Labrador Retriever: Difference between revisions

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[[image:Labrador_retriever_and_children.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Noted for their friendly, non-agressive nature, Labrador retrievers generally make excellent family pets, if their need for exercise and companionship is met. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick]]
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The '''Labrador retriever''' is the most popular registered [[dog breed|breed]] of [[dog]] in both the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]], two of the most "dog-friendly" cultures in the world. What about this [[Dog breed|breed]] accounts for such popularity?  Members of the [[retriever]] dog group, Labradors are generally both exceptionally friendly, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for both adults and children. Their [[Dog intelligence|intelligence]] and size also makes them suitable [[service animals]].  
{{Image|Labrador_retriever_and_children.jpg|right|300px|Noted for their friendly, non-aggressive nature, Labrador retrievers generally make excellent family pets, if their need for exercise and companionship is met. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick}}
[[image:Fox_red_yellow_Labrador_retriever.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The British style of Labradors are stockier and have broader heads than the American or field style.]]
The '''Labrador retriever''' is ''the'' most popular registered [[dog breed|breed]] of [[dog]] in both the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States of America]], two of the most "dog-friendly" cultures in the world. What about this [[Dog breed|breed]] is likely to account for such outstanding popularity?  Labradors are generally both exceptionally friendly, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for children, as well as adults. Their [[Dog intelligence|intelligence]] and size also makes them suitable [[service animals]].  
Having been bred first to help [[Newfoundland]] fishermen haul in their fishing nets and then in Great Britain as '[[gun dog|gun dogs]]' for hunting waterfowl, Labs are powerful swimmers who love the water.
{{Image|Fox_red_yellow_Labrador_retriever.jpg|right|300px|The British style of Labradors are stockier and have broader heads than the American or field style.}}
 
Having been bred first to help [[Newfoundland]] fishermen haul in their fishing nets and then in Great Britain as '[[gun dog|gun dogs]]' for hunting waterfowl, Labs are powerful swimmers who love the water. As much as most Labs take to swimming, life on dry land also suits them - as long as there is an opportunity for some exercise. Their ability to adapt to both city and country life is one more factor that accounts for their popularity (ref:SPORTING GROUP: Labrador RetrieversFaith Hyndman. AKC Gazette. New York: Jul 2006. Vol. 123, Iss. 7; p. 51)


==History==
==History==
The Labrador is believed to have originated on the island of [[Newfoundland]], now part of the province of [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], [[Canada]].<ref
It is thought to have descended over time from the [[St. John's Water Dog]] (no longer in existence), a [[crossbreed]] of native water dogs and the [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]] dog (to which the Labrador is closely related), through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the 17th century.<ref>http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/settlement.html</ref>  
name="alllabs.com_history">http://alllabs.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/labrador_retriever_history.htm?E+scstore
{{Image|Lab_hunting_test.jpg|left|250px|Labrador retriever returns with her quarry at a hunting test. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick}}
(''alllabs.com'' "History of the Lab")</ref> The breed is not [[indigenous]] to the Newfoundland area nor is there evidence they accompanied early [[Inuit]] settlers.<ref>''[[Marley and me]]'', p.52</ref> It is thought to have descended over time from the [[St. John's Water Dog]] (no longer in existence), a [[crossbreed]] of native water dogs and the [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]] dog (to which the Labrador is closely related), through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the mid to late 15th century.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" />  
[[Image:Lab_hunting_test.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Labrador retriever returns with her quarry at at a hunting test. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick]]
The name ''Labrador'' was given to this dog by the [[Earl of Malmesbury]] and other breeders in [[England]] in order to differentiate them from the [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland dog]]. The Labrador Retriever was originally called the ''lesser Newfoundland'' or the ''St. John's dog''. Other origins suggested for the name include the Spanish or Portuguese word for rural/agricultural workers, Portuguese "lavradores" or Spanish "labradores", and the village of Castro Laboreiro in Portugal whose
herding and guard dogs bear a "striking resemblance" to Labradors.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" /> The original forebearers of the St. John's have variously been suggested to be crossbreeds of the black [[St. Hubert's hound]] from France, working water dogs from Portugal, old European [[pointer]] breeds and dogs belonging to the indigenous peoples of the area.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" /> Two breeds emerged; the larger [[Newfoundland
(dog)|Newfoundland]] used for hauling, and the smaller short-coat [[retriever]]s used for retrieval and pulling in nets from the water. The Lab is of the latter type.   
 
