Labrador breed characteristics. Labrador puppies - a description of the breed and character, how to choose by color, variety and cost. Interesting facts about the breed

According to the official version, Labradors are descended from dogs of North American Indians. But there are many gaps in history, and their origin is probably unknown.

The ancestors looked like working dogs from the island of Newfoundland, but were smaller and lighter. They were characterized by a short thick coat, suitable for swimming in any weather. In winter, short hairs did not freeze into icicles, unlike the Newfs' shaggy fur coat.

In the British Isles, Labradors first worked in coastal areas helping fishermen and sailors. Love for the water, friendly disposition and soft grip (not damaging the prey) determined the future of the breed as one of the best gun dogs.

One of the earliest surviving photos of a Labrador (1900s of the 20th century)

The name indicates the geography of origin - the peninsula of the same name in eastern Canada. Labradors were officially recognized in 1903, at first the description appeared in the breed standard only in black color. Fawn was allowed in 1924, chocolate even later.

They first came to the USSR in 1960. As in the whole world, their characteristics were appreciated, but they became popular only in the early 90s.

Scope of application

Interest around the world is consistently high. Thanks to their friendly disposition and natural desire to please the owner, Labrador Retrievers have become one of the most popular family dogs.

They are widely used in search and rescue, coastal and other services. Their work is often described in the psychological support of patients, as guides. According to the results of a three-year international study, the Labrador Retriever is recognized as the best to work in customs.

They are still in great demand for hunting game birds. Almost everywhere where poise and perseverance are required from a dog in the absence of any malice, labrik won the palm. But for the protective guard service, according to the reviews of all owners, they are absolutely not suitable.

Ordinary weekdays of service of a retriever in the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.

Exterior

The Labrador is described as a strong, reasonably powerful, but not overburdened dog - deep broad chest with rounded ribs, straight topline, short broad loin. The ideal height is 56-57 cm for males and 54-56 cm for females.

The limbs are set straight and parallel. The rounded paws are gathered into a ball, the pads are well developed. It is very important that the movements are correct - free, light, slightly springy.

A stilted gait, a short step, a wobbling of the rear part indicate the shortcomings of the anatomy. Such a Labrador does not meet the main requirement - the ability to work for many hours on rough terrain.

The broad skull and muzzle should be neither fleshy nor dry. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced. Eyes of medium size, according to the official description of the breed, should express intelligence and good character, color from hazel to brown.

Triangular ears hang close to the head - not too wide, not heavy. The tail is of medium length, straight "otter", very thick at the base. It hangs loosely or gaily raised, but never curls over the back.

The coat is two-layered - a hard short awn and a softer undercoat. The correct coat should be straight, very thick, water-repellent - after bathing under a wet top coat, an almost dry undercoat is noticeable.

Colors allowed by the standard

black, pigmentation of the nose, eyelids and lips is black
chocolate - from light liver to the color of bitter chocolate. The pigment is brown;
fawn (cream, golden) - from almost white with a barely noticeable "bloom" on the ears, back and upper tail to rich red. The pigment is black.

Regardless of color, with age or only in winter, the nose can lighten - this is normal. In adults, pigment saturation is assessed by the color of the eyelids and lips.

"Unique" colors

There are unofficial descriptions of Labradors with non-standard colors.

In the photo - a typical dudley, with a red nose and eyelids.

Character features

A well-bred Labrador with a normal psyche fully corresponds to numerous descriptions. These are very friendly creatures, ready to communicate with literally everyone. They adore the family, but always with a wagging tail and a wide smile to strangers.

Children, especially teenagers, are perceived as the best playmates. With non-violent animals (cats, dogs, a trifle - all the same) they easily get along. They are unhappy in solitude, they require a lot of attention, they "hooligan" out of boredom - they spoil things, howl.

Education is within the power of even inexperienced owners. However, an obedient robot does not work out of them due to their active inquisitive disposition. Read more about the character and training in a separate article.

Such a home terminator appears when the dog is not realized and is bored.

A young dog, not to mention a puppy, is a real hurricane! He is interested in trying everything for a tooth, sticking his nose in everything, and if possible - himself entirely. And the tail lives its own life, knocking off the tables everything that is not nailed down.

It's fun, but it comes with a number of dangers - injuries, electric shocks, obstruction, poisoning with household chemicals. The first time at home you need to maintain perfect order. Different toys, joint active games partially save from attempts on furniture.

With sufficient walking, by the age of two, the pet will become less noisy. But during the period of growing up, you should not hope for a calm, measured life.

The content of the Labrador does not imply any features - its own place (better an orthopedic mattress), non-slip bowls or a stand, mental stress before going to bed (especially in youth, so that it does not make noise at night).

Bathing as needed.

Hair care

Despite the modest length of the hairs, they fall abundantly and constantly, especially if the dog is not walked much in winter. If a puppy is accustomed to a vacuum cleaner, dying hairs can be collected with a brush or a pipe without a nozzle - many reviews describe such a "massage" as a Labrador's favorite pastime.

According to owners, the following tools help speed up molting:

metal scraper with a loop. If the undercoat is not very thick, for paws and underparts. You can not press hard, otherwise scratches will remain on the skin (pruritus, dermatitis);

Double-sided scraper-loop for the care of Labrador hair.

wide stripping is designed to prepare rough-haired dogs for trimming, but perfectly combs out the thick undercoat.
The awn is well collected by a rubber comb - teeth by a "fence" of triangles or "crowns". The usual mitten with "fingers" is ineffective.

