Labrador Colors

Labrador colors are often disputed once the traditional black labs are discounted. Some people call the brown lab a chocolate lab, while others contend that the yellow lab is a blonde lab. The white lab is sometimes considered a albino lab, though it does not have blue eyes. The lab’s color is important because the rarity of the color can raise or lower the price.

Common Ailments and Diseases of Labrador Retievers

Click Picture for More Information

 

Common Ailments of Labradors

Hip Dysphasia

            Labs have a tendency to develop different joint degenerative diseases; one of them is hip dysphasia. Any dogs used to breed need to be x-rayed and certified free from hip dysphasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Wind-Morgan program or the Penn Hip techniques. Most breeders get their animals certified by the OFA. Others use the other two options or a combination. The breeder needs to have these documents on hand and should give duplicates to you for the dam and the sire. They tend to develop OCD and arthritis. Try to find breeders the also have the elbows OFA certified. If you find one that uses the Wind-Morgan program too that is even better.

Useful web address:

http://www.offa.org/ 

Eye Disorders

            The common eye disorders that Labs develop are: progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and retinal dysphasia. Every dog used for breeding needs to be examined by a veterinarian that is a board certified ophthalmologist. A breeder who is responsible will report the evaluation to CERF to help them follow the occurrence of different eye disorders in Labs. Those breeders will get CERF numbers for their dogs that have a one-year expiration. Request a duplicate of the evaluation breeder turned into CERF. It may contain information about the dog of interest, though it didn’t stop the dog from getting a CERF number.

PRA

            PRA isn’t easy to diagnose. The diagnosis can be made through taking an electroretinogram. It will find the onset of the disorder in advance of the dog going blind by close to two years before it happens. Normally, this test should be given when the Lab is five years of age. If the Lab’s line develops this problem early, it is advised to get the test earlier. This is a hard test to perform. Some AVCO vets aren’t able to perform this test because they don’t have the necessary ability to handle such delicate work. The test necessitates anesthesia.

            It is a difficult disease to eliminate. The aliment doesn’t usually show up until the dog is eight years old or older. If you think your Lab is going blind have a veterinary ophthalmologist test him. If the diagnosis is PRA, please let the breeder know. Also, sending your Lab’s pedigree to the Data Books of the PRA would be very helpful.

            The studies of Dr. Gus Aquirre concerning the Lab genes that cause PRA are encouraging. He reports that in the near future a DNA test should be ready. He has also studied the genes of other dog breeds; he has isolated the markers of the disease for Irish Setters.

            The number for VetGen is 800-4-vetgen; their fax is 313-669-8441. The contact person is Michele Feitler. The team at VetGen is working to discover the gene responsible for PRA. They can use more DNA samples of the Labs that have these genes and their line. A cure for the illness can be found, if enough information is gathered and researched.

Useful web addresses:

http://www.vetgen.com/

 

Tricuspid Valve Dysphasia of TVD

 

            There is a newer disorder in Labs that is a problem with their hearts. The medical name is Tricuspid Valve Dysphasia. A dog on the west coast sired numerous pups that had this illness and died. He was found to have a lesser form of the disease. It was discovered by testing with an echocardiogram, whereas, the examination using the stethoscope didn’t find the defect. This is a problem that breeders are starting to recognize. They don’t know if this defect is going to be common or how it is inherited. Question the breeder about his dogs. Find out if he had them tested with an echocardiogram. Presently, not many dogs have been tested for this defect.

Infections of the Ear

            Labs get ear infections easily; it is because their ears drop and they really like to swim. Though a lot of Labs get ear infections, it doesn’t happen to all of them. If your Lab does, it will become a chronic problem, if you don’t use prevention techniques on a regular basis.

            Examine your Lab’s ears often. Notice if the skin is the correct color. The color should be pale pink. If the Lab is yellow, the ears will be pinker. Does the ear have a bad smell? It shouldn’t. The ears should be kept clean. Don’t use a Q-tip to clean the ears. It is best to clean his ears with a cotton ball. You can use a tissue. He may produce a good bit of wax. Cleaning his ears out once per month should be sufficient. When he goes swimming wipe his ears out. When his ears are odorous carry him to his vet. He probably has an ear infection of which different kinds do occur. Once he is cured, clean his ears routinely.