Many fishermen originally used the Lab to assist in bringing nets to shore; the dog would grab the floating corks on the ends of the nets and pull them to shore. They were brought to the [[Poole]] area of [[England]], then the hub of the Newfoundland [[fishing]] trade, and became prized amongst the [[gentry]] as sporting dogs.<ref
 
name="alllabs.com_history" />
 
===Lab timeline===
Some of the landmarks in early Lab history include:
:* [[1814]] - The first known written reference to the Labrador, in "Instructions to Young Sportsmen".
:* [[1823]] - Sporting artist [[Edwin Landseer]] painted a black dog with white markings titled "Cora. A Labrador Bitch," by which time it appears the breed was already firmly established, with several of the nobility either
owning or breeding them by the end of that century.
:* [[1870]] - By this time, the name "Labrador Retriever" had become well established.<ref name="alllabs.com_history"
 
/>
:* [[1887]] - [[James Howard Harris, 3rd Earl of Malmesbury|James Howard Harris, the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury]] wrote in a letter to the [[William Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 6th Duke of Buccleuch|6th Duke of Buccleuch]], "We always call mine Labrador dogs and I have kept the breed as pure as I could from the first I had from Poole ... known by their having a close coat which turns the water off like oil and, above all, a tail like an otter." <ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
:* [[1899]] - Birth of the first Yellow Lab on record, named Ben of Hyde. Photographs of early Labradors, including 'Ben of Hyde', show slight changes to the breeds coat and appearance over the past 100 years.
 
The modern Labrador Retriever is among the oldest of the modern "[[kennel club|recognized]]" breeds; according to the [[American Kennel Club]], pedigrees exist back to 1878.
 
[[Kennel Club (UK)|The Kennel Club]] recognized the Lab in 1903. The first registration of Labradors by the AKC was in 1917; many English dogs were imported post [[World War I]] and these formed the foundation of the American variety.
 
===Other names===
The Lab and its ancestors have also been known under the following names: St. John's Dog, Lesser St. John's Dog, Newfoundland Dog, Lesser Newfoundland Dog, Little Newfoundlanders, Newfoundland Water Dog, Labrador Dogs, St. John's Labrador Dogs, Black Water Dog, Lesser Labrador, Smaller Labrador, English Retriever, and English Labrador.<ref name="alllabs.com_history" />
 
==Appearance==
===Overview of appearance===
 
Labradors are moderately large dogs with males typically weighing 27 to 36 kg (60 to 80 lb) and females 23 to 32 kg (45 to 70 lb). Dogs bred for the show ring tend to considerably heavier with broader heads.


Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a thick, powerful tail like that of an [[otter]].  The majority of the characteristics of this breed with the exception of color are the result of breeding to produce a [[Retriever|working retriever]].
==Breed standards==
 
===Common characteristics round the world===
As with some other breeds, the English (typically "show") and the American (typically "working" or "field") lines differ. Labs are bred in England as a medium size dog, shorter and stockier with broader faces and a slightly calmer nature than their American counterparts, which are bred as taller, lighter-built dogs. No distinction is made by the [[American Kennel Club|AKC]], but the two classifications come from different breeding. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia. (See [[#Physical lines and variants]]) The breed tends to [[Shed (disambiguation)|shed]] hair regularly throughout the year. Lab hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong.  
Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a thick, powerful tail that superficially resembles the tail of an [[otter]].  The "otter tail" of the Lab is used in swimming and is a characteristic that is specifically selected for in breeding. Other characteristics that are helpful for water retrieving are the dog's water resistant coat and webbed toes.  


The [[otter]]-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The dogs use their tail as rudders to help them steer while swimming. Their short hair allows them to work in icy waters, where longer-hair retrievers would be dragged down by ice clinging to their coats.
The [[otter]]-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The dogs use their tail as rudders to help them steer while swimming. Their short hair allows them to work in icy waters, where longer-hair retrievers would be dragged down by ice clinging to their coats.


