General Description
The labrador's origins are not exactly clear, but the breed is known to have come from the Newfoundland and St. Johns area in Canada and been brought back to English shores by fishermen.
Labradors come in various colours - black, yellow and chocolate. In the yellow labrador, colour can vary from light cream to a fox red. It is quite possible to view a litter where all three colours are available.
Labradors make brilliant family pets due to their wonderful temperment. The labrador's reputation goes before him as a friendly, happy and well- mannered dog. They are easy to train, eager to please and make devoted companions.
The labrador is a gundog, whose natural instinct is to retrieve anything and everything, whether in the home or out on a walk.
There are a number of diseases seen in the breed such as central progressive retinal atroph (CPRA), hip dysplasia (HD) and osteochondrosis (OCD). Selected breeding is helping to eradicate these problems and in recent years the situation has improved, thanks to responsible breeders and the BVA/KC schemes.
Buying A Puppy
If after a lot of thought you have decided the labrador is the breed for you, the next step is to find a reputable breeder. Contact breed clubs or go along to a championship show in your area where you can assess breed type and talk to breeders. Your vet may well recommend someone locally. Remember that a lot of breeders have no need to advertise, they have long waiting lists.
Once you have chosen your breeder, ensure that both the sire and dam have hip scores and current eye certificates (eyes need to be certified clear EVERY year, to ensure that they are free of hereditary, problems. Ask about temperment, as this is essential in the labrador. Make sure you see the dam with her pups and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Dog Or Bitch
This is personal preference. Bitches are quieter, very sweet, loving and generally more gentle, but they do have seasons approximately every six months. For about three weeks your bitch will need to be kept safe from dogs.
Dogs grow larger and stronger. Dogs are generally more loving and faithful than bitches.
Exercise
A labrador puppy should not be over exercised, in fact when you first acquire your pup the exercise he gets from playing with you and his visits to the garden for toileting will be adequate. You will of course need to take him out on the lead for very short periods, once his vaccinations are complete in order to socialise him. From six months your puppy can have twenty minutes free running and half an hour walking on a lead daily. When you dog gets to 12 months gradually increase his exercise until he is able to endure as much exercise as you are able to give him.
The Mature Dog
Dogs grow to 22 -22.5 inches at the withers (top of shoulders).
Bitches will grow to 21.5 - 22 inches at the withers.
Dogs will also be heavier than bitches.
The Labrador As A Family Pet
Labradors make brilliant family pets due to their wonderful temperment. They are good with children and other family pets. A labrador likes to be with the family and will follow you from room to room, if allowed.
Training
A labrador requires socialisation and basic obedience training. This will make your dog more acceptable to people outside your home. The training should be started from the time you take your puppy home. There are training classes available in most areas to help with training ideas.
Labradors are used by Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dogs for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs and can be trained as Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs. They are also now being trained by the Fire and Rescue services as arson detector dogs.
Main Points To Remember
* Buy from a reputable breeder
* Ensure the sire and dam have current hip and eye certificates. (EYES MUST BE TESTED YEARLY)
* Follow the breeders feeding instructions
* Remember to ask to see where the puppies are kept (and make sure you have a look at this area) and to see them with the rest of the litter. If you are only able to view a single puppy ask yourself why and if the breeder says the pups are being raised in the house and you can't see them then ask yourself where do the puppies really live. I am always amazed at the number of people who never ask to see where the puppies are kept!!!
* Do not buy from a breeder who offers to deliver or meet you somewhere.
* Keep in touch with the breeder, they can always offer help and advice
* Locate a good vet
* Ensure your dog is trained
* ENJOY YOUR DOG
