Labrador retrievers come in three offical recognized colors and that is yellow, black and chocolate. Yellow labrador retrievers will have several shades to their coat which are many times labelled by owners and dog enthusiats. You will see people refer thier yellow lab as a white lab or even a fox red labrador retriever. This isn't really wrong but for semantics point they are registered as yellow.

If you find yourself talking with a dog breed that is trying to sell you a special golden labrador retriever then I would say walk away because they don't know what they are talking about. If you meet somebody at the park that says they have a golden labrador retriever you are probably best to let it be. Dog owners get pretty protective of their pets.

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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

Common Ailments: May be prone to Hip and Elbow Dysphasia which might cause problems with mobility and arthritis in it's later years. otherwise, this is a hardy dog breed. Another possible ailment known to this breed is called Retinal Atrophy which is a progressive disease that results in reduction or complete loss of vision.

Suitability with Children: Yes, a very even tempered breed as well as gentle natured.

Suitability with Other Pets: Yes

Living Conditions: Labrador Retrievers do best in a home with a large yard or with land. They are easily adaptable though, and would also do well in an apartment or with a small yard if received plenty of exercise on a daily basis.

Training: This breed is easily trainable as a puppy. Combining their intelligence with their easy trainability makes them one of the most powerful combinations as a superior working dog and excellent sporting dog, as well as a wonderful family pet. Remember that Labradors need consistency and reinforcement from the time they are puppies and they will grow into a strong and gentle family pet.

Exercise Required: High

Expense to maintain: Low

Breed Temperament: Being definitely a favored breed in America, just about every puppy in the pound will state they have some Labrador in their blood. If not, many owners will make the claim that they do because of their gentle nature despite their size, as well as their extreme intelligence and ease at training. There is no doubt about it, the Labradors loyalty, agreeable temperament and affectionate nature are what causes this to be one of the most popular dog breeds around.

Keep in mind that Labradors find their greatest happiness when they are outdoors sporting or exercising on a regular basis. While Labrador Retrievers can adapt to almost any living environment, owners will find they are most content when they are regularly exercised. If not regularly exercised, especially as a puppy, owners could find that they will turn towards destructive habits, like chewing furniture. Also, Labs that are not regularly exercised show a tendency to put on weight, as they sure love to eat.

All things considered, Labrador Retrievers will make a wonderful family pet with a little extra TLC, and along with the tender loving care, don't forget the extra running, fetching or swimming!

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up information on Labrador Retrievers, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

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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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*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Labrador Retriever is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 24 inches to the withers and 55 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Labrador Retriever is no exception. Even though this is considered a hardy breed, be on the lookout for Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (comes in various degrees and is common in dogs), skin allergies, eye disorders and skin tumors. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Labrador Retriever has a double coat of short, hard, dense and straight hair which is water repellent. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Labrador Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Labrador Retriever comes from Canada where they were used by fisherman to help collect netted fish and also by hunters to retrieve ducks and other water fowl. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1917.

Some Registries:

*Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Labrador Retriever puppies

Category: Gundog, Sporting Group

Terms To Describe: Strong, character, soundness, outgoing, smart, kindly, non-aggressive, gentle, hard working, good natured.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

They are very friendly.

They want to please.

Great for kids.

She is the most popular breed in the US.

Easy to train.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

May take up to two and one half years to mature.

They need lots of exercise.

*Other Names Known By: St. Johns Dogs, St. Johns Newfoundland, Lesser Newfoundland

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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Loving, lovable and very patient. Highly intelligent and good-natured. The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest breeds in the world. This comprehensive video, courtesy of Eukanuba, is a great way to gain an understanding of the history, characteristics and care for this amazing breed.

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This is my new puppy Maya, she is 3 months old born May 5 this year. I have been clicker training her for about 9 days and we’ve had her for about 14 days total. We use the harness for walking her and the bell to notice when she stops so we don’t yank her head off, the harness has worked a lot better then a regular collar when we go on walks.

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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!

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Labrador Retrievers can be very large weighing in at up to 80 pounds and standing up to 24 inches tall. Labrador Retrievers have a whole lot of energy and can go on playing for hours. Labrador Retrievers are known for their thick tails and puppy-dog eyes. Labrador Retriever's coats are typically yellow, brown, or the most common, black. The coat is so think it is almost waterproof. It is not typical that a Labrador Retriever owner needs to groom his dog too often. The Lab's thick coat stays in pretty good shape year round and just some brushing in the spring to help the shedding process is necessary.

Labs are in the AKC's "sporting dog" group. The primary focus of the breed was to get into area's hunters could not. Labrador Retrievers are great in the water so fishing and boating activities are right up there alley.

Labrador Retrievers are full of lots of energy so plenty of exercise is mandatory. A house with a large fenced yard, rather than an apartment or town home, is much preferred by Labs. All of that energy takes a lot of running and playing to burn off each day.

Typical of dog breeds with lots of energy, the Lab will eat a lot of food! You should stick to dog food that is specially formulated for large, high-energy breeds. This usually means a lot of protein.

There is no need to worry about your Lab around family and children; they get a long with everyone. With any large dog, however, you should always be very careful around very small children. The Lab's tail is so big it may even knock over a youngster!

The Labrador Retriever is the perfect breed if you are looking for a family-friendly, high-energy dog. They may be a bit selfish at times, but overall will provide a lot of love and companionship.

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The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are the dense, short, weather resistant coat. The Retriever has what is known as an “otter” tail. This breed of dog has a large head with a broad back skull. Labrador Retrievers are known for having powerful jaws which come in handy when hunting. Some of the most loved traits of the Labrador Retriever are the friendly eyes, intelligence, good temperament and the expressing character.

A Labrador Retriever must be well-balanced in order to work in the field or to move in the show ring with very little effort. A typical Labrador Retriever possesses great quality and style without over refinement and grace without cloddiness. Soundness and structure are of great importance in the Labrador Retriever breed of dog. The temperament of the Labrador Retriever is the hallmark of the breed. The ideal disposition that a Labrador Retriever should possess is one that is outgoing, eager to please, non-aggressive and kindly. There are many qualities about the Labrador Retriever that appeal to people such as the dog’s gentle ways, adaptability and intelligence.

Labrador Retriever dogs and puppies are the perfect addition to any home. A Labrador Retriever is a gentle dog that will bring you countless hours of joy and happiness. Enrich your life today and purchase a Labrador Retriever dog or puppy.

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