===Show standards===
====Color====
''There is a great deal of variety among labs. These characteristics are typical of the [[show-bred]] or bench-bred lines of this breed in the [[United States]].''
{{Image|Chocolate_black_yellow_and_fox_red_Lab_pups.jpg|right|300px|These puppies from two separate litters include all recognized color variations of Labradors, including the "fox red" variety of yellow. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick}}
 
There are three officially recognised Lab colors:<ref>The American Kennel Club, ''Labrador Retriever Breed Standard'': "The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest, called a star, is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling.  
*'''Size''': Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long from the shoulders back as they are from the floor to the withers. Dogs should stand 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches (55.9 to 62&nbsp;1/4cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65 to 80 pounds (30 to 36&nbsp;kg). Bitches should stand 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches (54&nbsp;1/2 to 60&nbsp;cm) and weigh 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32&nbsp;kg). (By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22 to 22.5 inches (55.9 to 57.2&nbsp;cm) for males, and 21.5 to 22 (54.6 to 55.9&nbsp;cm) inches for females)
*'''Coat''': The lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. Acceptable colors are chocolate, black, and yellow. There is much variance within yellow labs
*'''Head''': The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colors are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes.
*'''Jaws''': The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. The jowls should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
 
===Color===
[[image:Chocolate_black_yellow_and_fox_red_Lab_pups.jpg|right|thumb|300px|These puppies from two separate litters include all recognized color variations of Labradors, including the "fox red" variety of yellow. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick]]
There are three recognised colors for labs:<ref>The American Kennel Club, ''Labrador Retriever Breed Standard'': "The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest, called a star, is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling.  
Black:-Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification.  
Black:-Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification.  
Yellow:-Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate:-Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification."</ref> black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). Puppies of all colors may occur in the same [[litter (animal)|litter]]. The nose of a black or yellow Lab should be black and a chocolate's should be brown, although some fading to pink is permitted. Pink noses without pigmentation is a disqualification. A color variation some call "silver" may involve unusually light-colored chocolates or may be the result of cross breeding with [[Weimaraner|Weinmaraners]]. The variation is not recognized by any breed or [[kennel club]] and is not permitted in confirmation shows.
Yellow:-Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate:-Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification."</ref> black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). Puppies of all colors may occur in the same [[litter (animal)|litter]]. The nose of a black or yellow Lab should be black and a chocolate's should be brown, although some fading to pink is permitted. Pink noses without pigmentation is a disqualification.
 
===Variant lines===
Differences in the physical build of the dog have arisen as a result of specialized breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and field-trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas dogs bred to compete for show [[champion dog|championships]] are selected for what judges look for in the show ring. There are significant differences between field and trial-bred (sometimes referred to as "American") and show-bred (or "English") lines of Labradors. In
general, show-bred labs are heavier, slightly shorter-bodied, and have a thicker coat and tail. Field labs are generally longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build. In the head, show labs tend to have broader heads, better defined stops, and more powerful necks, while field labs have lighter and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles.<ref name="labbies-hist">http://www.labbies.com/history.htm History of the Labrador Retriever. Retrieved on February 5, 2007.</ref> <ref name="pineycreek">http://www.pineycreeklabradors.com/id20.html</ref> <ref
name="woodhaven">http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/english-american.html</ref> Field-bred labs are commonly higher energy and more high-strung compared to the show-bred lab, and as a consequence may be more suited to working relationships rather than being a "family pet." <ref name="labbies-hist" /> <ref name="pineycreek" /> <ref name="woodhaven" /> Of course, each individual dog differs. Some breeders, especially those specializing in the field type, feel that breed shows do not adequately recognize their type of dog.
 
Talk of officially splitting the breed is also sometimes supported. <ref>http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/documents/breed
 
_split2.pdf</ref>


===Other colors===
===Variation in type by country,  and, within countries, by club===
===Lab nose and skin pigmentation===
====Show dogs (conformation shows)====


Labrador Retriever. The nose and lips are pink or flesh-colored, the defining aspect of Dudley pigmentation, as compared to the more standard brown or black.]] Because Lab coloration is controlled by multiple [[gene]]s, it is possible for [[recessive]] genes to emerge some generations later and also there can sometimes be unexpected [[pigmentation]] effects to different parts of the body. Pigmentation effects appear in regard to yellow labs, and sometimes chocolate, and hence the majority of this section covers pigmentation within the yellow lab. The most common places where pigmentation is visible are the nose, lips, gums, feet, and the rims of the eyes, which may
====Field dogs (sporting clubs)====
be black, brown, light yellow-brown ("liver", caused by having two genes for chocolate),<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation">http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/yellow-pigment.html</ref> or several other colors. A lab can carry genes for a different color, for example a black lab can carry recessive chocolate and yellow genes, and a
yellow lab can carry recessive genes for the other two colors. [[DNA testing]] can reveal some aspects of these.


