Labradors originated in Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada, and were taken to England on fishing boats in the early 19th Century. Here they developed and were bred as a hunting dog, being used for retrieving game in rugged terrain and icy waters. They were popular as tough, strong dogs with excellent scenting powers and a strong desire to please. Even today, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed with shooters, and they also work as police dogs, customs dogs and guide dogs for the blind.
Average Lifespan:
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.
Labradors live from between 12 - 15 years of age.
Average Size:
Height at shoulder:-
Dog 56 - 57 cms (22 - 22.5 ins)
Bitch 54.5 - 56 cms (21.5 - 22 ins)
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, active, fun-loving dogs, eager to please and extremely sociable.
They want to be everybody's friend, and are not a "one-person dog". The breed is wonderful with children,
and makes a good watch-dog - adopting a big deep bark to notify of any intruders.
Compatibility with Other Pets
Excellent
Care Requirements
Labradors need a large, draught-proof kennel, raised several centimetres off the ground. In summer they require plenty of shade.
Like all dogs, Labradors are happiest if kept fit. Adults will benefit from a daily walk of a minimum of thirty minutes, while pups will need overall periods of play. As a Labrador will need some free running, a large backyard is desirable - especially if you live in an area where having a dog off-leash in public parks is not permitted.
Labradors are sociable dogs that really need to be part of a family. If left alone in a backyard most of the time, they may get up to mischief or take to persistent barking.
Labradors can easily be trained to be well behaved indoors, however they shed quite a lot of hair at certain times of the year. As Labradors can also be great diggers and chewers as puppies, it is a good idea to fence an area for the dog if you are attached to your garden. Labradors have a tendency to put on weight, which can cause health problems, so their diet needs to be carefully restricted as they mature. Obesity can predispose them to diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Ideal Owners
Families with a well fenced yard. As Labradors can be exuberant and boisterous as youngsters,
it may be difficult for either very young or elderly family members to control them unaided at the stage.
All the above information is by the Australian National Kennel Council Inc. promoting responsible Dog Ownership.
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