            A popular solution to use for cleaning his ears is two tablespoons of boric acid, four ounces of rubbing alcohol, and one tablespoon of glycerin. Shake the mixture well. Fill a small eyedropper and squirt the solution into one ear and another eyedropper full into the other ear. This should be a weekly procedure. This normally prevents ear infections. It makes the Lab’s ear inhospitable to the bacteria that cause ear infections. It accomplishes this goal by increasing the pH level somewhat. This is prevention not a cure for an ear infection. If your Lab’ ears are infected take him to the vet. Using the solution when his ears have an infection or he acts like they are sensitive might cause more irritation to his ears.

Wash Tail

            Wash tail is sometimes called cold tail or limber tail. If your Lab’s tail becomes limp, he will probably bite it as if it weren’t part of his body. If you notice this behavior it is caused by cold tail. It only last a couple of days, perhaps three. The reason some people call it cold tail is this usually occurs after a dog has swam in cold water. Don’t worry, if this happens to your Lab; it isn’t a serious problem. It may be a response by a gland residing at the juncture of his tail to his body. Another theory is that it is a muscle spasm. The majority of vet books don’t discuss wash tail. It is discussed in the book Peak Performance written by M. Christine Zink.

Typical Injuries

            Labs have a tendency to an injury to the ligaments called ruptured cruciate ligaments. The reason isn’t known. Normally, the way this injury occurs is that the dog is twisting his legs somehow. One way is when he is catching a ball or Frisbee in the air by leaping up for the catch. There are several options for surgery to treat the problem. The dog’s activity will be restrained for six weeks or more following the surgery. The rehabilitation can take up to six months.

Laryngeal Paralysis

            This type of paralysis causes either both or one side of larynx to dysfunction by not opening and closing correctly. The extent of the impediment dictates whether or not the Lab can breathe in enough oxygen. When a dog has laryngeal paralysis he cannot pant well enough to cool himself off. So he will get over heated. Normally, this is a problem that older dogs develop, but a few younger dogs have this problem. It isn’t a congenital condition in Labradors.  Some other breeds inherit this as a congenital problem.

            The first symptom of laryngeal paralysis is a coarse breathing noise and the Lab’s bark changes. When the vet diagnoses this problem, the dog will be slightly anesthetized so the vet can examine the movement of the larynx. To correctly diagnosis this dysfunction the vet needs some previous experience. If he thinks that is the problem, but hasn’t has any experience in detecting this problem, request a referral to an experienced vet.

            To treat laryngeal paralysis surgery must be performed that tacks one of the laryngeal folds causing it to stay open. Now the dog will be able to breathe and get sufficient oxygen. A new problem arises because of the surgery. He is now at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. This is because he is more likely to inhale food or water. His food and water should be put in a raised bowl. He shouldn’t swim in water that isn’t chlorinated. The Lab’s bark will change. That is because the surgery he had is like debarking surgery.

            The only other way to handle this condition is not to get the surgery for the Lab. Some dog owners have tried this and they closely watched over their dog’s health problem. They had to take extra care on warm or hot days. Sometimes Labs thus watched can do without the surgery for a while. See what your vet advises. There is a range of the condition. Some instances aren’t as severe as others. Your vet can help you decide what to do.

Other Difficulties

Some other problems to talk with your breeders about are: skin allergies, thyroid function, and epilepsy.

            If you need to dose your Lab with Rimadyl be very cautious. The biggest side effect is making the liver toxic. Labs have been known to have this side effect that might be caused by the number of Labs using the medication. It could be that Labs are more prone to this effect. Have a full discussion of this effect when your vet proscribes this medication for your dog.

