Labrador Retriever Dog:

The Labrador Retriever has become one of the most popular dog breeds in recent years.



In many countries it is in fact the single most popular breed. Originally, the Labrador Retriever was from the island of Labrador in what is now Canada. It developed through rather random cross breeding of other existing breeds of the time, including the St John’s water dog and the St Hubert’s hound.



The Labrador Retriever, often known simply as the Labrador today (or even simply “Lab”), was developed as a gun dog. It was first used by hunters to retrieve game and by fishermen to pull in their fishing nets.

Early Labrador Retriever dogs and their predecessors were usually black, but the chocolate Labrador and the yellow or butterscotch Labrador also existed and gradually became more and more common.



Today Labrador Retrievers come in all three colors, and occasionally in silver too. These dogs are muscular and tough, with powerful necks, broad heads, and the thick, strong “otter tail” that so often knocks things over and whips people’s legs rather painfully. The Labrador coat is short and water resistant, and requires minimal grooming and care.

Labrador Retriever Personality:

The Labrador Retriever personality is an important reason for its popularity, but it is also an important cause of the trouble so many Labrador owners face. Labrador Retrievers are good natured, affectionate, friendly, and loving dogs. However, they are also highly excitable and energetic, and can get out of control if the owner is not firm. Labrador Retriever puppies should be trained early and should be made to understand their position in the pack right from the start – the human owner must be the pack leader, and the dog should be at the bottom of the hierarchy in the family. This of course should not be established with force, but with simple rules, habits, and cues. Training too should be reward based, not revolving around force or punishment. Behavior that is desired and appropriate should be rewarded with food or affection, and behavior that is undesirable and inappropriate should be either ignored or corrected without force. As long as this is taken care of and the dog is well socialized, a Labrador is among the most easily trained dogs, and also among the best canine companions.

Adequate exercise is extremely important for Lab dogs – this includes brisk daily walks as well as adequate time to play and let of steam. Without this, a Lab may become destructive and will also put on a lot of weight. Obesity is particularly dangerous for these dogs due to their propensity to suffer from hip dysplasia.