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Labrador Retriever
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The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of
several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador, once
known as the Lesser Newfoundland, is the most popular breed of
dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large
margin the most popular breed by registration in Canada, the
United States (since 1991), and the United Kingdom. It is also the
most popular breed of assistance dog in Canada, the United
States, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries, as
well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for
their detection and working abilities. Labradors are very athletic:
they love to swim, play catch/frisbee, and are great with young
children.
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Labrador Retiever
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Country of origin
Canada, developed in the UK
Weight
Males: 65-90 lb
Females: 55-70 lb
Height
Male: 22-25 in
Female: 21-24 in
Coat
Short and dense
Color
Black, yellow, chocolate
Life span
12-13 years
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Description
Appearance
Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 29-41
kg (65-90 pounds) and females 25–32 kg (55–71 lb). Labs
weighing close to or over 100 lbs are considered obese or having
a major fault under American Kennel Club standards, although
some labs weigh significantly more. The majority of the
characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the
result of breeding to produce a working retriever.
As with some other breeds, the Conformation (typically "English",
"show" or "bench") and the Field (typically "American" or "working")
lines differ, although both lines are bred in both countries. In
general, however, Conformation Labs tend to be bred as medium-
sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly
calmer nature than their Field counterparts, which are often bred
as taller, lighter-framed dogs, with slightly less broad faces and a
slightly longer nose; however Field labs should still be proportional
and fit within AKC standards. With field labs, excessively long
noses, thin heads, long legs and lanky frames are not considered
standard. These two types are informal and not codified or
standardised; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel
clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines.
Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are
common in Asia.
The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly
throughout the year in temperate climates. Some labs shed a lot;
however, individual labs vary. Labrador hair is usually fairly short
and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. 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.
Official Breed Standards
Like any animal, there is a great deal of variety among Labs. The
following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred
(bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States, and are
based on the AKC standard. Significant differences between US
and UK standards are noted.
- Size: Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They
should have an appearance of proportionality. They should
be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are
from the floor to the withers. Males should stand 22.5–24.5
inches (57–62 cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65–80 lb
(29–36 kg). Females should stand 21.5–23.5 inches (55–60
cm) and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg). By comparison under
UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22–22.5 inches
(56–57 cm) for males, and 21.5–22 inches (55–56 cm) for
females.
- Coat: The Lab's coat should be short and dense, but not
wiry. The coat is described as 'water-resistant' or more
accurately 'water-repellent' so that the dog does not get cold
when taking to water in the winter. That means that the dog
naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are
black, yellow (ranging from ivory or creme to fox red), and
chocolate.
- Head: The head should be broad with a pronounced stop
and slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and
expressive. Appropriate eye colours 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 jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.
- Body: The body should be strong and muscular with a level
top line.
The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing]
features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. The
AKC adds that "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a
hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."
As well, Labradors should not have droopy eyes (like a Basset
Hound). The skin should be relatively tight, and you should not be
able to see the pinks on the inside of their lids.
Color
Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colors: black (a solid
black colour), yellow (anything from light cream to "fox-red"), and
chocolate (medium to dark brown). Labs with a silver or charcoal
colored coat are registered as chocolate.
Puppies of all colors can potentially occur in the same litter. Color
is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the B locus)
determines the density of the coat's pigment granules: dense
granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat.
The second (E) locus determines whether the pigment is produced
at all. A dog with the recessive e allele will produce little pigment
and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus.
Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of
the coat's colouration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to
light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs' noses will match
the coat colour.
Temperament
Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and 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 being territorial,
pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive, hypersensitive, or other
difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds, and
as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. 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 (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without
breaking it). 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 be
trained out of this behaviour). The Labrador Retriever's coat
repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of
the dog in waterfowl hunting.
Health
Labrador pups should not be brought home before they are 7–10
weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years, and it
is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable
issues related to health and wellbeing include:
Inherited Disorders
- Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia,
especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some
other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
- 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, cataracts, corneal dystrophy
and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred
should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an
eye score.
- Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a
deficiency in type II muscle fibre.
- There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as
autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either
congenitally or later in life.
- Labradors often suffer from exercise induced collapse, a
syndrome that causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse,
and disorientation after short bouts of exercise.
Other Disorders
Labs are sometimes prone to 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 Labrador 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. Labradors also get cases of allergic reactions to food or
other environmental factors.
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Dog Breed Test samples analyzed in about two weeks
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