Lab Puppies and Housetraining

Click Picture for More Information

 

Lab Puppies and Housetraining

            When you take your Lab puppy home, it will be a thrilling experience. A ball of fluffy happy fur becomes part of your family and an extended mutually loving friendship amongst family members and your new pet has begun. But as the need for housebreaking arises you may become frustrated and momentarily forget the fun and happiness your Lab puppy gives you.

            The essential point to remember is that each dog is different in his response to housebreaking training. Whereas, puppy A might be housebroken at the end of twelve weeks, puppy B may take up to five months to fully catch on to the training. Two or three Labs coming from the same litter won’t train exactly the same. An American Field Lab won’t necessarily train faster than an English Show Lab or vise versa. Every puppy has his own personality and his training must be tailored to his responses to your efforts.

Explanation of Housebreaking

            Housebreaking means getting you dog to do his potty business in the place you desire him to do it. Normally, this would be outdoors. Though, sometimes people with small dogs train them to the litter box or historically to go on newspaper. Of course, it wouldn’t be practical to litter train a Lab. Thus, you have to train your Lab to urinate and defecate outside.

            Just because your puppy goes outside for the first time doesn’t mean he is housebroken. When your puppy hasn’t gone in the house for three months in a row he is trained and for some Labs six months. So if he goes in the house in the tenth or eleventh week, his training has to begin at day one again.

Schedules are Paramount

            The schedule is the key factor in housetraining your pup. A new puppy and an older Lab getting a new home both need a consistent schedule. Labs are very schedule friendly. They are in tune to schedules. Starting a potty schedule for your dog immediately is the best way for him to adjust to what is expected of him.

            Puppies between two to four months old need to go potty at intervals of two hours. Take him outside whether he acts like he needs to go or not. If you are consistent he will get the idea and start waiting until his scheduled time comes. As he grows older the intervals between times to go outside to potty can be lengthened by an hour each time it is extended. This will help him work up to eight hours. Take note that because a puppy’s bladder isn’t fully developed it will take patience and time for him to reach the eight- hour goal. This time period could be several weeks or a few months. Until his bladder is ready he can’t hold it that long without the need to go overpowering the training.

            When you get an older lab a schedule he’ll feel more at home knowing what the schedule is and it will work for him and you. Dogs anticipate and get nervous about going to a new home. Your Lab will feel more comfortable with his new family and surroundings with a schedule letting him know what you want from him. A puppy well need changes to happen more slowly than an older dog, who will handle adding another hour to when he goes to potty more easily as you train him.

How-to Train Him to go Outdoors

            Since scheduling and housebreaking are now clear, you may wonder how you get your puppy to do his potty business outdoors. Rewards are your best friend when training him. Just reward him when he does his potty business outside.

            The routine for training him to go potty outdoors is simple. Walk him out on the leash and take him to the place you want him to use. When you get to that spot give him a verbal command like “go here” or “potty time.” Never play while training your puppy to do his business outside or ever when the purpose is for him to go potty. When he does what you want then praise him with good boy and give him a treat. If he has done his business, wait outside for ten minutes because he may have the urge to go another time. When you take him back in the house give him some more praise.

What Are the Other Potty Times?

            After waking from a nap or first thing in the morning and before he goes to sleep at night. When a puppy plays, he usually has to go potty afterwards. If he gets extremely excited, he probably will need to go urinate. Take him to potty before you take him for a ride in the car and when the ride is over.

            You may crate train your Labrador Retriever. If you do, the crate should be big enough for him to sleep in and turn around without extra space. The extra space would give him a spot to go potty in the crate. Before and after crating walk him outside on the leash to the place you normally take him to go potty. He may cry when in his crate, if so, put the leash on and take him outside, only if you believe he is crying because he needs to go do his business. Never play with him or praise him when taking him from the crate, if he has been crying. He will think if he cries he gets out of the crate and gets played with and praised. This will interfere with crate training, hampering the results. Bring him immediately back to his crate. He’ll learn that he doesn’t get any petting, playing or praise for crying. He’ll also learn that you just take him to go potty when he cries out.