During the molting period, the furminator works great (on the left in the photo), but it is risky to use it before exhibitions (cuts the awn). Although if you take a couple of lessons from the breeder, it will do for combing the body.

Puppies are combed rather for training, so a single row and a massage brush with rounded teeth are enough. To give a gloss, a brush with boar bristles is suitable.

If an adult dog does not shed very much, you can get by with the same tools or buy a slicker.

It is desirable to comb out clean, dry wool. Bathing shortens the shedding period, but "special" nutritional supplements stretch the process, damaging the liver.

In summer, black and chocolate colors turn brown or "rust", so show dogs should not be in the sun for a long time. A haircut will not save you from the heat, on the contrary - without an air "barrier" the surface of the body heats up faster.

In the fight against shedding hair, a haircut is also not the best option - shortened hairs are more difficult to remove (is it not to shave at zero?).

Walks and activities

Walking with an eccentric clown full of energy is still a pleasure. Of the most common disadvantages of the Labrador breed, owners describe the following:

pestering all passers-by with a dumb request to play, jumping into a crowd of children. Soiled or torn clothes, at least an angry rebuff, or even a blow with a shocker or a boot;
eating everything in a row - fine gravel, leaves and other rubbish, not to mention edible waste;
tendency to escape, sudden "deafness" at the sight of something interesting. Retrievers are often lost, even well-mannered adults, so an address tag on the collar is a must;
increased interest in dogs, cats, birds and all living things with whom you can play. At the sight of a non-aggressive dog, the labr "stalls" and pulls so that you drive on asphalt. From an evil dog, he can rush to his heels - he will be lost.

Until the pet is perfectly brought up, a leash is required in open areas. Experienced owners recommend regular re-stitching with 3-5 welded rings in length.

Roulettes are not very suitable for young Labs - they learn to pull without feeling jerks that control the movement. The harness is allowed only from 2 years. A tight collar and a noose will not work for this breed, except for unruly aggressors (and then as a temporary measure).

Walking with an adult retriever will bring pleasure to children.

In summer, active training should be moved to the morning or evening. Labradors, especially overweight ones, get tired quickly in the open sun. By nature, the forest and the water element are more suitable for them.

Almost all Labradors are madly in love with water, swimming from early spring to late autumn. It is very useful for the joints, strengthens the immune system and allows you to maintain a good shape.

The reservoir should be relatively clean. In cool weather, either wear a neoprene vest or dry your dog and get him to move around a lot.

Puppies, chronically ill and elderly labrams can swim only in summer. After a long swim in stagnant water, a warm shower is required, otherwise the pet will smell unpleasant.

Labradors are by no means clean, on the contrary. For example, a dog may fall out in the mud or "dive" into a deep puddle. A raincoat will save you from dirt. In training, a blanket is required so that the dog does not catch a cold after warming up.

They tolerate frosts well, they love snow and are generally "alive" than in hot summers. But for a long walk from -15 it is better to wear insulated overalls, especially if we are talking about an elderly or unhardened dog.

In the description of the Labrador breed, their fingers are gathered together, pressed against each other, as a result, debris collects between the pads. And because of the thick wool, he gets stuck there. The dog, gnawing a speck, mucus the skin, which can lead to the formation of cracks or infection (fungi, bacteria). After each walk, the paws need to be inspected, in winter - to remove adhering lumps of snow.

In the city, before a winter walk, the pads are smeared with special wax (or simple petroleum jelly) to protect the skin from reagents. After it is washed off with warm water.

Video

You can learn more about the nature and habits of the Labrador by watching the video from our channel. A selection of funny moments will certainly amuse you:

Feeding

The Labrador Retriever is a tireless marathon runner and must be able to work long hours on dry land. And the need to swim in not always warm water suggests the presence of a developed subcutaneous fat layer. It also takes energy to keep warm.

Therefore, by nature they are characterized by an excellent appetite. They eat like they have a week to spare! And anything, without being picky and sometimes deciding whether it can be eaten at all after the piece has fallen into the mouth.

A squash on legs is not a Labrador, but an unfortunate creature with shortness of breath and a bunch of chronic diseases. With a genetic tendency to obesity, it is criminal to feed a dog!

The diet should be balanced: either natural after consulting a veterinarian, or good super-premium dry food. Plus active training to keep fit.

Since the characteristics of the breed are omnivores, firm vegetables and/or diced fruits are well suited for rewarding. Encouragement is a small piece for the impeccable execution of the command, and not a kilo of carrots for beautiful eyes.

From an early age, do not indulge your baby with gastronomic delights!

If the Labrador is on dry food, one of the feedings can be moved outside. First, a hungry dog runs a good run, and then practicing obedience skills, endurance, sampling. Without barriers, fetches and other fuss - a calm workout so that there is not the slightest risk from the gastrointestinal tract. You can’t eat and run, because it’s not about a treat, but about a full portion.

Forbid pets to feed the puppy from the table. Explain that he is not a trash can or a starving refugee from Africa. This is true for any breed, but Labras are perhaps one of the most gluttonous,. And to wean them to burst everything is almost unrealistic.

Health

Problems with excess weight are in the first place in the description of the problems of the Labrador breed. Obesity leads to a variety of chronic diseases that reduce the life expectancy of an already not the most healthy breed.