Less common pigmentations (other than pink) are a fault, not a disqualification, and hence such dogs are still permitted to be shown.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" />
==Temperament ==
{{Image|Easygoing_Labs.jpg|right|300px|The extremely social Lab craves the companionship of humans and other dogs. This drive generally makes them friendly and non-aggressive to strangers.}}


The intensity of black pigment on yellow labs is controlled be a separate gene independent of the fur coloring.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation"/> Yellow labs usually have black noses, which gradually turn pink with age (called "snow nose" or "winter nose"). This is due to a reduction in the [[enzyme]] [[tyrosinase]] which indirectly controls the production of [[melanin]], a dark coloring. Tyrosinase is temperature dependent - hence light coloration can be
==Working labs==
seasonal, due to cold weather - and is less produced with increasing age (2 years old onwards). As a result, the nose color of most yellow labs becomes a somewhat pink shade as they grow older.<ref>See [http://www.justlabradors.com/forum/index.php?topic=10185.msg110720#msg110720 this post] on ''justlabradors.com'' forum, posted July 2006 by ''WigWag'' [presumably Sharon Wagner of ''wigwaglabradors.com'', cited elsewhere in this
article concerning labrador coloration]</ref> <ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" />


===="Dudley"====
===Guide dogs for the Blind===
A coloration known as "[[Dudley (dog)|Dudley]]" is also possible. Dudleys are variously defined as yellow labs which are unpigmented (pink) (LRC), yellow with liver pigmentation, or "flesh colored" (AKC), rather than having black or brown pigmentation.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation" /> A yellow lab with brown or chocolate pigmentation (for example, a brown/chocolate nose), is not a Dudley. Breed standards for Labradors considers a true Dudley to be a disqualifying feature for a show lab ("Disqualification: A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment"). True Dudleys are extremely rare.<ref name="woodhaven_pigmentation"/> <ref>[http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/labrador/labarticle6.htm Labrador Retriever Breed Standards Comparison Chart]</ref><ref>[http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ Dog Breed Advice on Dudley Labradors]</ref> (See: [[Albinoism]]). Breeding in order to correct pigmentation often lacks dependability. Because color is determined by many genes, some of which are recessive, crossbreeding a pigmentationally non-standard yellow lab to a black lab may not correct the matter or prevent future generations carrying the same recessive genes. That said, pigmentation
is often not an issue with [[animal love]]rs for whom such issues are often unimportant, and only has significance for those involved with showing and breeding.


==Temperament and activities==
===Therapy dogs (other)===


[[image:Easygoing_Labs.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The extremely social Lab craves the companionship of humans and other dogs. This drive generally makes them friendly and non-agressive to strangers.]]
==="Sniffers" for customs and police work===
 
Labradors are a well-balanced and remarkably versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets.  As a rule they are not excessively prone to territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression,
destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent [[retriever]]s. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness. They are also known to have a very soft 'feel' to the mouth, as a result of being bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing objects (though they can easily be trained out of this behavior). The Labrador Retriever's coat repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages), but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their
skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear can result in mischief, and may require training and firm handling at
times to ensure it does not get out of hand. Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppyish energy, often mislabelled as being [[hyperactivity|hyperactive]].<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "Labradors are active dogs especially in puppyhood. And Labradors often do not fully mature until around 3 years of age! This means you will have a dog that is mentally a puppy (with a puppy's energy) until this age
regardless of its physical size! Often a Lab puppy is labelled hyperactive when it is simply a normal, exuberant and bouncy puppy. If you are prepared to deal with this period of time in their lives, you will not have problems." </ref> Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as [[dog agility]] or [[flyball]]), are considerably "food and fun" oriented, very trainable, and open-minded to new things, and thrive on human attention and interaction, of which they find it difficult to get enough. Reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.
 