            Housebreaking can be a bit of a daunting task, though aggravation and losing your grip doesn’t have to occur. When you have a Labrador Retriever, you need to be on schedule and persist in the training. Many people get aggravated and try a new approach, after a short period of time like a couple of weeks because they aren’t getting the desired results yet. When the owner is that impatient with the training the puppy is many times considered un-trainable. But by giving up or trying a new approach before the puppy can catch on, the owner confuses the puppy. Actually, most of the time when training doesn’t work, the owner is at fault.

            When an owner persists in the training on a regular schedule, he gets the results he wants, though for one Lab it may take twelve weeks and for another Lab six months. Every Lab has his or her own personality; it doesn’t matter if they are from the same litter. The Labs that are harder to train are trainable, whether or not each Lab gets trained is up to the owner. Be patient, persistent, and consistent to get the results you want. You and your Lab will have a special bond and be happy together a long time.

So Now You Finally Bought Your Labrador Puppy!

Click Picture for More Information

 

            Congratulations on your purchase of a Labrador puppy! Labrador puppies make amazing pets, and once you understand the personality they’re incredibly simple to train. Labradors were bred for hunting and gathering purposes, thus they are incredibly active animals and require some attention when training. In this article I’m going to talk about the 5 tips of Labrador puppy training that you can use to train your Labrador puppy.

Tip 1: Leash training. It is incredibly easy to begin training your puppy with a leash at this age. If you wait until your puppy is full grown, it is going to be much more difficult as Labradors are larger dogs and thus, they are little more difficult to control. Start your Labrador puppy training on a leash early.

Tip 2: Simple commands. A few great simple commands to teach them are ones like sit, stay, and come. If you teach them these commands, you will then be able to teach them more complex commands later on.

Tip 3: This tip is crucial for Labrador puppy training. Never punish your puppy. The reason I say this is that Labradors, being incredibly social animals, require a lot of attention. If you give them attention, even negative attention, it reinforces their current behavior, including bad behavior. It is incredibly difficult to do, I know. However, if you do this, your puppy will behave better in the future.

Tip 4: Instead, reward your puppy’s good behavior. Labrador puppy training is about reward and love. Whenever your puppy does something that you like, give him a reward such a treat or a lot of attention. The best way to do this is to play a game like fetch or play with a Frisbee.

Tip 5: Finally, always make sure that you give your puppy enough attention. Then your Labrador puppy training will become a lot easier. If you do not give enough attention, it is more likely for your puppy to misbehave.

What Physical Characteristics Should You Look for in a Labrador Puppy?

Click Picture for More Info

 

 

            When looking at a Labrador puppy for the first time, it is hard to pick from a litter of frolicking little guys. You need to know what to look for and why to get a good healthy puppy. Remember that the Labrador’s biggest growth spurt in the first year of life and that they will have different portions of their skeletal system growing at different rates. This will sometimes give the Lab who is four to six months old a gangly, long legged appearance until the rest of their body grow in. Just like a baby, a young lab will grow into his full size in about two years.

 

            When you are looking at the litter you should look for a puppy that is smells good, has clean fur, and is plump. That is plump, not bloated. A bloated puppy may be a sign that he or she has intestinal problems. The puppy should have bright eyes without signs of discharge or excessive tearing. The ears should be pink inside and be free of debris or insects such as ticks or mites. The puppy should be enthused with the presence of humans and should shy away or whine when picked up.

 

            Other characteristics that you should look for are an otter like tail. The tail should be broad and thick and the fur should be coarse to the touch with areas of soft fur. Don’t think the biggest puppy is the best puppy. Sometimes even the runt will grow into a large, beautiful Lab. When looking at the litter, look for the pup that is running around mouthing other pups. True Labradors will be outgoing and will probably jump in your lap when you first visit the litter. The shy, timid pups are usually not going to show true Lab characteristics such as easy temperament as the more active ones.