Common Genetic Diseases

dysplasia of the elbow / hip joint;
osteochondrosis - improper formation of the joint, often affects the shoulders, elbows, knees;
retinal detachment, cataracts and other eye diseases;
hypothyroidism - lack of thyroid hormones;
allergic reactions, mainly skin (dermatitis, eczema);
ichthyosis in Labradors occurs, as a rule, without damage to the immune system - abundant dandruff, crusts. Only symptomatic support, carriers do not get sick;
nasal parakeratosis - crusts, painful cracks on the nose. Treatment is only symptomatic, ineffective.

An overly fat Labr is an unfortunate animal!

Decorative dog breeds aside, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular companion dogs. And that means a lot of greedy divorcees. Therefore, a puppy should be bought only in a well-known nursery.

Breeders with a name value their reputation, they do not knit a frank nightmare in terms of the psyche and / or health. Yes, a puppy from a kennel is more expensive. But treating a dog for years is also not cheap.

Share with the breeder your idea of an ideal pet, voice your description to him. The main characteristics of the Labrador are already visible at the age of one month. Of course, you can choose with your heart - the cutest, the first to run up. But it is wiser to trust someone who already knows what each baby will grow up to be. More about choice.

Otherwise, everything is standard - strong, well-fed babies, a pleasant smell, playful and sociable, clean and shiny. Puppy card, brand, contract of sale and transfer of the baby to new, caring loving hands.

Height at withers: 25-45kg

Weight: 54-57cm

The color is definitely monochrome. The most common types of color: black, golden, beige, brown with a chocolate tint. Very rarely, dark-colored Labradors have white spots on the chest.

The tail is round, very thick at the base. Labradors always gaily waggle their tail from side to side, but the tail should not be completely curled over the back - this can be considered a deviation.

The coat of Labradors is dense and hard, but at the same time quite soft to the touch. In bad weather and cold, these dogs are saved by the second layer of wool - a dense undercoat.

Hind legs

Athletic, pads and toes well developed.

Front legs

Medium length, straight and powerful.

Broad nose with harmoniously developed large nostrils.

Teeth, jaws and cheekbones

Powerful jaws of medium length. At the same time, Labradors very gently and delicately capture prey or a toy. Absolutely correct bite. The teeth are strong and large.

The head is large and harmoniously developed. Well defined profile. The cheekbones are neatly defined.

One of the visiting cards of Labradors. The ears are neat, of medium size, hanging, relatively close to the head.

Labradors have a calm, intelligent and good-natured look, occasionally expressing light playfulness. Eyes of medium size. Most often, brown with a nutty tint.

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Introduction

The Labrador is one of the most popular dogs in the world. The secret of the popularity of this breed is true and simple: Labradors are smart and sociable, they are distinguished by devotion and calm character. In the morning, this dog can bring you a newspaper or even a tablet to your bed, and will also be a great companion and trainer during your morning run. Labradors really appreciate communication with people and can turn any kind of outdoor activity into a holiday.

They will gladly go hiking with you, climb the mountains and happily take a boat trip. The Labrador dog breed is not at all aggressive: they are willing to be friends with other dogs, love to play with children, and are also peaceful in relations with cats. While you are at work, the Labrador will patiently wait for an evening walk without touching the wallpaper and furniture. Small apartments do not affect the life comfort of Labradors in any way, the main thing is not to forget about walks and attention.

For those who want a Labrador to live in his house, a description of the breed will help to better organize pet care. These dogs are extremely sociable. They are accustomed to living with people under one roof and close communication - in a word, to be full members of the family. Therefore, if you want to avoid depression in your pet, you need to understand that a booth in the yard is not an option for a Labrador.

Story

There are many versions of the origin of this popular breed. Many researchers claim that the Labrador is a breed of dog descended from the domestic dogs of the North American Indians. They helped their masters catch fish. Perhaps this is precisely what explains the love of all modern Labradors for water.

The official discovery period of Labradors can be considered the beginning of the 19th century. European sailors saw these dogs on the coast of the Canadian island of Newfoundland. For the natives, Labradors were universal and indispensable helpers: they dived into the water for fishing nets, while hunting they carefully brought game from the water and thickets of the forest. Often these animals served as guides and guides.

In 1830, sailors brought the first Labradors to Britain. North American dogs immediately became the favorite assistants of British hunters. Their soft jaws did not damage the game, and their developed intelligence and natural endurance rescued hunters in the most difficult situations. Sometimes Labradors even rescued the wounded. Many decided to use these dogs not only for hunting, but also as a pet, which got along well with people.

In 1903, the English Kennel Club officially recognized the breed "Labrador". From the very beginning, only black individuals were considered true Labrador Retrievers. Over time, the breed standard has changed - today the Labrador dog in the photo on the Internet, magazines and in everyday life is found in fawn (from light cream to dark red) or chocolate color. The standard has changed. The intensity of the color is not related to the health of the pet and does not indicate the quality of selection.

The dog got its current name in honor of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. At first they were simply called "St. John's dogs" (in honor of the capital of this Canadian province), but ordinary English hunters did not like this name. The word "labrador" turned out to be perfect - in the forests during hunting and just on the streets during outdoor activities, the phrase "Hey Lab! Come here!" sounded confidently and clearly, which eventually became a cult.

