Alice White
The Labrador Retriever is a confident, friendly, active, trusting, and endlessly loyal dog. An excellent swimmer with keen eyesight and a sense of smell, the Labrador is an excellent hunting dog. The unique character of the Labrador Retriever has made it an indispensable companion for rescuers, customs officers, and the military. His possibilities are endless, his desires are to please you.
By far the Labrador Retriever is the most popular companion in the world!
The future owners of this breed of dogs often have many questions. In this article, you will find many answers to the most frequently asked ones. Good luck!
What is the difference between a Labrador and a Retriever?
Retrievers are a group of breeds, united by their purpose, for which they were bred – gun dogs, hunting assistants – to serve game from land and water. There are six breeds recognized by all canine organizations in the world: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Flatcoated Retrievers, Curly Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, New Scottish Retrievers.
Are there golden Labradors? What is the Difference Between Golden and Yellow Labradors?
Labradors come in three colors: black, chocolate, and fawn (yellow). Yellow Labradors are often mistakenly referred to as “Golden Labradors”. Yellow can range from almost white (milky) to red. The Golden Retriever is a separate breed.
Are there any other Labrador colors?
Black, chocolate, and yellow are the only colors recognized by canine organizations in England, America, Europe, and Russia. If you are offered a Labrador of a “rare” color: silver, charcoal, or champagne, and even at astronomical prices, it is a fraud. Such colors can only be in puppies – mestizo Weimaraners and Labradors or with a tide of dogs of other breeds.
Are there differences between Labradors of different colors?
Apart from the color itself, there are no differences. It is often said that black Labradors are the best hunters, yellow dogs are lazier, and chocolate dogs are more resourceful and stubborn, they are artificially bred. These are all myths! The answer, as always, is genetics. Coat color is determined by two genes that are not associated with anything else in the dog. It is easy to get all three colors in one litter. And the idea of any differences in character, skeleton, abilities, intelligence, or health of a Labrador from color is complete nonsense.
Do Labradors shed?
Labradors have what are called double coats. This means they have a soft, fluffy undercoat and a harder guard coat. These two types of coats help your dog stay warm when swimming in cold waters. Labrador retrievers have waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent coats.
In general, Labradors molt twice a year. But they do it in moderation, it does not look as terrifying as the molting of Alaskan Malamutes, Husky, or Sheepdogs. Some coat loss throughout the year, especially in more temperate climates, is common in all woolen dogs, including Labradors, even more so if they live in a well-heated room. In addition, there are also individual characteristics.
What kind of coat care do Labradors need?
Labradors need to be combed out regularly (once a week) to keep them looking clean and well-groomed. This will also help keep shedding under control. The fine-toothed brush that you can buy at any pet store will make the job a pleasure for both of you. Labradors, like other dogs, need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Special clippers are available at any pet store, and your veterinarian or breeder will show you how. Labrador wool does not need constant attention. A global “wash” with shampoo is only necessary if the dog smells bad. In general, if the dog is just dusty or dirty, you can rinse it with plain water or wait until it is dry and then brush it thoroughly. Washing too often is not a good idea, as shampoo removes the natural protective layer from the skin and coat. Properly protected wool easily repels dirt and water. “Tanks are not afraid of dirt” is about Labradors.
Are Labradors very active dogs?
A Labrador with the correct character has a balanced temperament. Labradors are active dogs, especially as a puppy. Labradors often don’t mature until they are 3 years old. This means your dog will behave like a puppy (with the energy of a puppy) up to this age, regardless of its size! Often a Labrador puppy is considered hyperactive, although it is just a normal, outgoing, and bouncy puppy. If you are willing to accept or even enjoy such a dog for three years, then you will not have problems.
What does it mean when a Labrador draws his hind legs and runs like crazy?
When a Labrador draws in his hind legs and starts running in circles at high speed, this does not mean that he has gone crazy. Most Labradors do this. This does not indicate a problem with your dog’s psyche, temperament, or musculoskeletal system. Just at this moment, your Labrador experiences a surge of energy and a moment of complete happiness. However, you should be extremely careful not to get injured during this burst of energy!
Are Labradors popular?
Yes. Since the early 1990s, Labradors have consistently held the lead in popularity all over the world. The popularity of these dogs is due to their kind character and cheerful disposition. Labradors evoke only positive emotions, so the owners forgive the dogs for their harmless pranks. Labradors are the happiest dogs in the world, watch him and you will see that he is constantly smiling.
Are Labrador Retrievers good guard dogs?
Protective qualities contradict the essence of the Labrador. By nature, the Labrador is a real family dog - a companion who will always be happy to play with children and will try to fulfill any desire of its owner. Labradors can exhibit protective qualities in the form of barking when they hear or see something that bothers or disturbs them. Especially if this “something” is in close proximity to their territory. If your main goal in acquiring a dog is to have a guard, Labrador Retriever is one of the worst options. But, if you only need a “signal” repeller, most Labradors will do just fine with this primitive role.
What kind of work can Labradors do?
Many Labradors, in addition to hunting and the role of a terrific pet, are used as service and therapy dogs, guide of the blind, do well in search and rescue work. And also excellently looking for explosives and drugs. Their flair, temperament, and learning ability make them particularly suited to these types of activities, and the breed has an outstanding history in these areas of our lives.
How do Labradors communicate with children?
As a breed, Labradors have an excellent reputation for interacting with children. However, it would be wrong to allow the puppy and the child to play without adult supervision. Both puppies and children tend to be unaware of their own strength and can accidentally hurt each other. Labradors will not intentionally harm anyone but may knock or scratch a child in play. The same applies to children: they can inadvertently harm the puppy. As a parent of a young child and owner of a young Labrador puppy, you will need to spend some time together to teach the child and puppy how to communicate with each other.
Do Labradors like to swim?
Labradors love to swim. In general, for them, it is absolutely natural. But don’t be alarmed if your little puppy is unsure of the water for the first time. Never throw your puppy into the water! If you have an adult dog that loves to swim, the puppy will most likely follow it happily. You can also inspire your puppy with your own example. Keep in mind, however, that your puppy has sharp claws that can scratch you if he tries to climb on you in the water. The puppy’s first bath should be in a place where there is a gradual entrance, not a sharp drop, and there should be no current. Let the puppy explore the water for himself; if he just wants to splash and jump in shallow water, for now, let him. When he gets comfortable, he goes deeper.
Do they bark a lot?
Bored Labradors can bark, although excessive barking is not at all typical of the breed. Labradors often emit warning barks in response to something unusual, or when they feel a need for your attention.
How to choose a Labrador puppy?
You need to do some homework before you start talking to the breeders and of course before you go to see the puppies. You need to make decisions about what gender and color you would like to have a Labrador. What are you planning to do with the dog? Once you have answered these questions, you should discuss your requests with the breeders. Once you’ve found a breeder you like, ask him to help you choose your puppy. Most breeders are quite familiar with the individual characteristics of the puppies and will help you make a good choice.
How long do Labradors live?
With good care, active walks, proper nutrition, and healthy genetics, Labrador Retrievers can live up to 14-15 years.
What health problems are Labradors prone to?
You can minimize the threat to your pet’s health by choosing a breeder carefully. A responsible breeder uses only healthy dogs that have been tested for possible genetic diseases inbreeding. Dogs of Ens Lumens kennel are free from dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, retinal atrophy, nasal parakeratosis, central myopathy, the collapse caused by physical exertion.
Disease prevention is always better than cure. To do this, you need to regularly examine your Labrador with a doctor, regularly give the dog anthelmintic, treat fleas and ticks, inoculate the pet with polyvalent vaccines in a timely manner, examine the Labrador yourself, checking the condition of the coat, eyes, ears, teeth, paws.
Any deviation from the normal behavior of the dog should be noticed as early as possible and described to the doctor, he will either dispel your doubts or provide the necessary assistance. In dogs, metabolic processes are faster than in humans, so if your Labrador is feeling unwell, you should not hesitate. Please contact your veterinarian immediately.
