The Labrador Retriever – A Great Family Pet

If you’re looking for a great pet, you’ll definitely want want to take a closer look at the Labrador retriever dog breed. The Labrador retriever is a favorite dog breed of many families and it’s easy to see why as this intelligent, loyal, and fun dog makes a great family pet.

Originally from Newfoundland, this dog’s initial job was to leap into the icy waters to assist pulling in the fishing nets. Today they are used for many other things such as retrieving dead birds for hunter, as seeing eye dogs, working with the disabled, and sniffing out drugs.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Labraodor retriever as a sporting dog in 1917. They set the standards as 21 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. With proper care, the dog’s life span can be 10 to 12 years.

There are actually two types of Labrador retrievers; the English and the American. The American breed is taller and leaner than its English counterpart, but both have solid muscular bodies with a short water resistant double coat. Labs are characterized by a broad head and wide muzzle and a very powerful neck. The otter shaped tail and webbed feet help the dogs be excellent swimmers. The Labrador retriever comes in three colors solid black, yellow (buff, blond) or chocolate.

There are countless reasons why this dog breed has become so popular with families, but probably the biggest reason is their friendliness. They simply love to be loved.

Labs often gets critical marks because they can be destructive if left alone. The solution for this is to make them a part of the family and involve them in regular family activities. Don’t let them get lonely then you will have a fine pet (this is why many families have two Labs). Labrador retrievers are very smart, loyal, and can also be high spirited. They have a gentle temperament and are great with other dogs as well as children. Since they are intelligent, they can very easily be trained.

Labradors make great family dogs – because – not only are they friendly, but they also get along well with children. With children around, it’s a given that they will eventually want a pet. Of course, you will definitely wish to choose a pet that is friendly, gentle, and smart; which is why the Labrador Retriever makes such a great family dog.

Your family will want a dog that is easy to housebreak, can learn basic “dog manners”, and will be fun to play with, and can even learn tricks. The Labrador retriever learns very quickly if given the chance. They are very obedient, and exist to serve their master. All of these excellent qualities combined make for the perfect family pet that both children and adults can enjoy.

The short coat is easy to groom and just needs to be brushed routinely using a firm bristled brush. The dog should only be bathed with shampoo when it is absolutely necessary .

Of course, owning a pet takes a lot of responsibilities. It is a great way to teach your children from an early age how to care for a pet. With the Labrador Retriever, for example, they require a great deal of physical exercise (or they will get fat). Since they are very energetic, you should take them on regular walks (they love to sniff and explore) and allow them ample space to run and play.

Another thing about the Labrador Retriever is that they require tons and tons of attention. It is important that you make time for your lovable friend and play with him, pet him, and love him frequently. You will find that they crave human companionship and need it regularly. You need to make sure that if you have to leave on holiday, you have someone to come over and provide him/her a little human interaction time.

When choosing a pet, need be aware of health problems that particular breed is prone to. With the Labrador Retriever, they are typically prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia affects the front joints in Labradors – possibly causing arthritis, which could lead to the possibility of surgery to correct the problems. Hip dysplasia directly affects the joint in the hip. This could produce pain, arthritis, and even trouble walking or getting up. Labrador Retrievers are also prone to PRA and eye disorders.

Overall, the Labrador Retriever makes an excellent pet for any family. They can be housed in any type of home – even an apartment. However, you need to make sure they get plenty of activity.

A home with a decent sized yard is ideal for this dog breed. They are very obedient and faithful pets. It’s no surprise they are the #1 favorite breed in the United States and Canada.