Many families are thinking about starting a Labrador at home. This breed of dogs attracts with its friendliness, quick learner and cheerful disposition. Before choosing a puppy, it will be useful to learn about the history of the breed, the intricacies of nature, the principles of care, nutrition and training of these faithful animals.

Breed description

The full name of the cute labies in the breed classification sounds like a Labrador Retriever. These animals belong to one of the subspecies of the retriever, of which there are only six.

Labs won their popularity with breeders with a special intellect, which allows them to quickly grasp and execute the owner's commands.

No wonder in the list of the smartest dogs, this breed takes a high seventh place.

The dog has an average height, therefore, it can easily live in an apartment with the owners. You just need to regularly and for a long time walk the Labradors, because more restless and energetic animals are worth a look.

Initially, the breed was bred as working, to help people. This is evidenced by powerful legs, a large head and a large wide torso. Today, Labradors are the most devoted helpers and friends. They become attached to their masters and try to please them in everything.

History of breed origin

The Canadian island of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic is considered the birthplace of modern labs. It was there that their ancestors lived - the dogs of St. John, excellent fishermen's assistants who can swim superbly, dragging fishing gear and collecting catch.

At the end of the 19th century, representatives of the working breed were brought to the UK, where, as a result of crossbreeding with curly-haired retrievers, local “aristocrats”. The result was excellent hunting dogs with a complaisant character.

Already in 1887, the breed received an approved standard. True, then only the black color of the dogs was recognized, but later it expanded slightly.

1903 was the year of the official approval of a separate breed with the name Labrador Retriever.

The popularity of good-natured dogs among breeders increased every year. From the middle of the last century, labies began to appear more often on the American continent. And in 1991 in the United States, this breed of dog was named the most popular.

Regarding the origin of the name, there are three different versions, each of which has its own explanations:

  • by the name of the mainland Labrador Peninsula, located near Newfoundland;
  • from the Portuguese labrador - "hard worker" that describes the nature of the dogs of this breed;
  • in honor of the rock breed labradorite, the black color of which is very similar to the color of the first labs.

Breed standard

Labrador dog has a pronounced exterior, which is difficult to confuse with other breeds.

  • Height at the withers - from 0.54 m (females) to 0.57 m (males).
  • Weight - from 27 to 40 kg (bitches up to 35 kg).
  • The head is a wide skull, a noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
  • Muzzle - large, not fleshy, wide nostrils, powerful jaw, scissor bite.
  • Eyes - medium sized, brown or hazel.
  • Ears - triangular, hanging, small, set on the back, adjacent to the head.
  • The body is a wide neck, flat top line, large chest, barrel-shaped ribs.
  • The tail is small, thicker at the hull and narrow at the end, without suspension, straight, does not bend to the back.
  • Extremities - straight, set in parallel, paws compact.
  • Wool - water-repellent, consists of two layers: a hard top and soft undercoat.
  • Color - uniform black, brown or fawn (cream), pigmentation around the eyes.

Unusual colors of dogs of this breed also appear. You can find bright red (redfox), silver, dudley (dudley), white and spotted labies.

Puppy selection criteria

Go for a pet and a family pet should be in specialized nurseries. After all, an ad on the Internet can run into unscrupulous breeders.

What you should pay attention to when choosing a Labrador:

  • fatness of the puppy;
  • the presence of a puppy card;
  • pleasant smell from the animal;
  • sociability of the puppy;
  • conditions for keeping dogs in the kennel - cleanliness, lack of enclosures, chains;
  • tests for dysplasia and eye diseases in parents;
  • exhibition or sports successes of ancestors;
  • seller’s reaction to a potential buyer;

A good breeder doesn’t care what hands to give the puppy to.

He will meticulously question about the buyer’s housing conditions, financial capabilities, experience and knowledge about the breed, etc.

Be sure to inspect the puppy before buying.

The following signs do not meet the breed standard:

  • thin or short neck;
  • sharp muzzle;
  • long toes;
  • twisted forelegs;
  • undeveloped nostrils;
  • lack of pigmentation around the eyes;
  • increased aggression;
  • malocclusion;
  • low-set ears;
  • long wool;
  • more than one spot (white, allowed on the chest as standard);
  • constant barking.

The purpose and nature of the dog

The breed was bred as a hunting one, some hunters still use labs as assistants. But more dogs are suitable for the role of companions.

Very often they become guides of blind or visually impaired people, as well as assistants to the disabled. Labradors are used in search operations and to save people in emergency situations.

The complaisant and calm nature of animals helps them become psychotherapists for sick children and old people. Some labs are full-time employees of orphanages and nursing homes.

These dogs are not suitable for the role of watchman.Very much they love people and cannot show aggression in relation to them.

Cheerful and good-natured dogs are in constant activity and require the same behavior from their owners. With labies, you will never be able to get bored, because they will surround you with love, affection and positive. At the same time, dogs do not bother, they are smart and insightful, they understand that the owners also need personal space.

In addition, the Labrador feels the mood of his guardian and skillfully adapts to him. Full understanding on the part of the dog makes her an attentive and sensitive friend.

Families with children can easily start labs in the house, they get along well with children, they can even perform the duties of a nanny, helping parents take care of the child.