In the 20th century, the popularity of the Labrador dog breed grew exponentially. They ended up in America again: first as a favorite dog of hunters, lumberjacks and athletes, and then just a domestic dog, the image of which symbolizes comfort, harmony and well-being. Labradors were brought up by politicians and pop stars, actors and artists. Also, do not forget about the practical benefits of these dogs. All over the world they carry out the most important missions: they help sick people during therapy and rehabilitation, they are used by the police, they faithfully serve blind people as guides.

Russia's most famous Labrador is Koni, a faithful four-legged friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trivia

One of the most famous Labradors of our time is the hero of the American animated series Family Guy named Brian Griffin. Brian is a white labrador retriever. As befits dogs of this breed, he is a true intellectual and a true member of the family.

Buddy and Seamus are the first Labradors in the history of the American White House. In 1997, US President and saxophonist Bill Clinton decided to get dogs of this breed.

Psychology and intelligence

Whatever description of the Labrador breed you come across, you will always notice a common feature: the mind and quick wits of these dogs are especially emphasized. They easily understand the commands and words of a person, even by the intonation or timbre of the voice. These dogs are very capable and can perform standard household functions, such as handing you gloves, an umbrella, a book, or a tablet at a certain time or on command. They know how to adapt to your habits and feel your mood. If you are sad, the dog will be sad with you. If you feel good and you are ready for a wonderful walk on a sunny day, he will find his favorite ball and bring a leash in his teeth, happily wagging his tail.

The key feature of Labradors is their character. Labradors are calm and friendly, at the same time active and not at all annoying. They obediently carry out commands, try to please the owner and even save him from trouble.

Socialization

These dogs are not aggressive at all. They can even make friends with a cat, and they especially love games with young children.

Long-haired pets are always welcome guests in your home and are ready to communicate good-naturedly and sincerely even with strangers whom they see for the first time. Unfortunately, sometimes excessive sociability and curiosity harm animals. According to statistics, malefactors most often kidnap dogs of this particular breed. Therefore, the owners of Labradors must remember that leaving their four-legged friend on the street unattended is fraught with dog abduction.

One of the key points in keeping a Labrador is active communication between the owner and the pet. He should be a member of the family - watch TV shows with you, wait for your child's birthday, take an active part in family picnics in nature, and so on. You need to communicate a lot with a Labrador, because words of praise for this dog are much more important than any treat.

Activity

In the description of the Labrador breed, one can also notice another often cited characteristic: the high mobility of these dogs. "Labam" needed exercise and long walks. Even the most obedient Labrador can arrange a natural disaster in your apartment if you periodically forget about his needs. But this is not because of malice, revenge or resentment - just in this way (scattering things, splashing in the bathroom, tearing the wallpaper and brushing your computer off the table) the Labrador will be able to entertain himself and splash out energy.

Education

Even at the age of a puppy, a Labrador understands that the main thing in his life is a person. Therefore, education is usually not difficult. The owner must show that hyperactivity is not always good, and the favor of a person cannot always be achieved with the help of desire to please and tail wagging. Train these dogs for walks and physical activity: it is this rhythm that will lead them to discipline and give your life together with a Labrador calm and joy.

Labradors are not to be spoiled. Praise them carefully, and give treats only as some kind of reward. If a Labrador is naughty, you can boldly, but carefully, raise your voice. The pet will understand his guilt and will not hold a grudge against you.

Walks and exercise

These long-eared dogs are very calm, but at the same time extremely active. How is this possible? This is one of the features of the Labrador dog breed that makes it even more unique.

A smart and well-mannered Labrador always knows when to give him a voice or distract you from business. The secret to successfully raising a four-legged friend is to control his activity. The owner just needs to set the rhythm. It must be remembered that Labradors are very mobile, so only walks and physical activity can pacify their activity. The ideal option is a short morning walk (about half an hour) and a long evening walk (about two hours). Sometimes this regimen should be alternated with a series of several short walks - 4-5 walking sessions of half an hour each. They also simply need more serious loads - for example, a Labrador will be happy if you decide to play ball or frisbee with him. You can safely take your pet for morning jogging, hiking or even cycling - thanks to natural endurance, the dog will follow the bike for a long time without any problems.

You can't get away from genetics, the Labrador breed was born on the ocean coast - these dogs love water very much. Therefore, at least once a month they need to arrange water procedures. If possible, the animal can be taken to the nearest clean river or forest lake.

Any outdoor activity is a joy and the best fitness for a Labrador, so the owners of these dogs have the opportunity to experiment in every possible way. The main thing is that rest and entertainment do not harm the dog and others.

According to the ferocious captain of the football club "Manchester United" Roy Keane, in his life there was only one true friend and interesting conversationalist - a Labrador named Triggs.

Care

Labradors are not the most whimsical dogs. But the owner should definitely follow a few rules:

Hair care

In any photo, the Labrador stands out with beautiful long hair. An unpleasant consequence of such a breed feature is a strong molt. Therefore, if you want to protect your apartment from wool, comb your Labradors with a simple comb several times a week. In some cases, once is enough. Also, do not forget that Labradors love water. For example, while walking, they may attempt to swim in a puddle. In such cases, after a walk, the coat should be washed with clean running water and wiped with a soft towel.

Ear care

Excessive moisture and dust in the ears of a Labrador can lead to ear infections. Wipe the ears of Labradors dry after water procedures, and also use special hygienic liquids.

Otherwise, everything is quite simple: Labradors need to brush their teeth every day with a good paste, and also trim their nails at least once every one and a half weeks so that they do not interfere with walking and running.