 

            If you are buying your Lab for show, you naturally are going to look for the physical characteristics that judges will prefer. This could be a thicker head, a more prominent muzzle, or the broad tail. If you are looking a purchasing a lab for field trial purposes, you will be looking for the more invisible traits such as tracking or be inquisitive. Here you would see which animal has the most energy and at the same times stops and sniffs or tracks your movement with their eyes. Young pups that are interested in tug of war and fetching could make excellent field animals.

What to Look For When Purchasing a Labrador for a Companion Dog

Click Picture for More Information

 

 

 

 

 

            If you are looking for a Labrador retriever as just a companion dog and not a show dog or a field dog, you can find these lovable puppies at most reputable breeders. When looking for that perfect lab, you need to do some research to see if the breeder is listed or if the breeder has had any complaints about them. Stay away from puppy mills which inbreed their dogs to such a point that the breed has problems genetically passed down to them. Disorders such a hip dysplasia and kidney problems are often found in puppy mil animals. Stick with a breeder or a private seller that has bred their dog only once or twice to find the perfect Labrador.

 

            By buying from a breeder, you can be assured that the puppy is of good stock due to its heritage. A good breeder will have a list of both sire and dam and the animal should be registered with the AKC. This heritage will also dictate the price of the Labrador. The better the heritage, the more expensive the puppy will be. A poor heritage or one that is not registered with the AKC will have a much lower price. With the popularity of Labs up in 2009, the cost of a good Labrador puppy has risen significantly.

 

            Pet stores are not good ideas when purchasing a dog. They also buy from puppy mills and many pet stores have small outbreaks of diseases that may not manifest until you get the puppy home. It is an expensive lesson when you go to get the first shots for your puppy at the vet and you find out they have a disease or a genetic disorder. It is heartbreaking for the owner and the family when a puppy dies due to it condition. Buying from a neighborhood seller who is breeding for companionship is the best course of action when looking for a Labrador.

 

            There is no breed better than a Lab. Good natured and fun they can be a joy in your life as a companion dog. Remember, if you are looking for a show dog or a field trial dog, you need to take a different approach in finding your animal. You wouldn’t want to go to a neighborhood breeder to find a dog that will win at a showing. Though there has been basic Lab companion dogs that have reach greatness, but it usually is a long shot.

Picking a Labrador Puppy as a Field Trial Dog or a Show Dog

Click Pic for more info.

 

 

            If you are looking for a Labrador puppy and you want to raise them as a show dog or a field trial dog, the first thing you need to do is find a breeder that has produced a winner in the past. This can be accomplished on the internet by searching for past winners and then find out who the owners are. Don’t trust a pet shop or even a run of the mill kennel to give that advice. True winners are bred, trained, and tested. You want a genetic background that will show the instinct and the traits to bring out a true winner in the breed.

 

            When looking for a field trial dog, ask the breeder about the heritage, but it is more important to look at that breeder perspective. The breeder would be foolish to sell a guaranteed winner, but once that winner is picked out the litter, the litter makes have potential. The art of predicting a winner puppy is speculative at best. The dog has to be able to show the traits, even as a puppy, but the new owner must make the time to train this new animal to be the best it can be. The owner has to be able to nurture and train the dog to bring out its true potential.

 

            Picking out a Labrador puppy for a show dog is even trickier. It is difficult to find the puppy that will grow into the right physique because they are a puppy. Most puppies are picked from the litter at six to eight weeks and there is no true measure to know how they will grow. A good looking puppy with the right physique at such a young age may grow into an adult with flaws that would prevent them from winning. As with horse racing, picking out a winning show dog is a long shot at best. Just make sure the parents are of good stock and that you have researched the genealogy.

 

            If it is possible, hold off the sale until the puppy is about six months. The cost of a show puppy is expensive and it may even be more expensive to have the breeder hold the dog for you. With six months in, you will be able to see the physique and the intelligence of the dog and have a better chance of picking a winner. Have patience and you might have a chance of picking a champion.

