About Labradors

History

• Early descendants of the Labrador were used for helping fishermen pull in heavy nets from the sea during the 1700s in Newfoundland. In their country of origin, they were known as St. John's Dogs, and were black, often with white on their feet and chests. They were brought to England in the early 1800s and renamed Labrador dogs. They quickly became popular as bird dogs and fanciers developed Labradors to a breed standard. They were recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1903 and the AKC in 1917.

Identification

• The Labrador is a sturdy dog weighing 55 to 75 lbs. and standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder. The females are on the smaller end of the scale. The coat is short, dense and waterproof. Labradors may be black, yellow and chocolate, and while a small white spot on the chest (a throwback to their St. John's Dogs heritage) is permissible, it is not preferred. The overall impression of a Labrador is a sturdy, powerful dog with a thick otter-like tail and friendly, intelligent demeanor (see Resources below).

Types

• Since Labradors are such popular and versatile dogs, breeding has resulted in two basic types. Breeding primarily for working and hunting produce field-bred Labradors (sometimes referred to as "American"). Generally speaking, field-bred Labradors are lighter boned and more athletic. Labradors bred for the show ring are usually called trial or show bred (sometimes "English"), and have heavier bones, thicker coats and are typically less athletic and energetic. While the breed standard is the same for both types, a Labrador should match the type to the purpose. A field-bred Labrador can have considerable energy, making it too exuberant for the average family, while a show-bred Labrador may not have the endurance to work all day in the field.

Function

• While Labradors were originally used as fishermen's helpers and hunting dogs, their trainability and easy temperaments have made them versatile workers and sporting dogs. They are the breed of choice for assistance dogs for the disabled. Labradors are also used as drug and bomb detection dogs, in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. They excel in competitive dog sports like obedience, agility, dock diving and hunting field trials.

Considerations

• While generally healthy, Labradors are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia and several eye disorders at an early age, usually progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. They are prone to becoming overweight easily if overfed, and have a reputation for eating inappropriate objects like rocks, dog toys and garbage. Labradors are slow to mature, and remain happy-go-lucky puppies until they are about 3 years old. They need considerable exercise when younger, and training is very important to channel their energy. Labradors love to play fetch, and most enjoy swimming.

Prevention/Solution

• When looking for a Labrador puppy, only buy from breeders who screen for inherited health problems like dysplasia and PRA. Both the litter's sire and dame should be screened and be at least 2 years old prior to breeding. A knowledgeable breeder will be able to tell prospective buyers whether she breeds for field or show, and recommend a suitable puppy.
  Over 50 percent of Labradors in the United States are too fat. Since this greatly contributes to joint problems and raises the risk for orthopedic injuries, it is very important to keep your Labrador lean and healthy with a high quality diet. Monitor what your Labrador chews and eats, since they tend to be oral dogs and obstruction surgery can be expensive.