Labrador and your apartment

When setting up a corner for a Labrador, you need to remember that this dog loves communication and should always be aware of family affairs. Therefore, a good overview should open from the individual place of the Labrador - the dog needs to see you at least fragmentarily and always be within reach. You should not buy boxes or booths with a roof, because the Labrador is unpretentious and not at all timid. Therefore, the best option would be a spacious and high-quality bedding made from natural materials. Its size should allow the dog to stretch out and relax. It is also desirable that one of your things be near the place of the Labrador. For example, if you like to go cycling together, it would not be superfluous to bike a few meters from the dog.

What to feed a Labrador dog

Features of feeding these animals determine their large size and rather high energy costs. In addition, the nutrition of Labradors should ensure the prevention of joint diseases, which are often found in these animals. If a Labrador dog is given natural food, then half of its diet should be meat products (20 g of meat per kg of weight). Suitable beef, chicken, turkey, lean lamb. ¼ of the diet will consist of cereals (wheat, rice, buckwheat). Dogs prone to obesity are recommended long-digested barley groats. The remaining quarter of the diet will be represented by vegetables: carrots, beets, zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, and greens. But, of course, experts will always be of the opinion that a quality dog food is more suitable for a Labrador: with such energy costs, a pet needs to eat a balanced diet, which, alas, is not easy to provide with natural nutrition.

The predecessor of this breed appeared on the island of Newfoundland in the early 19th century. There he was nicknamed "sea dog", for the speed of movement in the water. Local fishermen used her help in fishing. Some believe that this dog was used as a wreck tracker to rescue shipwrecked people.

One way or another, people liked these dogs, and they began to be taken to England, and already in 1835 the first nursery appeared.

Already there, after crossing the brought "water dogs" and the curly-haired Labrador, the well-known Labrador Retriever appeared. This breed was bred to help people in hunting, fishing and for other needs.

There is a version that Labradors got their name due to their Portuguese nickname of the same name, which is translated from their language as “hard worker”, which fully justifies the inherent performance of this breed.

The 20-30s of the 20th century are characterized by a sharp jump in the popularity of Labradors. For their achievements at exhibitions and competitions, the 20th century is called the "Golden Age of the Labrador".
In 1916, the first club of Labrador lovers appeared, which to this day breeds dogs of the best qualities.
In the 70s, the exhibition and companion role of the Labrador increased.
In 1991, this breed becomes the most popular already in America, and its representatives with dignity keep the first place for themselves.

Appearance

Head and neck:

The broad skull and lack of fleshy cheeks make the head powerful;
The transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined;
Correct bite, teeth are of medium size;
Walnut eyes;
The ears are mobile, have a landing behind the head, usually take a hanging position, easily change it due to the absence of heavy gravity;
The neck is strong and strong.

Body and tail:

Flat line of the back;
Broad chest with flattened ribs;
The tail should not curl over the back; resembles an otter's tail; has a thick coat.

Limbs:

The straight line of the forelimbs, the development of the hind;
Feet are round and compact, with webbed toes and prominent pads.

Wool:

Thick short six;
The undercoat is waterproof.

Growth and color

The height standards for a Labrador are 56-57 cm for a male and 54-56 cm for a female. American standards have minor differences: 57-62 cm for a male, 55-59 cm for a female.

The most common color is black. Actually, it all started with black Labradors. Classic, this color looks advantageous, shimmering like black satin. In color, a small light spot on the chest may be acceptable.

Once, a puppy was born from two black parents, whose color was called field. Now it has several shades: from cream to reddish. In terms of physical and mental qualities, such dogs are not inferior to black ones.

Another color is chocolate, and it appeared before the field one. In this case, spots of a different color should not be on the coat. The color became popular after Clinton introduced a brown Labrador to his family.

Character and training

The following can be said about the minuses of character:

Excessive mobility, including the tail. Labrador can accidentally break things with them.
Intense love for water, often resulting in turning on faucets or cravings for dirty ponds, puddles, etc.

The advantages of the Labrador are several times greater than the disadvantages:

Good with children and the elderly;
Enjoys work and activity;
A real sleuth. Search is his favorite pastime;
Well trained;
Thoughtfulness and dexterity of actions;
Multipurpose breed;
Cheerfulness and optimism;
Gets along with different breeds.

Labradors are well trained, but, as for any breed, you need to identify some features of training and even prohibitions:

During training, you need to use incentive methods. Physical force and other methods of punishment are inappropriate in relation to Labrador Retrievers. The maximum that can be allowed is a change of tone.
It is easier for a Labrador to learn commands in the form of a game.
The owner himself should like what he does. If the Labrador sees this, he will want to help, which means it will be better to learn.
It is not possible to teach a Labrador to bark for warning or defense purposes. This breed is friendly and kind, and uses its voice almost exclusively to express joy.
Training can begin when the Labrador reaches 4 months. You need to start with the simplest commands regarding the name and other basic things.
It is better to train in crowded places or in a special group, so the Labrador learns not only to execute commands, but also not to be distracted by other people and the processes around him.
Labradors can begin training even as a mature dog.
The intensity and duration of training at first should not exceed 15 minutes, as you grow older, this figure can be increased to 60 minutes.
With a Labrador, the lessons learned should be repeated as often as possible so that he understands that this is not just another game, but a serious matter.
Under no circumstances should you use a gesture of swinging at an animal, this can develop fearfulness in it with a similar movement of the hands of absolutely all people.
Gesture commands are well acquired by Labradors, but they must be produced clearly and in conjunction with the oral form.
It is impossible for the Labrador to be tense during classes. Such emotional loads affect the time of the allotted life of a Labrador.

