Labs are sturdy, reliable, energetic, and intelligent dogs. With more than 137,000 registered to the AKC in 2005, they undoubtedly, make wonderful pets.
Labrador Retrievers have been at the top of the list as America’s favorite dog for years. They are full of energy and are sturdy enough to enjoy enthusiastic play. They make great alarm dogs but raise no worries about aggression, as they are friendly to everyone and generally get along well with other animals. An impressive 91.4% of Labradors who were tested passed the American Temperament Test and their intelligence surpasses all but six other breeds. Their intelligence and temperament make them great candidates for work in contraband detection, therapy, search and rescue, guides for the blind, and assistance for the handicapped.
Most breeds, of course, have tendencies toward certain medical issues and for the Labrador Retriever, they are ear infections, eye problems, joint problems, ruptured cruiciate ligaments, and a heart defect called TVD.
These dogs usually do not reach maturity until around the age of three and may have a puppy personality for a long time. Anyone considering a Labrador for a pet should be forewarned that a bored, untrained Labrador can get into mischief. Left to themselves, they will seek their own exercise and enrichment in the form of chewing, digging, and climbing. An active household with a large, secure yard are ideal for Labs though, after a good romp, they will be content to nap with you on the sofa.
Originally bred to retrieve game for hunters, including waterfowl, most Labradors readily take to the water. This is an advantage for water sports lovers but can be a disadvantage when they won’t stop playing in their drinking bowl and you’re trying to figure a way to keep them from tipping it over. A bucket secured several inches into the ground works for this. Although they have a great love for the water, they do not instinctively know how to swim, and must first learn. Labrador owners who have a swimming pool need to make sure their dog has a way to safely climb out and can not take unsupervised dips in the pool.
Labradors have a short, dense, and somewhat oily coat for repelling water and dirt and should not be bathed often. They shed moderately, especially in warmer climates, but a good daily brushing will help keep this under control.
There are three different coat colors of Labradors - black, yellow, and chocolate. Chocolate Labradors gained recognition when Buddy joined former president Clinton in the White House as a First Pet in 1997. With more than 137,000 Labrador Retrievers registered to the AKC in 2005, they undoubtedly, make wonderful pets.
If you would like to add a Labrador to your household, please consider adopting from a shelter or breed rescue.
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