Although they will sometimes [[bark (dog)|bark]] at noise, especially a degree of "[[Bark (dog)#Alarm_barking|alarm barking]]" when there is noise from unseen sources, labs are not on the whole noisy<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labradors often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event..."</ref> or [[territoriality|territorial]],
and are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not very often used as [[guard dog]]s. <ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ : "Labradors are not reliable guards. Some can be protective and most will probably bark if they hear or see something they don't like -- particularly if it is near their yard.
If your main purpose in getting a dog is to have a guard dog, a Labrador is not a good choice, but if you want an "alarm" barker, most Labradors are fine."</ref>
 
Labradors have a reputation for [[appetite]], and individuals have been described as willing to eat "anything that isn't nailed down".<ref>''[[Marley and Me]]'' forum thread (a well-known biography about a beloved Labrador),
multiple contributors: "My 12 yr old lab in the course of his life has consumed everything and anything" ... "my lab went through a phase of rock chewing when he was much younger" ... "His current fav is Playdoe dropped by any little girl. To be honest I cant think of much he hasn't eaten" ... "I have 3 labs at home. A black lab 11yrs, a yellow thats 2 1/2 and another yellow that is 14 months. And I think I have seen them eat just about anything that is not nailed down or behind closed doors"
 
[http://www.marleyandme.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000392.html]</ref> They are also persuasive and persistent in requesting food. For this reason, the Lab owner must carefully control his/her dog's food intake to avoid obesity and its
associated health problems (see below). The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue, detection, and therapy work. Their primary working role continues to
be that of a hunting [[retriever]].


== Health and wellbeing ==   
== Health and wellbeing ==   
{{main|Dog health}}
[[Image:LabradorWeaving.jpg|thumb|right|Some lines of Labs are fast and athletic, as demonstrated by this Lab doing the weave poles in [[dog agility]].]] Labrador life expectancy is generally 12 to 13


years<ref>Fogle, Bruce, DVM (2000). ''The New Encyclopedia of the Dog''. [[Dorling Kindersley]]. ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.</ref>, and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to  
Labrador life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years<ref>Fogle, Bruce, DVM (2000). ''The New Encyclopedia of the Dog''. [[Dorling Kindersley]]. ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.</ref>, and it generally is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to health and wellbeing include:
health and wellbeing include:
 
Medical conditions:
* Labs are somewhat prone to [[hip dysplasia]] (and possibly other forms, such as [[elbow dysplasia]]), especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
* Labs are sometimes prone to [[Otitis externa in animals|ear infection]], because their floppy ears trap warm moist air. This is easy to control, but needs regular checking to ensure that a problem is not building up
unseen. A healthy Lab ear should look clean and light pink (almost white) inside. Darker pink (or inflamed red), or brownish deposits, are a symptom of ear infection. The usual treatment is regular cleaning daily or twice daily
(being careful not to force dirt into the sensitive inner ear) and sometimes medication (ear drops) for major cases. As a preventative measure, some owners clip the hair carefully around the ear and under the flap, to encourage better air flow.
* A Labrador that undertakes significant swimming without building up can develop a swelling or apparent kink known as swimtail.  This can be easily treated by a veterinary clinic and tail rest.
* Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A [[luxating patella]] is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
* Eye problems are also possible in some labs, particularly [[progressive retinal atrophy]] and [[retinal dysplasia]]. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary
ophthalmologist.<ref>http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador
-FAQ</ref>
 
Weight:
* Labs are often overfed and are allowed to become overweight, due to their blatant enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and endearing behavior towards people. A healthy Lab should keep a very slight hourglass waist and
be fit and lithe, rather than fat or heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of hip dysplasia and [[diabetes in cats and dogs|diabetes]], and also can contribute to general reduced health when older. Arthritis is commonplace in older, overweight labs.
 
Exploration:
* Labradors are not especially renowned for [[escapology]]. They do not particularly jump high fences or dig, although some labs may climb or jump up for fun or to explore. As a breed they are highly intelligent, and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus if their interest is caught. Therefore with the right conditions and stimuli, a bored lab could "turn into an escape artist par exellence." [http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/Labrador-FAQ]
* It is also worth noting that Labradors as a breed are curious, exploratory and love company, following both people and interesting scents for food, attention and novelty value. In this way, they can often "vanish" or otherwise become separated from their owners with little fanfare. They are also popular dogs if found. Because of this it is good practice that labradors are [[Microchip implant (animal)|microchipped]], with the owners name and address also on their collar and tags.
 
 
===Common Labrador crossbreeds===
The [[Labradoodle]] is a popular [[Dog hybrids and crossbreeds|designer dog]] that combines a Labrador with a [[Poodle]]. Labrador-[[German Shepherd]] and
Labrador-[[Border Collie]] crosses are also popular for their intelligence and working qualities. The [[assistance dog]] organization [[Mira Foundation|Mira]] utilizes Labrador-[[Bernese Mountain Dog]] crosses (Labernese) with success<ref>http://www.mira.ca/contenta/nc1-3a.html Mira
Foundation: The Labernese. Retrieved February 18, 2007</ref>. Other Labrador crossbreeds are noted on the [http://www.achclub.com/modules.php?name=Breeders American Canine Hybrid Club] website with some having [http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancaninehybridclub.htm
pages] on ''dogbreedinfo.com''.
 