The place where the Labrador will live:

A place to sleep should be chosen based on two factors: temperature and calmness. Away from radiators and windows, the secluded space is ideal for a Labrador. To provide additional safety from drafts, it is useful to arrange a bed that is 20 cm higher than the floor surface.
If we talk about the place of the toilet, then in this matter the Labrador is constant. Where he went to the toilet for the first time, he will come there after. Therefore, you only need to make sure once and encourage the puppy after the first time.

Things to do:

Everyone faces the problem of tattered curtains and gnawed furniture, you say. Actually, it is not. In order not to run into this, you just need to give the puppy things specifically designed to slowly destroy them. The main thing is that there should be no metal parts on toys. Do not play tug of war with a Labrador. This can spoil the ideal bite given by nature. Do not let the puppy crawl under sofas and armchairs - it affects the spine badly.
To reduce activity at home, you need to walk with a Labrador more often. But the dog does not need exhaustion either. You can run with your four-legged friend, climb the mountain. But if you see that the Labrador is tired, then you see him home - do not make the animal feel tired. If your goal is training, then the load should be increased gradually.

Feeding:

It is better to give preference to dog food. All the necessary elements and vitamins have already been calculated for you, and in what quantities your pet needs them. But you need to choose only high-quality food recommended by dog breeders and experts.
Those who prefer natural food can be advised homemade cottage cheese, meat, sea fish (we exclude oily fish and pollock), crackers, buckwheat and rice groats.
Puppies need to be fed more often, and there is more fat, carbohydrates and meat per kilogram of weight. In the first two months the puppy is fed 5 times, with the next two months the number of feedings per day is reduced by one. An adult Labrador should be fed twice: in the morning and in the evening. Don't forget about water.
The bowl should be located just above the elbows and made of stainless steel. This arrangement will keep the correct posture for the pet.

Essentials:

Despite the fact that the Labrador is rarely bathed, shampoo and a coat brush are necessary.
Collar and muzzle. The Labrador is a very active dog. She may not wish evil, but still pounce on the person she likes. So the Labrador needs these attributes, although their protective functions may not be useful.

Health and longevity

With proper care, Labradors live 10-14 years.

Health problems and prevention:

Many diseases in Labradors are hereditary. Breeders should be asked about the health status of the puppy's parents.
Dysplasia is a defect in the hip joint. To avoid this defect, you need to carefully monitor the puppy. Up to 6 months, he should not be subjected to physical exertion and independently move up the stairs.
Diabetes and obesity. Here, in fact, everything is simple - proper nutrition and balanced loads. To check whether you have overfed a Labrador or not, touch the ribs. They should not be seen, but should be felt.
Allergy. Foods are the main cause of attacks, chicken is the most allergic. In order to prevent, you can use a 1-3 week course of enterosgel. You need to make sure that there is a Labrador, do not let your friends treat him with anything. Self-medication is not suitable in this situation. You need to go to the vet right away.

It is necessary to get vaccinated against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis.

Many dog breeders in the world prefer the Labrador Retriever breed. This is a universal breed that has many advantages - a kind character, attractive appearance, excellent performance, devotion to the owner.

Each dog can become not only a true friend, but also an assistant in the household. They are brought in to help rescuers, policemen. Labradors help to look not only for drugs, but also for people who have escaped under the rubble, they hunt game perfectly, serve as companions for blind people.

The history of the origin of a unique breed

This is a very ancient dog breed. Its first representatives inhabited the island of Newfoundland. Large and rather intelligent animals loved water, were excellent swimmers and often rescued drowning people and children who fell into the water.

Dogs quickly learned commands, so they were used for hunting to get game from water, dense thickets or other hard-to-reach places.

Sailors from different countries arriving on the island were happy to take puppies of a new breed with waterproof wool. They helped on the ship - they got the equipment that had fallen into the sea, washed away by the waves, they brought the caught catch.

The breed appeared in Great Britain in the 19th century. Friendly and intelligent dogs were bought by local residents (townspeople and farmers), because they did not touch other domestic animals and birds. After 100 years in 1903, the breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club. The breed standard included only black animals, much later other colors were recognized - fawn and chocolate.

In the 70s, English breeders clearly defined 2 types of breed - show and working Labradors. The first were heavy, had a short muzzle and a large head, working animals had a dry type of construction, had a long muzzle and lighter bones. Today, both types of dogs are represented at shows.

Appearance and breed standard

The Labrador Retriever is a robust and wiry breed with a broad back, large head, and medium height. Her mobile and benevolent character is known to many.

In appearance, there are certain similarities:

Straight tail, slightly thickened at the base, but not very long. It is covered with hard short hair.
The head of the animal has proportional lines, the skull is wide. The eyes of the dog are expressive and large, the muzzle is short and powerful with snow-white teeth. It has medium-sized hanging auricles, set far apart from each other.
Forelegs set straight, medium length and straight. The dog puts its hind legs parallel. Rounded paws are distinguished by strength.
The body has a fatty layer, a powerful muscular system. The neck of this breed is powerful, of medium length. It smoothly passes into a strong back and a short loin. The chest is well developed, it is wide and deep.