Picking a Labrador Puppy as a Hunting Dog

Click Picture for More Info

 

 

 

 

 

            When you are picking a Labrador puppy out for the first time you have to decide what kind of Lab you want. Some people want a Labrador for a companion, but a Lab can be and are frequently used as hunting dogs, show dogs, trial dogs, and companion dogs for the disabled. Most Lab breeders will specify in which traits are best for the kind of dog that you want. So it is important to do the research and find out which breeder has the dogs with the particular trait that you want in your animal.

 

            When looking for a hunting dog, you should go to breeder that has a working stock of Labradors. This way the dog that you get will have the traits and instincts that are desirable when hunting. You will want a dog that can take to the hunting training without being shy of water or afraid to be in tall bushes away from the master. The dog’s ancestry should be looked at closely and it is not out of place to ask what the parents were used for. The parents might have been run of the mill house labs. If this is so, then you would have a more difficult time training them for the hunt. 

 

            If you buy from a working stock, the lab should be used to gun fire and loud noises. You want a dog that will not cower or become overwhelmed when there are several gun blasts going off near them. The breeder should recognize traits of gun shyness early on and a good breeder will not sell these labs as hunting dogs. These gun shy dogs should be sold as house dogs. The breeder will never, if they are reputable, keep a gun shy Lab for breeding because the traits and the instincts are not there.

 

            A good hunting Labrador will be very active and bold. Shyness is not a good trait for a hunting Lab. They should be trim, even as a puppy, and have the willingness to chase after objects at about eight or nine weeks. A sluggish puppy or a puppy that does not have the desire to retrieve or even play tug of war will not be a good dog in the woods or on the lake. If you feel wary of buying from a breeder, check his reputation. Most have websites and you can look at the reviews or testimonials before you buy.

The Good and the Bad of the Labrador Retriever

               

Click Picture for more inforamtion.

 

            When you are considering getting a dog, you’ll think of what kind you want. Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you make your decision. There are characteristics that are thought of as good and bad; the Lab has his share as a breed of each type.

 

These are the good things about a Lab.

 

Ø      An animated animal, with a gung ho concept of life;

Ø      The short coat is simple to groom;

Ø      A happy nature;

Ø      Totally enthusiastic about intense exercise and playing with ball or Frisbee;

Ø      A good natured and even tempered dog and friendly to all;

Ø      Gets along well with other critters;

Ø      Alert to training and likes to make you happy.

 

            If these characteristics appeal to you, you’ll probably like a Lab. But there are characteristics you might want to avoid, if so, a Lab isn’t your breed.

 

Ø      Some Labs are neurotic and you’ll have to research diligently to avoid a pup from a neurotic sire or dam;

Ø      The extreme need for exercise may not appeal to you;

Ø      Rambunctious jumping; more so if a pup or isn’t getting sufficient exercise;

Ø      Anxious if alone a lot; cannot handle separation well; damaging shoes, furniture

Ø      Likes to put you hands in his mouth; mouths objects

Ø      Sheds

Ø      A load of health issues

 

            If you still want a Labrador Retriever then take these points under careful consideration.

 

1. The popularity of the Lab has led to over breeding and the result of that is the typical good temperament of a Labrador isn’t so typical anymore. More of the Labs are aggressive, show neurotic tendencies, and are way overactive, these newer characteristics have been observed by trainers and other people working with labs.
2. Even good-natured Labs need an abundance of exercise and activities that supply the mental interest they have in lively activity. Labs have a lot of energy that needs an outlet. If these needs aren’t met, a Lab becomes dispirited and destructive. He will bark excessively. A Lab in this mental condition could wreck a home.
3. Perhaps, you only desire to have a family dog and you aren’t inclined to go hiking, swimming, or tracking with your pet. Maybe you don’t want to take an obedience course with your dog. If you agree that you don’t care to do these things, another breed is your best bet.
4. Younger Labs are rowdy and bouncy; there are very energetic. Objects and humans get bumped into with playful force. Labs stay this vigorous and playful until about three years of age. Households with the elderly or young children aren’t really suitable for a Lab. These younger dogs are naturally too rowdy for such a household.
5. People who work for eight hours at a time don’t need a Lab. If a Lab is left alone beyond a three-hour period it spells trouble. They have severe anxiety problems concerning separation. When he becomes unhappy, he’ll find a vent for his sad feelings; he will tear belonging up and bark extensively.
6. Surprisingly, their fur sheds quite a bit. Being a shorthaired dog, this is unusual. If you want a Lab, get ready to use your vacuum and lint remover frequently.
7. Labrador Retrievers have numerous health issues like joint dysfunctions, ocular illnesses, heart problems, and malignancy.
8. There are methods for keeping a Lab healthy. It is easy to research, but be prepared to take this extra care of your dog.