==Famous Labs==
* The Andrex Puppy, featured primarily in UK television
 
spots for the Andrex brand of toilet paper, known in
 
elsewhere as [[Scott]] or Cottonelle, also featuring the
 
puppy mascot.
* Bouncer, from ''[[Neighbours]]''
* [[Buddy (dog)|Buddy]], [[U.S. President]] [[Bill
 
Clinton]]'s Labrador, and Seamus, Clinton's other Labrador,
 
received for Father's Day
* Jet (f.k.a. Bootsy), briefly adopted by the fictional
 
detective genius [[Nero Wolfe]] in [[Rex Stout]]'s 1954
 
novella "Die Like a Dog" (collected in the volume ''Three
 
Witnesses'' and adapted for A&E TV's 2001–2002 series ''[[A
 
Nero Wolfe Mystery]]''). "Labradors," Wolfe tells his
 
assistant [[Archie Goodwin]], "have a wider skull than any
 
other dog, for brain room."
* King Buck, the first black lab to appear on a US
 
[[postage stamp]].<ref>Source: ''alllabs.com'' describes
 
King Buck as "famous".
 
[http://alllabs.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/labrador_retriev
 
er_history.htm?E+scstore]</ref>
* Koni, [[President of Russia|Russian President]]
 
[[Vladimir Putin|Vladimir Putin's]] Labrador Retriever
* Luath, from ''[[The Incredible Journey]]''
* Marley, "The World's Worst Dog", featured in journalist
 
John Grogan's book ''[[Marley & Me]]''
* [[Sadie]], a black Labrador who saved the lives of dozens
 
of soldiers in Afghanistan by detecting a bomb. Recipient
 
of the [[Dickin Medal]], the animal equivalent of the
 
[[Victoria
 
Cross]].<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml
 
=/news/2007/01/27/wsadie27.xml</ref>
* Ubu Roi, of [[UBU Productions]]
* [[Characters of Lost#Vincent|Vincent]], from ''[[Lost (TV
 
series)|Lost]]'', played by the famous dog [[Madison
 
(dog)|Madison]]
* Zanjeer, a police sniffer dog who detected
 
[[Weapon|arms]] and ammunition used in [[1993]] [[Mumbai]]
 
(Bombay) serial explosions. Zanjeer was born on [[January
 
7]], [[1992]], and was inducted into the Bomb Detection and
 
Disposal Squad on [[December 29]], [[1992]]. He was trained
 
at the Dog Training Centre of the Criminal Investigation
 
Department in [[Pune]]. During his service, his haul was
 
excellent. He helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175
 
[[Gasoline|petrol]] bombs, 11 military bombs, 242 [[Hand
 
grenade|grenades]] and 600 [[detonator]]s. His biggest
 
contribution to the police force and the city was the
 
detection of 3,329 [[kilogram|kg]] of [[RDX]]. He also
 
helped detect 18 [[Type 56 Assault Rifle|AK-56]] rifles and
 
five 9mm [[pistol]]s. He died at a [[Veterinary
 
medicine|veterinary]] [[hospital]] in [[Parel]].
* Zeke the Wonder Dog (1&2), mascot and frisbee fanatic for
 
the [[Michigan State Spartans]]


===Lab nose and skin pigmentation: Dudleys===


==References==
==References==
<references />
{{reflist}}[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]]
 
; Other sources:
* {{cite book
| last = Cunliffe
| first = Juliette
| year = 2004
| title = The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
| publisher = Parragon Publishing
| id = ISBN 0-7525-8276-3
}}
* {{cite book
| last = Fergus
| first = Charles
| title = Gun Dog Breeds, a Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers,
 
and Pointing Dogs
| location = [[Guilford, CT]]
| publisher = Lyons Press
| year = 2002
| id = ISBN 1-58574-618-5
}}
 
