evil thing Labrador Cross Pointer Puppies Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues Related Content Related Content. A bored Lab can become destructive and get into trouble One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend The problem is finding one with the best chances of staying healthy through the years Read More Shedding Labrador Retrievers shed a lot of hair throughout the year despite having short coats English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair This, coupled with ample positive reinforcement , will allow your pup to grow into the friendly Lab many know and love .

King Buck was the model Labrador retriever featured on a U Labrador Gundog Puppies For Sale Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada With the right amount of exercise, though, Labrador Retrievers make devoted, loving pets for all types of different homes Read More Activity Level Labrador Retrievers are very energetic and should get about an hour of exercise to stay happy and healthy Because this is a hereditary condition, responsible breeders thoroughly test their dams and studs for this condition before breeding Because this is a hereditary condition, responsible breeders thoroughly test their dams and studs for this condition before breeding. How much exercise do Labrador Retrievers need? Many owners don't give this breed the exercise it deserves Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets .

Are you prepared to adopt a pet? This cancer has a very grave prognosis Labrador Retriever White Puppy A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday A weekly ear cleaning and inspection is good for keeping your Lab safe from ear infections A weekly ear cleaning and inspection is good for keeping your Lab safe from ear infections. While they have high energy and require lots of activity , they are eager to please and highly trainable After World War II, the Lab's popularity took over and grew for decades until they ultimately achieved the status of America's—and England and Canada's—most popular pooch Labs need more brushing than some other shorthaired breeds because of the high shedding They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience Read More Temperament Labrador Retrievers are easygoing, sweet-natured dogs with excellent personalities Read More Temperament Labrador Retrievers are easygoing, sweet-natured dogs with excellent personalities.

Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels

It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die They also come in silver gray , but this color is frowned on by breed purists Labrador Spaniel Puppies For Sale Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for heavier and heavier Labs, with a lot of individuals topping 90 pounds How to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers do best with twice-daily feedings, morning and evening How to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers do best with twice-daily feedings, morning and evening. Are Labrador Retrievers good with other pets? Most Labs are fine with other dogs and cats, fine with livestock, and even fine with very small pets such as rabbits and ferrets History of the Labrador Retriever Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England Some tend to be more anxious dogs Remember, the AKC says that Labs can only be black, chocolate, or yellow Young Labs up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor Young Labs up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. Temperament "The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non aggressive towards man or animal," the breed standard says Jumping can injure people, and even when it doesn't, it puts a dog in a heightened state of arousal that isn't good for him If your Lab has been allowed to jump on people, you should stop this behavior immediately Labradore Puppies For Sale The three major colors of Labs are black, yellow, and chocolate Once they reach adulthood, they will need to transition to a high-quality adult formula for large breeds Once they reach adulthood, they will need to transition to a high-quality adult formula for large breeds. What many veterinarians do find, however, is that each Lab is an individual with his own personality Gene therapy may be helpful for dogs with this condition, but more research needs to be done to improve the outcome .

Gene therapy may be helpful for dogs with this condition, but more research needs to be done to improve the outcome

Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy What to expect Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular They love to play and are highly energetic throughout most of their lives Don't just plunk a baby bunny onto the floor and let your full-grown Lab loose in the room Living Needs Labs adore their owners Living Needs Labs adore their owners. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving Labrador Retriever Training Labrador Retriever puppies are very energetic and will grow into very strong dogs Their undercoat is softer and helps provide protection from the weather, especially cold temperatures and water, a nod to their original role as retrievers

Labrador Retriever puppies hardly shed at all

The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The bulk of their shedding occurs twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a winter coat Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet Chocolate Labrador They are very affectionate toward children, other pets, and even strangers Grooming: Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think — on the high side of average at least Grooming: Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think — on the high side of average at least. Previous Activity Level Labrador Retrievers are very energetic and should get about an hour of exercise to stay happy and healthy It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail Be sure to quickly correct any bad puppy behaviors that arise—such as biting, growling, chewing on objects, and trying to eat random items—so that these behaviors do not continue and worsen over time Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. You can prevent this condition by feeding your Labrador a well-balanced diet that includes grain How big are Labrador Retrievers? Usually they're inches at the shoulder, with males typically in the higher half of that range, and females in the lower half .

Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up Since then, the Labrador Retriever has gained even more popularity and now ranks among the most popular dog breeds of all time They are good with people of all ages and other animals They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease However, remember my cautions about exuberance and jumping Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter As the dog ages, arthritis can develop Labs are very social and love people, which makes them eager to befriend just about anyone, including strangers and other dogs Labs are very social and love people, which makes them eager to befriend just about anyone, including strangers and other dogs. They also top the list in Canada and England Females stand For puppies 2 to 18 months old Once your Labrador Retriever is 1 year old, switch to a high-quality large-breed adult formula—which has fewer calories than the puppy version—to prevent unwanted weight gain Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. What to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy formula made for large breeds until they are a year old Originally called the St .

Originally called the St

Chocolate also comes in shades: from light coffee to deep chocolate brown And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience They are known for their gentle nature and love of children They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in Fun Activities for Labrador Retrievers Scent work However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs

And based on the appearance of some silver "Labs", there are breeders who are still crossing in Weimaraners

Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog A grain-free diet with peas, legumes, or lentils among the top five ingredients has been linked to this heart condition Active and playful Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train Many Labradors between one and three years old are dropped off at animal shelters or rescue groups because of dog behavior problems such as pulling vigorously on the leash and jumping on people And you can even have a Lab that is a bit of a goofball One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications Labrador Retrievers may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need more exercise than the owner was prepared to give Labrador Retrievers may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need more exercise than the owner was prepared to give. On the plus side, obviously Labs need no trimming! Yellow Labrador They love playing fetch and going on hikes, especially if there is a place for them to swim Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy Compared to Labs, Goldens tend to be even more outgoing toward everyone and more eager to please They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please. .

They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please

Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system The star of the show, Marley, is actually several different Labs who played the role to reflect the various age stages of Marley during the film The Lab coat sheds water easily Brushing their teeth a couple of times a week, keeping their nails trimmed —likely once or twice a month—and checking their ears for redness or odor should also be on your Lab care checklist Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Labrador Retriever ends up with cataracts and crippled joints Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a disease of the eye that can occur as a result of various genetic mutations One example of an odd neuromuscular disease is called exercise-induced collapse One example of an odd neuromuscular disease is called exercise-induced collapse. This breed is not recommended for people with allergies Therefore, keep a watchful eye on puppies and spend the time to train them on what they can and cannot eat However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time The working heritage of the Lab means they are active Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists.

Considered the first documented yellow Lab, today most lines of yellow Labs can be traced to his bloodline

Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding Though both are friendly pups and popular with families, they distinctly different breeds Though both are friendly pups and popular with families, they distinctly different breeds. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Adopt a pet Labrador Retrievers are often available from dog rescue groups Paw Size Different builds, different body shapes Yellow Labs might be easy to confuse with golden retrievers Yellow Labs might be easy to confuse with golden retrievers. Of course, it might just be coincidence! But apart from color, you'll definitely see Labs who look quite different from other Labs While the breed began to die out in Newfoundland because of a high dog tax, breeding continued in England To determine how much to feed your Labrador Retriever , check the feeding guidelines on the bag and chat with your veterinarian to find the appropriate portions to help keep your dog at a healthy weight Otherwise they will become bored, which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise Lack of activity could lead to undesirable behavior, but don't overdo it—this "workaholic" breed is apt to exhaust itself .

Unfortunately, an increasing number of beloved Labs are lost in middle age to inherited forms of cancer or heart disease If you don't yet have your dog and your home includes toddlers or infirm adults, you might consider skipping the challenging puppy and adolescent stages Some of the most common examples include: Some of the most common examples include:. This is not a good breed for a casual or couch potato owner Another famous Lab is Ben of Hyde , born in They are competitors, doing well in agility, field tests, and at dog shows But they do tend to be very sweet dogs with mellow temperaments that fit well into many families They come in several colors, yet they're all Labrador Retrievers They come in several colors, yet they're all Labrador Retrievers. Virbac Movoflex , Synovi Chews , Dasuquin , Cosequin , and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective

Many of these water dogs were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated St John's dogs

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog This can lead to painful lameness If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder Also see my advice on Labrador Retriever health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a Labrador Retriever puppy, but you want one In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday Now, what about silver Labrador Retrievers? The official breed clubs, and breeders who show their dog in the conformation ring, state that silver is a disqualified color for showing purposes They became increasingly popular starting in the early s, when they were brought to England by nobles who appreciated their work ethic and disposition .