Representatives of this breed have an elastic step, temperamental and free movements. The coat of the dog is two-layered with a soft undercoat, and hard on top. After bathing, the undercoat remains dry.

Permissible colors and type of coat of a retriever

The standard colors are fawn, chocolate, black. There may be a white patch on the chest area. The waterproof coat is harsh, relatively short and dense. The breed does not allow too lush and soft coat, feathering and waves.

There are also non-standard colors of Labrador Retrievers:

white with black - appears as a fawn color;
silver - non-standard obtained after crossing (mestizo);
dudley - weakened fawn, considered a mestizo.
fox or redfox - a red shade that is considered a shade of fawn.

Dogs with spots are considered a marriage and are not subject to professional breeding for exhibitions.

Puppies character traits

Labrador Retrievers are a great companion dog for active owners and families with children. They love to walk and run with the owner.

There are many breeds of active dogs. Here is one of them

It is not a shame to take a pet with you on a trip, a trip or to any crowded place. Intelligent and intelligent dogs stand out among other breeds for their good manners and desire to please others. They can become destructive if they are constantly alone. It is better to teach the rules of behavior to a puppy from childhood.

This is a hunting breed, so her voice is loud and loud. Labradors bark when they require attention and express joy. The puppy is not suitable as a house guard or owner, as it can only scare an unexpected guest with loud barking.

An additional quality of this breed is the love of water procedures. Dogs splash in any place where they see water, regardless of the sea in front of them or an ordinary puddle. A Labrador may rush forward when he sees a regular pond or bucket of water. They love wet mud and dewy grass.

Dogs of this breed love fun games. They are not aggressive towards small children and can endure inconvenience for a long time. They can play with neighbor animals or adult acquaintances.

Characteristics of thoroughbred dogs

Unpretentious breed is used as rescuers, guides or hunters. Dogs do not show aggression towards people, even if they live on the street. As a lifeguard, Labradors are valued for their keen sense of smell, physical strength and endurance, friendliness and ability to swim. They are used by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the dog does not need to be trained for a long time.

For hunters, retrievers are indispensable, because they bring the fallen game from the bushes, ponds, participate in the paddock of a large animal. Thanks to the special structure of the jaw, they capture prey without damaging it.

Labradors are excellent learners and the functions of a partner for the blind. They are not conflicted in public places, do not pay any attention to the surrounding dogs, get along well with people, as they have a calm disposition and strong psychological hardening.

The subtleties of training Labradors

Strong and good-natured Labradors need to be walked daily. They need initial training and outdoor games. They learn quickly and easily, but it is better to start the training process with a small puppy. It is easier to accustom them to the new, obedience and calmness, attracting them with various delicacies.

It is better to gradually accustom a puppy to the outside world - cars, other people, animals. The process of socialization should be gradual, so that the pet is manageable and obedient and does not break off the leash, but calmly walks in the owner's field of vision.

The hardest thing to train adult males and puppies older than six months. In the process, you should pay attention to tasty rewards, as dogs love to eat and get tidbits of meat. For the correct execution of any command, they should be encouraged with yummy.

Labrador Retrievers can sometimes be stubborn, but in the process of training, physical methods of influence and screams should not be used on them. They will resist even more and not follow the commands.

Choosing the Right Diet

Labrador retrievers love delicious food, but many of them can be overweight and plump. The pet's diet must be nutritious and balanced so that the animal is in perfect shape.

Working breeders choose premium dry food for their dogs. There are foods for representatives of this breed with additives to strengthen the joints. Additionally, you can pamper your pet with vitamin and mineral supplements.

Ready-made food is difficult to find if the dog suffers from severe allergies. In this situation, a natural diet is needed, including:

fresh and boiled carrots;
whey and other dairy products;
vegetables from the garden and seasonal fruits;
buckwheat, oatmeal, boiled rice;
boiled or raw cuttings;

various by-products;

boiled or raw beef tenderloin.

A couple of doses per week, you can add fresh eggs to the animal's diet. Do not mix natural and dry food. This disruption of digestion can cause illness in your pet.

Pet care rules

It is not very difficult to care for a Labrador Retriever. Its coat does not need to be cut and combed frequently. It is enough to walk over the dog's body with a special brush several times a week. During the shedding season (twice a year), the animal is combed out with a furminator to quickly remove fallen undercoat and hair. It is best to do this daily.

The pet's ears are also cleaned periodically with a cotton swab and a special lotion. You can simply soak the cotton in water. The ears are then dried with a towel. Nails are clipped on the paws as needed so that they do not interfere with the dog's walking. Use regular pliers or animal scissors.

Cons and advantages of the breed

Funny and perky pets have a lot of advantages:

love for children, adult households and other animals;
quick wit and excellent intelligence;
high quality search engine;
excellent scent;
devotion to the owner;
fast learner;
developed hunting qualities;
lack of fear of heights and water.

The breed also has its drawbacks. The dog actively sheds twice a year. Her coat is oily and sticky to the touch, as water-repellent lubricant is actively produced.

A Labrador Retriever can ruin furniture, eat something from a trash can, empty a table with dishes. Young puppies happily rush to everyone they meet, so they should be walked in public places on a leash. A puppy or an adult dog can get lost, tagging along with someone or playing with a street dog.

