The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve workers’ fish, ropes and equipment and be a trustworthy companion.
They are good-natured, affectionate and happy dogs. If you are looking for a running companion, agility partner or a great all-around family pet, you may have found your perfect match.
Working dogs need a lot of exercise and this guy is no different. They need plenty of exercise and playtime, this is not a breed for couch potatoes, and you will need to be able to commit to long walks and endless games to keep them happy. This is not a suitable apartment dog.
They are great all-around dogs. They are devoted to you and your family, fantastic and gentle with children of all ages. They love strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet! If you are looking for a good watchdog, you need to keep on looking. This breed will more likely lick them to death. They tend to be slightly more reserved with their affections than their Golden Retrievers cousins.
They are peaceful living and generally run around and play with other dogs. Cats and other small animals brought up in the house should be fine. Small animals and neighbourhood cats, however, will likely still be chased.
They stay puppy-like until they are at least three years old. This, of course, is great fun but can also be a little annoying, you decide?
They are intelligent, eager to please and train, and great for novice owners. It’s essential to discover their motivation reward early on to get the best results. They are sensitive dogs, so do not train harshly or forcefully. They will sulk or hide from you, keep training playful and fun. There is a tendency for this breed to chew. Make sure they have access to toys to do this, rather than to your home or prized possessions.
These guys love to eat. It’s their passion in life, and because of this, they are prone to weight gain. You must ensure they are getting enough exercise to burn off all the extra titbits.
They are heavy shedders, particularly around spring and autumn. You will need to give them a daily or at least a weekly brush to keep the hairs under control.
Labrador Retriever Stats
Labradors originated in Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada, and were taken to England on fishing boats in the early 19th century. They were developed and bred as hunting dogs, used for retrieving games in rugged terrain and icy waters. They were popular as tough, muscular dogs with excellent scenting powers and a desire to please.
- Weight -30kg – 45kg
- Size – 55m – 57cm
- They live for 12-15 years