What are the characteristics of a Labrador Retriever? - How to Groom Labrador Retriever

In the early 1900s, there was a growing demand for small, gentle hunting dogs that could assist and not just hinder the hunter. The result of this demand was the breeding of the Labrador Retriever; a breed with a sweet disposition that would not hinder but rather assist in hunting activities. The Labrador Retriever is a large dog with an even larger personality. They love to play and explore, but also have an affinity for cuddling on the couch. These dogs are intelligent and fairly easy to train, which makes them great companions for activities like hunting, agility training or tricks competitions. There are many characteristics of this breed that you should know before adopting one as your pet:

The Labrador Retriever's build and physical characteristics

The Labrador Retriever is a large dog with strong muscles that allows it to carry heavy loads and swim for long periods of time. This breed has a short, dense coat that is non-allergenic, but sheds in significant amounts during the spring and fall. This build is useful for the Labrador Retriever’s intended purpose as a hunting companion, allowing them to jump from boats and haul in heavy fishnets. A Labrador Retriever is typically 22-24 inches in height and weighs 55-80 lbs. They have a strong build with a large head, short nose and medium-sized ears that are set high on the head. Their eyes are round and dark in color and their tail is thick and tapers to a point. Labrador Retrievers are strong swimmers and have webbed feet that allow them to walk on water.

The Labrador Retriever's temperament

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that is easy to train and is known for its calm, loving temperament. They are excellent companions for children and senior citizens alike, and thrive on lots of attention and cuddling. They are an affectionate breed that loves to play, explore and spend time with their owners. Labrador Retrievers are not known to be aggressive, but should be trained properly from the beginning to avoid this becoming an issue. Labrador Retrievers are good with other dogs and cats, but it is important to socialize them at a young age to avoid any aggressive or overly-curious behaviors. They tend to be wary of strangers, so it is important to introduce your Labrador Retriever to new people while they are still a puppy.

Behavior and habits of a Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that thrives on attention and activity. They love to play and explore the great outdoors, and are excellent swimmers. While they are suitable for living in apartments if exercised daily, they do shed significant amounts and have a strong scent that could be bothersome to neighbors. Labrador Retrievers are prone to chewing on things if given the opportunity, so it is important to keep them from chewing up shoes, furniture, or other household items. A Labrador Retriever will thrive on walks, but also enjoys the occasional game of fetch or Frisbee. These dogs are suitable for hunting, agility training or any other type of sport by which they can use their strength and energy to get out pent-up energy.

Care and maintenance of a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their excellent coat and ease of grooming, requiring only an occasional brushing to remove excess hair and keep them looking clean. Other than that, they are low maintenance dogs that are suitable for most owners, regardless of their experience level. You should take your Labrador Retriever to the vet for a check-up after adopting them, and continue to do so on an annual basis thereafter. Labrador Retrievers are prone to several health issues including hip dysplasia, joint issues, eye problems and bladder stones. Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent swimmers, but they are also prone to suffering from cold water-related illnesses. Make sure to keep your Labrador Retriever warm and dry when outside in the fall and winter.

Conclusion

The Labrador Retriever is a large dog with a gentle temperament and an affinity for the great outdoors. These dogs love to play and explore, but also have an affinity for cuddling on the couch. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, which makes them great companions for activities like hunting, agility training or tricks competitions. These dogs are suitable for most owners and are known for their calm, loving temperament. Labrador Retrievers thrive on attention and activity, and will do best with owners who can commit to daily walks or trips to the dog park.