Though Labrador retrievers were originally bred to be hunting and gun dogs they have evolved into a popular family dog loved by owners throughout the world. With loving and playful natures Labs are mischievous, faithful and full of fun with boundless energy.
Labrador retrievers are statistically one of the most popular dog breeds in the world with a huge proportion of dog owners having a lab at home. Its friendly, placid, bright, and bouncy good nature makes it a wonderfully delightful companion as well as being perfectly suited for other tasks outside the home such as police work. Labs are also extensively used as assistance dogs for the blind and also the physically handicapped. Labradors are often used in rehab and therapy work as they seem to be able to transmit their loving nature to any human being.
Labs are tremendous swimmers and fittingly have an otter-like tail. Their coat is grown in an interweave pattern, making them ideally suited to spending time in the water.
And, as their name suggests, Labradors are excellent retrievers and one of their surprisingly pleasant attributes is the fact that they have extremely 'soft mouths.' Apparently, a Lab is able to carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it though I have to say if my Labs got an egg in their mouth they would simply eat it. They have capricious appetites!
In general Labs are not markedly prone to having some of the negative traits found in some breeds. The aggression and poor temperament associated with certain breeds are not issues that will affect labradors.
Labrador retrievers are especially wonderful with children because the Lab has an intense desire to not only please, but its desire to play is almost equal with its desire to eat!
Children can spend hours playing catch with a ball, or a Frisbee, and the dog will appear to be tireless. As far as a Lab is concerned 'more is best' and they never get bored of playing or being with their human masters.
Because of their need for attention and the way that they respect children 'left in their care' Labs also make an excellent 'cart dog' for tiny children, much to the pleasure of the laughing child.
Labs, as a breed, are exceedingly intelligent making them highly trainable though it is certainly true that they have great independence and can be quite stubborn in their behaviour.
Labrador retrievers are also immensely inquisitive, investigative and dearly love company, and they will follow both people and interesting scents for attention, food, and sometimes just because they want to!
Because of these attributes, they sometimes can be easily go missing or be lured away from their owner. Because of their trusting nature and urge to explore, Lab owners should ensure that their contact information is recorded on the dogs disc and, if possible, consider micro chipping the dog as an extra safeguard.
Labs are basically a healthy breed, though they are highly prone to becoming overweight as they have a tremendous talent for begging or finding food. But, like all dog breeds, Labs are susceptible to certain conditions and they can be prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and other joint problems as well as suffering from diabetes.
Of course and dog, just like its human owner, can become ill but Labrador retrievers really do tick all the boxes if you are looking for the ideal pet for your family
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