 

            As with other things in life, every Lab isn’t like his counterpart. In other words, one Lab is vivacious and another one is serene. Some are good natured and others stubborn. One Lab has a serious attitude and another one is an endearing goofy dog. Some are extroverted and others quiet and not as outgoing. Many dogs when grown aren’t the typical Lab that everyone expects them to be.

 

            One way to avoid the problems with a dog is to find an adult that has shown itself to be free of the bad characteristics. If you come across one of these, you won’t have to be concerned over the negative traits some of them possess. If you get a pup his traits aren’t all known. He has tendencies in him to have either the negative or the positive characteristics—but how he will turn out is yet, unknown. 

 

            The AKC has keeps statistics of registration. According to them the Labs from Canada are the most sought after Labradors by Americans. These are smart, happy, social, and easygoing dogs. They are a hunting dog. Their colors are brown, black, and yellow. They like to please their owner, which makes them excellent guides to help blind people. They are also good as search dogs for police and rescue dogs.

 

            The historical Lab was a helper of fishermen in Newfoundland. They caught fish that got off of the lines and helped to haul nets. People breed them with Irish Setters and Spaniels. They also breed Labs with different kinds of Retrievers. This breeding effort produced the Labrador retriever that is a good hunting dog and gave the Lab a tendency to like different energetic activities and to be able to participate in other useful jobs as mentioned above.

 

            The Lab is a great hunting dog and is a dog for those people active in running, swimming, and such activities. If he is groomed on a regular basis his coat stays completely water resistant. He is very trainable and has a good temperament. The AKC has recognized the Labrador retriever since 1917. They range in weight from fifty-five to seventy-five pounds

 

 

The Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Buy a Labrador

Click Link for more info.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Before you buy any Labrador there are several questions you should ask yourself not only for the sake of the animal, but also for the sake of your lifestyle and your well being. Too many people are impulse buyers when it comes to a pet. A cute puppy at the mall pet store is too easy to not avoid when they look up at you with their big, sorrowful eyes. A Labrador especially has that kind of face you just can’t say no to. The questions are simple but need a lot of deep thought before you make the plunge and take that cute little puppy home with you for the first time.

 

            The first question is if you are ready to have a dog in your life? A dog, especially a puppy is a quite a handful for even the most seasoned dog owner. If you are single and are used to hanging out with friends all the time, you may want to think hard. Having a puppy around the house means that you will have to be home more often to give the dog the attention and the care it needs. You can’t spend all night out with your buddies and leave the dog home to care for itself. You really have to think hard about what you will be giving up and how your life will change once you bring that Lab puppy home for the first time.

 

            The next question is, are your ready for a puppy? A puppy needs constant attention. Not only do you have to water and feed, but you have to be available for house training and attention giving. You will have sleepless nights as the puppy will whine as it gets used to its new surroundings. You will have messes to clean up, furniture destroyed, and your house, at the beginning; will pick up that lovely smell of urine. You will come home each day at lunch at have to give your wife a call with a damage report.

 

            The last question you should ask yourself before you bring that Labrador puppy home is if the other members of the household ready for a puppy too. This means your children, your wife, and if you are single, your roommates. Other dogs in the household also have to ready for a new puppy. An older dog that has been a single pet may resist the new puppy and then you will have to make a dreadful decision. Remember thought and research has to go into your decision of bringing a new dog into your household.