Labrador: all about the breed of dogs with a photo
If you look into his eyes, you will not see a drop of aggression. The Labrador is considered a guard dog, but it is just as good as companion pets. He is called an optimist among dogs. This dog is not an excellent guard or fighter, but it is a real human helper. Very often, pets do the work of guides. By nature, they are really kind-hearted, they radiate cheerfulness, you are never bored with them. The breed is among the most popular in the world.
History of the breed
Researchers has not been able to establish for certain the stages of the origin of this species. But there are several theories on this score. Their ancestors are considered to be the Newfoundland dogs who lived on the island of the same name. And the breed is named after the Labrador Peninsula. There is also a version that it was named not in honor of the geographical area, but in honor of the labradorite. This stone has a rich black color and the dogs at first had only this color. Another interesting theory is that the name comes from the word “labrador”, which means “worker”. And everyone knows that these dogs are hardworking. For many centuries, animals have helped people on land, hunting, and at sea. It is known for sure that the first Labrador dogs were brought to England from the island of Newfoundland.
The opinions of dog handlers differ in the further history of development. But they believe that it was the Europeans who were actively engaged in the development of the species. There is also such a theory that only the ancestors of these animals were brought from the island, and the breed itself was bred by English breeders. And this happened by crossing with black hounds and pointers. Others speculate that the ancestors of the Labrador Retriever were Viking dogs. Great interest in these dogs was observed already in the 30-the 40s of the 19th century. In Birmingham in 1870, even the first exhibition was held, where Newfoundlands and Black Labradors were declared as different breeds. At this time, dogs became very popular among aristocrats, and repeatedly became members of royal families. And in 1903, after serious breeding work, the Labrador breed was officially recognized. The beginning of the 20th century is considered a golden age for this species. Then they were overwhelmingly popular.
Many nurseries were created in England. It was during these years that golden-colored dogs became in demand. The third in demand was a chocolate-colored Labrador retriever. Gradually, the fame of these beautiful pets spread throughout the world. Amateur clubs were created in different parts of the world.
Labrador Retriever: breed description
They were bred exclusively as working dogs. At first, they were indispensable helpers for fishermen. They helped them pull tackle and fish out of the cold waters. And today the Labrador is considered the best helper dog for people with disabilities. They are also often used in various rescue and search operations, and they do this job perfectly well. Nowadays, these dogs are less often used for fishing, they have long since moved into the category of pets. Since they are able to give love to all family members. This is one of the best family dogs. The Labrador Retriever has a calm disposition, which makes it an excellent therapist among animals. Very often they provide psychological assistance in centers and clinics where they undergo rehabilitation. And also in orphanages, and nursing homes. Excellent helpers not only for fishing but also for hunting. And all thanks to an acute sense of smell. The only thing they can’t cope with is guarding the house. And all because of its friendly nature.
Character
It is difficult to imagine a dog more loyal and affectionate than a Labrador. They are cute and kind, not only at the age of a puppy but also as adults. Dogs are always full of energy and ready to have fun with their owners. They are playful, good-natured, and sociable. A dog is a real friend of a man – this is an expression about them for sure. When they are with their families, they are overwhelmed with happiness. And the dog perfectly feels the mood of people. If you are in the mood to play, he will happily accompany you. If you want to have a movie night on the couch, then he will sit quietly next to you. The Labrador gets along well with children of all ages. They are ready to play with them and frolic all day. It also treats other pets warmly, and good friends with cats. This dog is a real find for novice dog breeders. Before buying it, it is worth knowing a few points: what are the varieties and colors, the basic rules of keeping, how to feed, the basic rules of education and training, can live on the street or in an apartment, from what age can you take a puppy
Maintenance and care
All dog breeders agree that this dog is very easy to clean. This applies to both content and training. They shed throughout the year.
To keep the coat well-groomed, you need to comb the dog daily. Also, pets are characterized by the so-called dog smell, so they need to be bathed more often than other breeds. It is also important to keep your ears and teeth clean. Ears should be wiped with a special solution, and teeth should be brushed weekly. Can they live on the street? The answer is yes. But for this, it is necessary to equip a spacious aviary with an insulated booth. The dogs also feel good in the apartment. But they should take a small room or loggia. The optimal age when you can take a baby Labrador into the family is 3 months.
Labrador Retriever: training and education
These dogs try to please their master in everything. Therefore, the Labrador is remarkably trainable. The main thing is to engage in education as soon as you take a small puppy. And it’s worth remembering that dogs love to play, so it’s best to turn training into an exciting quest. Having taught the baby the basic commands, you can start learning more complex ones. You will very quickly notice the growth of the student.
Food: what to feed dogs
Dogs love to eat tightly and because of this they are prone to obesity. Therefore, you need to strictly monitor nutrition, even when the pet comes to you as a puppy. Give him more physical activity. It should be natural feed or cooked food. Meat, vegetables, and more cereals should be included in the diet. Under no circumstances should you give pasta or add sweets to your animal. Otherwise, the dog will increase significantly in size.
How long does a Labrador live? On average, their life expectancy is 10-13 years. Life span, as in humans, depends on the quality of nutrition, conditions of detention, and health.
What the breed standard looks like: description
These are strong-built dogs with strong limbs, a broad head, and a voluminous chest. The ears are mobile, drooping, set far apart. The eyes are usually brown or hazel, and the expression is good-natured. Height: in bitches – from 54 to 56 cm, in males – 56-57 cm. What it looks like: wide muzzle, not pointed, straight back, scissor bite. The tail size is medium, thick at the base. The coat is thick, short, coarse. Species and colors chocolate, brown, white, golden, fawn, red Varieties: Chesapeake Bay Labrador straight-haired, curly-haired ,Nova Scotia , Golden Vaccinations
The first should be done at 6-8 weeks, repeated – for puppies at 3 months. After that, the dog is in strict quarantine for 2 weeks. To protect the dog, vaccinations are required against: a plague of carnivores, infectious hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis.
Diseases of dogs
The main diseases: diabetes, obesity, dysplasia, allergy, melanoma, dislocation of the kneecaps, glaucoma, cataract, volvulus retinal atrophy problems with the ureters lymphoma. Some sources of information say about cancer cases. All these cases are rare and treatable by meds for dogs. They could be bought in Online Veterinary Pharmacy.
Mating
The minimum age for mating in bitches is 20 months, in males – 18. But experts recommend not to rush with this, as the development of Labradors last longer. It is best to knit bitches after 3-4 estruses. The process is carried out on the territory of the male. Usually – between 10-15 days from the beginning of estrus.
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