The health status of the Labrador

Among dogs, this breed is distinguished by longevity. They are not prone to sores and have fairly good health. On average, a dog can live 10-15 years.

They are characterized in some cases by some diseases:

Genetic pathologies are also common, as well as eye diseases - cataracts, retinal detachment. Deep cracks and crusts may form on the nose. Treatment in the latter case is only local.

Conditions for keeping a pet

The animal can be kept in the yard if a warm aviary or booth is installed there. In winter colds, it is better to let the dog into the house, although thanks to the dense undercoat, it can also tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

Every day, the dog needs communication with the owners, moving walks and games. Lonely dogs can become aggressive and out of control.

Retrievers also live in small apartments, the main thing is active walks in the fresh air, the ability to sometimes swim in ponds or the sea.

How to choose a good puppy

This breed is very popular, and before choosing a dog, you need to know how to choose the right pet. First of all, the documents and the pedigree of the puppy are checked.

The animal must not be passive or overly hyperactive. Signs of a good dog are a desire to get to know the guest, a clear look and a smooth coat with a sheen.

Should You Buy a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever?

These are two related breeds. The noisy and rustic Labrador with the household is friendly and sometimes annoying. He rushes towards the baby and can drop him.

The Golden Retriever is an elegant and subtle aristocrat, more phlegmatic and calm. He intuitively feels the mood of the owner.

Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds today.

If you need to choose one word as a description, then this word will be a friend.

You will learn about how this breed of dog originated, how to properly care for them, how many years they live, how much they cost in different countries, and how much one Labrador can eat per day, you will learn in this article.

Until now, people do not fully know how these dogs appeared in our lives.

A huge number of researchers believe that the origin of this breed was from domestic dogs of North American Indians. At that time they helped their masters to fish.

At the beginning of the 19th century, European sailors wandered into a Canadian island called Newfoundland and noticed such a beautiful breed of dogs among the natives.

They have become real, universal helpers. Their duties included diving for fishing nets and fetching game from the forest.

In 1830, the Labrador appeared in Britain, and was a great success among hunters.

Endurance, patience and activity helped hunters to get out of the most difficult situations.

Only in 1903 this breed was officially recognized and named "Labrador". They got their name due to their origin.

Their ancestors were bred on the Labrador Peninsula. Now these dogs are in the life of almost every famous person.

Whether he's a politician or a movie star. Many times Labradors are used as guide dogs for blind people.

The external description of the breed is quite simple. This dog can be recognized very easily.

There are international standards by which you can determine whether a particular dog is a representative of its breed.

Calculations and criteria were carried out, which were recorded in the table. Thanks to the created table, it is determined whether your pet can be classified as a Labrador or not.

First of all, you should pay attention to the fact that the dog must be strong, muscular and compact.

The height of a standard male at the withers is 56-57 cm, and females - 54-56 cm..

According to the American standard, the height at the withers of a male should be 57-62 cm, and that of a female at the withers 55-59 cm. The height at the withers can be measured with an ordinary centimeter or a ruler.

The head is broad, the ears are small, hanging slightly behind. The neck is powerful and large, the chest is wide, the limbs are strong, and the paws are compact.

The tail is also an indicator of the breed of the dog. In a Labrador, it should resemble an otter's tail.

Growth and color

The growth of these dogs is optimal, as it is not a very large dog, but not small either.

In the first month of their life, their height is 23 cm, by three months - 40 cm, 6 months - 50 cm. When the puppy is one year old, his height will be about 56 cm, his growth stops there.

There are currently three color varieties.:

black;
chocolate (brown);
white.

Labradors are a breed that has an excellent positive characteristic.

They are very gifted, have high intelligence. They are never scared, sad or lonely. No matter what lifestyle you lead, the dog will easily adapt to you.

First of all, you need to remember that the dog loves communication very much and therefore it should arrange a place where it would have a good viewing angle.

It is not necessary to buy a dog house or a box for a dog, a bedding made of natural materials is enough. The size should be such that the dog can calmly stretch and relax.

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is the key to the health of any dog, especially when it leads an active lifestyle.

How many times a day you need to feed such a guide dog and what to feed is of interest to everyone who likes this breed.

Her diet should contain all the useful and nutritious substances. And then it will look like in the picture.

Labradors are prone to obesity, so if you decide on meat, then it is better to choose a dietary type.

For example:

mutton;
beef;
bird.

Most often, breeders refuse natural feeding and prefer professional feed. But here everyone decides for himself.

When buying a dog from a kennel, you can ask for a full description of what the puppy has been eating all this time.

At first, you will have to adhere to this in order not to disrupt the puppy's stomach. A few years will pass and you will forget how you accustomed him to this or that food.

It doesn't matter how old your pet is, their predisposition to disease is here to stay.

First of all, it is worth paying attention to such a disease as obesity. Only physical activity will help you save your dog from this.

Also, many dogs of large breeds have a disease such as dysplasia. This disease is not yet fully understood and for what reasons it may occur in your pet is unknown.

Try to visit the veterinarian for a checkup at least once a year. With proper care, all diseases will bypass your pet.

Interesting facts from the life of Labradors

If you still doubt whether it is worth it, here is a whole list of interesting facts about Labrador Retrievers and their life:

In 3 seconds they gain speed of 20 km/h.
They dive to a depth of 14 m.
The scent of a Labrador is 25% better than that of a shepherd.

There is already a proven fact that a Labrador can safely take an egg in his mouth and bring it whole.