They became increasingly popular starting in the early s, when they were brought to England by nobles who appreciated their work ethic and disposition

They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions Labs come in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded You might choose to accept that risk Labs may tend to mouth people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level Intelligent and trainable What colors do Labrador Retrievers come in? Officially, Labrador Retrievers come in black, yellow, and chocolate These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador Their enthusiasm not only makes them fun to be around, but also makes them a hard-working breed Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock .

Was this page helpful? Thrives on exercise and athletic activities Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Peaceful with other animals Very responsive to training The Bad Needs a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block High energy and exuberant jumping, especially when young Sheds a lot Risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding Their top coat is short and thick Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs Even though they can't be shown, the AKC still accepts them for registration If you notice your dog gobbling food down, consider a slow-feeding device Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results

A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots

They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed

This supplement helps to reduce inflammation in the joints, makes the coat shiny, and protects the skin barrier from allergens in the environment I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog Health Labs are a pretty hearty and healthy breed , living 10—12 years He may collapse after exercise They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy From retrieving games to pulling small fishing boats, the Labrador had a variety of different jobs Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train But, as with all breeds, there are some common conditions to be aware of They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers That means things can go flying — including people A Lab's tail serves a purpose in their heritage as well They can also face eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance Owners should also be aware of a condition called exercise induced collapse EIC Other health issues a Lab might be faced with include hip dysplasia, obesity, elbow dysplasia, and bloat The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at Developed as hunting dogs to fetch and carry birds back to the hunter, Labs love to carry toys around .

In particular, Labrador Retrievers used primarily for hunting and field trials look very different from Labs you see at dog shows that emphasize conformation Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to Labrador Retrievers? The Golden Retriever is similar to a Labrador in being a great all-around family dog and a great choice for first-time owners When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets If properly introduced and trained, Labs can also get along well with other pets in the home including cats , other dogs, and small animals The dog may bite at the tail Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this In fact, most Labrador breeders insist that silver dogs aren't even purebred How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females

The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method

Get your book today Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds Care When you welcome a Lab to your home, be prepared for lots of shedding Yellow, black, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies Their coat comes in three colors, black, brown, and cream Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience Are there different "types" of Labrador Retrievers? Not officially They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets Or check out my training tips to teach your Labrador Retriever puppy to be well-behaved First, you need to think about the different types of Labrador Retriever we talked about earlier It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die They need lots of exercise and attention to make them happy Black Labrador Retriever Grooming isn't substantial, but brushing your dog daily will help reduce the tumbleweeds of fur scattered about your house from their thick double coat Labs may also develop hot spots —or acute moist dermatitis—cold tail, and ear infections Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St .

Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St

I think they're probably right It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep Flat-Coats also suffer from serious health issues Focus on teaching loose-leash walking, indoor calmness, and no jumping Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back It is up to you to end play and training sessions The retina slowly degenerates over a period of time, leading to permanent dilation of the pupils and eventual blindness

Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection

Nutritional Tips for Labrador Retrievers Starting a Labrador Retriever on a joint supplement early in life can help slow down or possibly prevent arthritis Of course their reputation for good behavior precedes them, but that doesn't mean you can skip training sessions with your Lab Introduce Labrador puppies to other humans and animals early to help socialize them properly To help deter barking, start redirecting the behavior early and finding healthier outlets They love to eat and are known to eat very quickly There's only the one breed Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed However, in a funny twist, those registration papers don't say silver Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Most Labs are among the best possible dogs for children I can help you with that, too I think that one or more Weimaraner crosses probably did introduce the silver gene at some point In my obedience classes, yellow Labs are often the calmest and most mild-mannered Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog They are most known for their kind and expressive eyes that are typically brown or hazel in color And if one hind leg ruptures, the other is likely to follow at a later time Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train? Yes, training most Labrador Retrievers is easy How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well .

Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well

Some silver Labs aren't silvery gray, but dark charcoal gray They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities Many Labs do live to 12 or 13, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis However, shelter personnel can be overzealous in labeling every medium- to large shorthaired black dog as a "Lab cross Their position is that the silver gene infiltrated the Labrador's gene pool by crossbreeding Labs with Weimaraners Labrador Retrievers with mild to moderate DCM may be asymptomatic Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say On the other hand, if I wanted a dog who could be counted on to look and act like a Lab, you're more likely to get that in a Lab who isn't silver, especially if the silver breeder is still using Weimaraners in his breeding program They are not known for digging in the yard However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate

While black Labs were an early favorite with breeders, all three types of Labs are common today

John's water dogs' extinction, according to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation You can buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from a show breeder who breeds Labradors to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed in the United States, so they're very easy to find In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk Appearance Thanks to their role as a hunter's companion, the Labrador retriever is a sturdy dog, weighing in at anywhere from 55—80 pounds How Much to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever puppies have rapid growth spurts, so feed them a high-quality puppy formula when they are under 12 months of age Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied Black is the most common color They have a narrower head, longer muzzle, lankier body, and a sleeker coat Of course introductions should be made properly They've won the dog personality popularity contest for so many years, as Labs are devoted to their owners—always willing to show you their affection and receive your adoration in return—are highly intelligent, and are happiest doing any and all family activities In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today .

Compared to the Lab, a Chessie has a stronger temperament, needs more exercise, is more reserved with strangers, and can be bossy toward strange dogs In contrast, the chocolate Labs I've worked with have all been very energetic Adults have a more settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one Or perhaps they pull on the leash or jump on people Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever About the Labrador Retriever Labrador retrievers are sturdy, solid dogs They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great dog for experienced owners .

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great dog for experienced owners

The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age Show type Labrador Retriever If the disease is advanced it cannot be reversed, but heart medications may be able to manage it for a period of time The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age This will regulate the amount of food your dog can eat at one time and prevent regurgitation and stomach upset that can happen if they eat too quickly It is caused by a bacterial infection By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted

They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement

Look into adopting an adult Labrador Retriever from a rescue group You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise and training that they are lacking They are thick and tapered, an "otter tail" that acts as a rudder when Labs swim Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance A number of eye diseases cause blindness in Labrador Retrievers With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance How long do Labrador Retrievers live? Are they a healthy breed? Labrador Retrievers typically live years They should be bathed every other month to keep them smelling fresh Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic Given that they originated on an island, Labrador Retrievers were used as all-purpose water dogs What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about The breed is at higher-than-average risk for an emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat, which can kill a healthy dog within hours .

It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a Lab Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters Labrador Retrievers are considered moderate barkers Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment History A bit misnamed, Labs actually come from Newfoundland—off the northeastern coast of Canada—not Labrador, according to the Labrador Retriever Club Tops in the personality department, Labs are also highly intelligent, making them very trainable It is rare for a Labrador Retriever to show any sign of aggression They are easy keepers and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed Prevalence Common The Labrador retriever matures moderately fast, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age Labs from show lines are heavier-boned and stockier, with a large blocky head and dense coat The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation If nutritional DCM is diagnosed early, it can be reversed by feeding the dog a high-quality diet containing grain, and also by providing cardiac supplements Around , during travels to Newfoundland, English sportsmen took a liking to the Labrador Retriever and brought some of the dogs back to England Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing

Labs are companionable, bonding with all family members, and famously friendly to every person and pup they meet

Follow the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag of large-breed puppy formula based on age and expected body weight I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member If you don't diligently pull out the dead undercoat during regular grooming sessions, it will all fall out on your floors and furniture As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size Don't let Lab puppies run and play on hard surfaces for their first two years so they don't damage their joints The more common name of this health concern is hot spots So they register silver Labs as Chocolate, because they consider silver to be a dilution of the chocolate gene They'll bark when someone comes to the door, but they're not protective Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet Exercise should incorporate their family as often as possible To me, those dogs don't really look like the classic Labrador Retriever .