==External links==
{{commons}}
;Clubs, associations, and societies
* [http://www.thelabradorretrieverclub.com The Labrador
 
retriever Club (UK)]
*[http://www.thelabradorclub.com/ The Labrador Retriever
 
Club, Inc. (USA)]
*[http://www.nrcc-canada.com/ National Retriever Club of
 
Canada]
*[http://www.labrador-canada.com/ Labrador Retriever Club
 
of Canada]
*[http://www.retriiverid.ee/ Estonian Retrievers Society]
*[http://www.asociacionlabradorretriever.com/ Spanish
 
Labradors Society]
 
;Information
*[http://www.labradornet.com ''labradornet.com'', a
 
comprehensive lab site]
:*[http://www.labradornet.com/labstats.html Labrador
 
statistics, from labradornet.com]
*[http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/english-american.html
 
Website showing differences between working Labs and show
 
Labs]
:* [http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html Woodhaven
 
Labrador reference page - index of comprehensive articles
 
on every aspect of Labs and dogs in general]
*[http://www.labradornet.com/typecast.html Comparative
 
images of common different labrador bloodlines]
*[http://www.infos247.com/labrador/ Comprehensive
 
information about labradors and breeding]
 
 
;'Silver' labs
*[http://www.thelabradorclub.com/library/silver.html The
 
Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. statement on "silver"
 
labradors]
*[http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labradorakcsilver.htm AKC
 
statement on "silver" labradors]
*[http://www.labbies.com/silver.htm Silver Labradors - Real
 
or Myth? (Detailed discussion and information)]
*[http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/silverlabs.html The Truth
 
Behind Silver Labradors (by Sharon A. Wagner, MS)]

Latest revision as of 11:00, 9 September 2024

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Noted for their friendly, non-aggressive nature, Labrador retrievers generally make excellent family pets, if their need for exercise and companionship is met. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick

The Labrador retriever is the most popular registered breed of dog in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America, two of the most "dog-friendly" cultures in the world. What about this breed is likely to account for such outstanding popularity? Labradors are generally both exceptionally friendly, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for children, as well as adults. Their intelligence and size also makes them suitable service animals.

The British style of Labradors are stockier and have broader heads than the American or field style.

Having been bred first to help Newfoundland fishermen haul in their fishing nets and then in Great Britain as 'gun dogs' for hunting waterfowl, Labs are powerful swimmers who love the water. As much as most Labs take to swimming, life on dry land also suits them - as long as there is an opportunity for some exercise. Their ability to adapt to both city and country life is one more factor that accounts for their popularity (ref:SPORTING GROUP: Labrador RetrieversFaith Hyndman. AKC Gazette. New York: Jul 2006. Vol. 123, Iss. 7; p. 51)

History

It is thought to have descended over time from the St. John's Water Dog (no longer in existence), a crossbreed of native water dogs and the Newfoundland dog (to which the Labrador is closely related), through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the 17th century.[1]

Labrador retriever returns with her quarry at a hunting test. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick

Breed standards

Common characteristics round the world

Their coats are short and smooth, and they possess a thick, powerful tail that superficially resembles the tail of an otter. The "otter tail" of the Lab is used in swimming and is a characteristic that is specifically selected for in breeding. Other characteristics that are helpful for water retrieving are the dog's water resistant coat and webbed toes.

The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador retriever make them excellent swimmers. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming. The dogs use their tail as rudders to help them steer while swimming. Their short hair allows them to work in icy waters, where longer-hair retrievers would be dragged down by ice clinging to their coats.

Color

These puppies from two separate litters include all recognized color variations of Labradors, including the "fox red" variety of yellow. Photo by Andrew A. Skolnick

There are three officially recognised Lab colors:[2] black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). Puppies of all colors may occur in the same litter. The nose of a black or yellow Lab should be black and a chocolate's should be brown, although some fading to pink is permitted. Pink noses without pigmentation is a disqualification.

Variation in type by country, and, within countries, by club

Show dogs (conformation shows)

Field dogs (sporting clubs)

Temperament

The extremely social Lab craves the companionship of humans and other dogs. This drive generally makes them friendly and non-aggressive to strangers.

Working labs

Guide dogs for the Blind

Therapy dogs (other)

"Sniffers" for customs and police work

Health and wellbeing

Labrador life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years[3], and it generally is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to health and wellbeing include:

Lab nose and skin pigmentation: Dudleys

References

  1. ↑ http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/settlement.html
  2. ↑ The American Kennel Club, Labrador Retriever Breed Standard: "The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest, called a star, is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black:-Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow:-Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate:-Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification."
  3. ↑ Fogle, Bruce, DVM (2000). The New Encyclopedia of the Dog. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.
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