El Labrador It is one of the most adorable dogs and therefore an increasingly common pet. In such a way that many people want to know about this beautiful creature and in this post we will tell you everything.
Origin of the Labrador Retriever
It was the beginning of the XNUMXth century when some “multifunction” dogs were sent to England. These were used by hunters in North America, though primarily in Canada. Many of these water dogs were of the Newfoundland variety, although the smaller ones were called St. John's dogs.
In its new home across the Atlantic, the breed developed and improved. Something that probably happened with some crossbreeds of smooth-haired retrievers, until establishing itself in the breed that we recognize today. As its epithet describes, since retriever translates as 'retriever', the labrador retriever it was chosen for its skills in rescuing prey, especially in the water.
Since then they have accompanied duck hunters, regardless of terrain conditions or weather. But he has also stood out for his intelligence and his taste for serving as a companion to people, making himself worthy of many other responsibilities. Today, Labrador retrievers stand out as support and guide dogs. But in addition to being recognized as very familiar animals, they are also used as tracking dogs in military activities and customs activities.
However, its versatility gives for more. This is how it is usual to see them with firefighters and with intentional fire analysis groups. They are also required in search and rescue tasks and as working animals.
The most popular
But if something is to be praised Labrador dogThat is his good character. A characteristic that has propelled this breed to the top of the popularity charts in the USA. A position that it will surely retain for a long time. However, its recent celebrity as an indoor pet, the Labrador also enjoys the outside of houses. You just have to remember that nature has distinguished these furry ones as water dogs.
In such a way that from their earliest age, puppies exhibit a marked desire to carry objects with them. But in a special way they show a great attraction for water. It doesn't matter if it's just puddles, they are happy there because they feel in their element.
Characteristics of the Labrador retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a strong and compact creature with a square appearance. Its maximum height for adult males is usually close to sixty centimeters. This places them in the medium-sized class of dogs, but thanks to their vigorous build, they appear to be much larger.
Its weight is around 38 kg for a large male specimen and 25 kg for a female, which are always smaller. However, the specimens bred for the country line generally have a higher height, although thinner. Labradors are easily distinguished by their wide head, lively eyes, and floppy ears. But there are still two other traits that are very typical of the Labrador.
The first is its double coat of thick hair, although quite short, conducive to water. While the second feature is its very representative "otter tail". It turns out that its tail is thick and stems from the upper line almost straight, with a certain resemblance to those of otters. The latter is undoubtedly one of the labrador dog characteristics that distinguishes it more.
On the other hand, their feet seem to have an "interdigital web." This is because they have a longer than usual skin between the fingers, which makes it easier for them to swim. As far as its color is concerned, it ranges from black to almost white, passing shades of chocolate and yellowish red.
It can be said in a general way that it is a breed capable of maturing relatively quickly. This is because it reaches its adult height between six and twelve months, but can continue to gain weight until it is two years old. Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Character
In general, Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs, as long as the owner keeps in mind that they require exercise and some instruction. They are animals raised to work and they do it hard. But they also feel happy when they are assigned tasks, especially rescue tasks, obviously.
On the other hand, the Labrador tends to get along with other canines, a treatment that extends to other pets and children. But this is as long as your Dog training His natural verve has dwindled. This is because they are strong creatures that require some instruction in terms of obedience. It is something that must be done from an early age, to prevent them from towing their owners down the street whenever it occurs to them.
It's not about the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, But knowing their energetic nature, Labradors who are often left home alone for too long or don't get enough exercise can display destructive behavior. So we can see them biting, digging and barking at every moment.
Despite being energetic, some prefer to flatten out or lie down peacefully from a very young age. While biting may represent another evil, as they have a kind of oral obsession due to their rescue instinct. For this reason it is of great help that they have toys to bite, in addition to proper training. As you can see, the labrador character may require some patience.
Coexistence
It is evident that the Labrador has several adorable traits that make them very popular. He is intelligent and easy to train, thanks to his desire to work with people. In addition, it is a creature with a good appetite, so it can become overweight if it does not exercise and if its food rations are not adjusted according to its requirements.
But the most important thing is that it is an excellent breed as family dogs. This is because they like company, so they also feel sad when they are in cells or isolated areas.
The tendency of the Labrador retriever to protect their families and homes is well known, although they also welcome visitors. But it can also become an unpleasantly biting and destructive creature, when not given the necessary toys and education.
To prevent these creatures from nibbling on people, it is recommended to give them a toy that they can carry with them and thus keep their mouths busy. Something else to keep in mind is that they are very strong animals, so they require early instruction to get a pet that its owner can walk on a leash in a pleasant way.
Another thing that happens with these furry creatures has to do with the double coat of hair that concentrates their heat when working in frigid waters. It turns out that this marvel of their anatomy also makes this breed the queen of the molts. Generally, a quick weekly grooming is sufficient, but in times of shedding, daily grooming is necessary.
"Salud"
As with other breeds, the Labrador can be affected by various hereditary diseases. These include eye disorders and elbow and hip dysplasia, which is a joint problem that is usually painful and causes locomotion problems. In such a way that a thorough check-up of these parts of the body is important, before dedicating the animal to breeding.
Labrador retriever care
Now we will dedicate a few lines to the care that owners should dedicate to these beautiful creatures. Let's see:
Nutrition
Keep in mind that like large breed dogs, Labrador retrievers, apart from having a good appetite, require an adequate balance of nutrients. This includes minerals and vitamins and is different from smaller dogs.
The Labrador is prone to stomach disorders and bloating, and its risks can be reduced with smaller but more frequent food rations.
Cleanliness
His coat does not demand more attention. It is thick and thick, with an undercoat that resists water very well. It only requires a weekly brushing and a little more attention when it comes time to move.
Exercise
These pets are willing to adapt to the amount of time that can be given to their physical exercise. However, we must not forget that the ideal for an adult is two hours a day.
The Labrador loves going for long walks and having the opportunity to run around and play. He also loves to fetch in the yard and especially enjoys the water. In such a way that you have to be careful with what is around you to guarantee the safety of this beautiful creature.