The main thing is to give dogs the opportunity to walk around freely, as well as regularly educate and train them. Otherwise, the need for increased activity can result in unpleasant leprosy.

Keeping and caring for a dog

This breed is not at all whimsical to care for, which allows even inexperienced beginners to keep a Labrador Retriever.

  • You need to comb out the hair once a week, during shedding - every 2 to 3 days.
  • A dog should be bathed once every six months. If after a walk the wool got dirty - it should be wiped with a damp towel.
  • It is necessary to regularly clean the ears - the weak point of the lab. Using a special solution, remove dirt so that inflammation does not develop. It is important to ensure that your ears are always dry.
  • Labrador should brush his teeth every 5 to 7 days.
  • Claws should be cut once every 10 days.
  • Be sure to walk the dog every day from half an hour to an hour. Walking is not just a walk near the house, but active games, running, jumping over obstacles. It is necessary that Labik maximally waste accumulated energy, which he has enough.

Labrador Feeding

This breed is famous for very good appetite. Labs do not just like to eat, they simply can not be pulled away from food and food supplies. That is why it is important to feed the dog in moderation so that it does not gain excess weight.

You can choose for a diet:

  • finished food (canned or dry);
  • natural products.

The first option saves a lot of time for the owner, while the second will help to reduce food costs, especially for rural residents who have hand-grown produce.

The owners themselves make their choice regarding the feeding option. You can’t just change it or mix different options.

If you buy food in the store, it is better to choose products of the super premium class. These feeds have a balanced composition necessary for the full development of the dog.

A natural food diet should include:

  • meat - 50% (single dose - 20 g per 1 kg of dog weight);
  • cereals - 25% of the daily diet;
  • vegetables - 25%.

You can give sour milk products to dogs. Veterinarians advise adding vitamin complexes with lutein, taurine, calcium, tocopherol and ascorbic acid to food.

In no case do not offer pets:

  • grilled meat;
  • smoked products;
  • barley groats.

It is necessary to ensure that the dog on the walk does not regale on the remnants of food from the garbage. Labs are prone to obesity, so the issue of nutrition should be strictly controlled.

How to train and educate

As soon as Labrador puppies appeared in the house, you should immediately begin training. Education of representatives of this breed is quite simple, because the dogs are very smart, quickly understand what the owner wants from them.

It is not necessary to devote much time for training, but classes in the first three years must be held regularly.

You must immediately explain to the puppy how to behave in the house. The lab must clearly understand the rules of conduct and be aware of the prohibitions. It is necessary to accustom the dog to the toilet, to make it clear that you can not chew things, pick up food from the floor, bite the owners, and also lean on them with their paws.The more persistent the owner will be in the requirements to comply with the rules, the faster the lab will fulfill them.

For walking, you need to get a reliable collar that will not allow the pet to escape from the owner. Labi teams memorize very quickly, for this you need to repeat the exercises only a few times.

The main teams:

  • "A place!";
  • "To me!";
  • "Sit!";
  • “Lie down!”;
  • "Give!";
  • "Nearby!";
  • "Fu!";
  • “Aport!”

Teams need to be taught gradually. Until one is learned, you should not move on to the other.

Regular classes, persistence and friendliness of the owners will make active puppies excellent companions and helpers.

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the breed representatives abound:

  • friendliness and complaisance;
  • fast learner;
  • beautiful appearance;
  • cheerful disposition;
  • good behavior in dealing with children;
  • simplicity in leaving;
  • ability to adapt to the owners.

There are also disadvantages:

  • bad watchman;
  • increased love for puddles;
  • a passion for digging in trash bins or bags;
  • Loud snoring.

Dogs of this breed should not be wound up by people who cannot find the time to walk them. Active animals need walking most of all, which is why they love walking with their little owners.

Retriever and Labrador, what is the difference

These two breeds belong to the same cynological group. Many people confuse dogs because of some external similarity and coincidence in the name.

Golden retrievers are most often called goldens, and labies are simply called retrievers. Both breeds owe their origin to Great Britain, but the purposes for which they were bred are different.

Labs are considered working dogs, they helped to fish and hunted game. The Goldens simply brought the shot birds to their owners. They are considered a more aristocratic breed. The Scottish breeder Tweedmouth sought the golden color of the breed so that dogs could be seen on peat bogs.

Externally, the representatives of the breeds are similar to each other, but there are differences between them.

  • Labik has a squat, heavy body, while Golden is more sophisticated.
  • The wool on the labs is smooth, without waves, waterproof, not too long (maximum 5 cm), adjacent to the body. At the golden retriever, the wool shimmers in waves, has scratches, longer.
  • Labrador color standard is black, fawn and chocolate. Goldens have only shades of golden color.
  • Labik has a straight tail, continuing the line of the back, not bending up. The tail of the golden retriever has a suspension in the form of a half feather.

Animals also differ in their characters.

  • Labrador retriever is very emotional, restless, active and gullible. Goldens are more calm, balanced and cautious.
  • Both breeds respond well to training. But Labradors are a little smarter and quicker, moreover, in a desire to please the owner, they are doing everything faster. Golden needs time to think and make a decision.

For a measured life in an apartment, a golden retriever is more suitable. And for those families who love active pastime in nature, it is worthwhile to make a cheerful companion Labika.

Similar:More from the author: