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Year after year, Labrador Retrievers have consistently ranked as one of the best family dogs. With their intelligence, and laid back demeanor they make an excellent choice when choosing a dog for your family. Here's more about this breed…
History: The Labrador Retrievers roots, depending upon which theory you adhere to, either started in England or Newfoundland. Most theories suggest that the origin of the Labrador Retriever dates back to Newfoundland in the 1700s, where they were originally considered a smaller version of the Newfoundland, and might even have been a partial cross of a now extinct St. Johns dog and the larger Newfoundland. By the 1800s, the Labrador began making its way to England and European countries, but compliments for refining the breed as a hunting and retrieving dog go to the English breeders. They are known for being black in color originally, with the first yellow and chocolate colored Lab's being recorded around the end of the 19th century.
To this day the Labrador Retriever was and still is used for bird hunting and retrieval of birds in the water. Even though today the Retriever is a natural when used for bird hunting, they were in the past, excellent at retrieving fish too, and still show their love for a good swim. Said to have originated in Newfoundland, there are those who speculate that the Labrador name comes from the Canadian Province of Labrador. Popular among breeders in Canada around the 1800s, the Labrador Retriever only made it's way to America in the early 1900s, where it was finally registered with the American Kennel Club in1917.
Description: Thriving in all types of weather, the Labrador Retriever has a thick, resistant to water coat, that comes in the various flavors of yellow, black or chocolate brown. Female Labrador Retrievers weigh in at around 55-75 pounds, while the larger male tips the scale at between 65-80 pounds. the height of the Labrador can range from 21-24 inches tall. Some of the beautiful features that this dog possesses include their muscular hind legs combined with an otter like tail, most often recognized while in their stance. They are also known for their proud, powerful looking head.
Life Span: 10-13 years
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All kids want a dog! However, it is important to think about the age of your children as to when they get that dog. Small children (especially under six) you need to consider the size of your child and their unpredictable behavior. Also, the dog's behavior, for example, if you get a large, high-energy dog who could knock your child down easily. You could get a small dog that could easily be hurt unintentionally by your child.
If you have small children do you have time to take on a puppy and train him? Parents should always supervise interaction between a dog and their children. Children need to be taught how to respectably treat a puppy. Usually after seven years of age children are ready to have a dog to love and play with. There are many breeds that are good with children. Learn the different characteristics of different breeds and decide what suits your child.
If you're not looking for a puppy consider finding a dog that has been raised with young children. Another option could be a young dog (a year or under) who is gently, not afraid of children, and look for his tail wagging when a child approaches him.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER – Gentle breed with outgoing nature, very friendly, good for active families, needs lots of exercise, loyal and devoted family member.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER – Highly intelligent, friendly, good-natured, even-temperament, good choice for families who enjoy outdoors and needs lots of exercise.
STANDARD POODLE -Intelligent, makes excellent pets, playful, active, low shedding, love to play, faithful. Does come in three sizes.
IRISH SETTER – Eager to please and a good companion.
BOSTON TERRIER – Loyal family pet for less active families, obedient and loyal.
COLLIES – Intelligent, patient, docile with children and has lots of energy.
BEAGLE – Great tracker and hunter, good for active families, cheerful, friendly and like to play games.
BICHON FRISE – Faithful, obedient, happy, needs regular grooming.
PUGS – Clown at heart, great family dog, playful, loyal and even-tempered.
BASSET HOUND – Calm, good companion, stubborn, loyal, sweet, friendly, gladly play with children.
Even if a breed is suppose to be good with children there are always exceptions. Remember dogs need to be trained and socializated.
This is a site basically about small dog breeds but I have listed bigger dogs for children if that is what you want. Good luck in finding the perfect dog for you.
Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on small dog breeds, choosing a dog, choosing a breeder, bringing puppy home, dogs good with children and seniors and much more. http://www.small-dogbreeds.com
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Oberreuter
Bringing a pet into your home can be wonderful experience. Children and adults alike join together in the decision making process focused around choosing the dog that’s right for them. Each breed of dog has its own loyal following of admirers. But no breed is more accepted into homes as the family pet than the Labrador Retriever.
The ownership of dogs in general comes with its own set of challenges; a family must make way for a new resident in their home – a resident whose care can feel initially overwhelming to those who have not owned dogs in the past. The Labrador Retriever, especially, can be a bit of handful in the beginning. But ownership of this bright, beautiful dog has its own reward.
The Labrador Retriever is a medium sized dog recognized by its short, water-resistant coat, otter-like tail, square jaw, and broad head. It was originally bred for hunting because of its boundless energy, natural intelligence and ability to be trained. Today, the Labrador Retriever is still used for hunting purposes, but its amiable nature and loving personality has made it a more popular household pet. Owners of the Labrador Retriever report of its sweet personality, fun-loving spirit, and high-energy antics. It’s no wonder that this special breed of dog is loved by families far and wide.
There are some things that must be considered before you choose to bring a Labrador Retriever into the home. First and foremost, the Labrador Retriever is a considerable size of dog with a lot of energy. It needs adequate living space and frequent access to outdoor areas in which to run around. If you have a smaller living environment, you may want to consider another breed of dog. It is important – and most fair to the animal – that you have adequate space for its needs.
Further, the Labrador Retriever is a social dog that enjoys and seeks out the company of humans. If your schedule does not allow you to be home a large percentage of the time, then it would not be fair to own a Labrador Retriever. This breed does best in a family situation where someone is home most of the time. It’s no surprise then that larger families – with ongoing activity – tend to gravitate to the Labrador Retriever. Most families find that this loving dog fits right in!
For easy to understand, in depth information about labrador retriever visit our ezGuide 2 Labradors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
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Once you have decided to have a dog at home, the next logical question would be which one? And that's a crucial question for sure. Be careful about choosing a dog because it comes with a few responsibilities. Therefore, go for the one that fits well with your lifestyle, temperament and family structure. Here are a few things that you must carefully consider while deciding which one of the several breeds you want to take home.
Size matters. Very much so, because a large dog can obviously not be kept in a two bedroom apartment in a city where the open space is squeezed to limits. So if you have a small home go for a small dog, like a chihuahua.
If you have kids at home, take a gentler dog. Size has nothing to do with the temperament of dogs. Even toy dogs like Chihuahua may not be the best suited for a home with kids due to their high strung behavior while relatively bigger dogs like Labradors are found to be quite affectionate and easy going with the kids. Labradors, in particular, are known to be very tolerant of the kids and can take a lot of rough kiddie treatment before losing temper. However, dogs like Doberman are not so tolerant though some of them turn out to be exceptions. But then, they are individual cases of good dogs. So, you may safely settle for a Labrador.
Another important factor is time. How much time are you willing to spend taking care of the dog? If someone stays home all day long, there is no problem at all. However, in case both the spouses work and the dog is left alone for the whole day, it is very likely that it will be rather irritable in the evening. Dogs do not like being left alone over extended periods of time. Consistent loneliness may also cause some serious psychological problems to your pet. So bring the animal home only when you can take care of it.
Dogs are active animals. So, you must consider your schedule and whether or not you'll be able to spend some time outdoors or indoors playing with your pet. You may have to fall in a habit of getting up early to walk the dog. Of course, that's healthy for you too. And if you cannot manage it in the morning, consider evenings.
Dogs are responsible affectionate companions but demand attention and care. Take care of them and they'll reciprocate.
To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and pet dogs club visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Fuller
How BIG is your home? Your first consideration must be the size of the dog (when fully grown) in relation to the size of your home. Also think about how and where you will walk to exercise your dog.
What can you afford? Large dogs are considerably more expensive than a small one.
Do you have children in your family? Consider getting a breed that is good with children – Labrador, Boxer, Terrier come to mind.
Are you alone and need a loyal companion? – Boxer, Terrier, Dachshund, Spaniel, Collie, Corgi and Pug to name a few.
Are you looking for a Guard Dog? – Bull Mastiff, Dalmatian, Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane and Rottweiler are popular guard breeds.
Do you want a dog good for serious training? – Border Collie, Australian Cattle dog, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Schnauzer are good picks.
Don't overlook mixed breeds – some of the best dogs are in this range…and do cost less to buy.
How much time do you have ? – be careful not to take on a strong, potentially fierce dog that will need firm handling and careful training, if you already have a busy committed life.
So What are the Costs of Having a Dog?
Initial Outlay – Bed, Indoor or Out door Kennel, Food Bowls, Collar, Harness and Lead, Toys – for chewing, fetching and so on.
Food – more dog…more food!
Neutering…more costly for females than males.
Immunisation and Boosters – essential that these are kept up to date.
Veterinary Bills – Illness or accident.
Professional clipping and grooming – essential in certain breeds.
Training classes – really recommended.
Securing the property…fencing (if not already in place)
Replacing any damaged (probably chewed) items…eg Dad's new slippers!
So all considered, taking on a new puppy should not be taken lightly – but with some thought and planning, a new puppy will be a joy to you and your family. Have fun – enjoy the experience!
Nancy Lavender
http://www.your-dogs.com
I have a passion for animals and the countryside and all it offers. I feel a responsibility for the preservation of what we have in our world for the generations to come.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Lavender
