Labrador: breed characteristics, character, care and not only
Educational Program A Life / / January 05, 2021
general information
- Breed name: Labrador Retriever (Labrador).
- Country of origin: Great Britain.
- Weight: 27-40 kg.
- Height at withers: 54-57 cm.
- Average life expectancy: 10-12 years old.
- Average price: from 7,000 to 35,000 rubles and more.
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What Labradors look like
According to the most popular version, the dogs of this breed originally lived on the coast of Newfoundland. There they helped local fishermen. In the first half of the 19th century, Labradors were brought to Great Britain, where they saw good hunting potential. In its modern form, the breed was formed by the 70s of the XIX century, and other dogs took part in its formation. In 1903, the English Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever breed as an independent breed.
Dogs of this breedLabrador retriever tightly folded. The body is powerful, with a straight topline. The ribcage is wide, the loin is also wide, short and strong. The tail is of medium length, rounded, βthickβ at the base, gradually tapering towards the end.
The Labrador's head is proportional to the body, with tight-fitting, drooping ears close to the back of the head. The eyes are medium in size, brown or hazel. The muzzle is massive, with a wide nose and jaws of medium length, scissor bite.
The coat is short, consisting of a dense, coarse guard hair and a soft, very dense undercoat. It repels water well. Colors - chocolate, black and fawn. Sometimes there is a small white spot on the chest.
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What is the character of Labradors
Dogs of this breedLabrador retriever very good-natured, balanced, but at the same time active and mobile. Aggression is not typical for Labradors, they always strive to please humans and are excellent companions. These dogs are quick-witted, quickly learn commands and obedient if you are engaged in their education.
Labradors are good hunters. They are distinguished by excellent flair, have a soft grip when serving game and feel comfortable in the water.
How Labradors get along with adults
Labrador Retrievers are very loyal dogs. They enjoy spending time with people and feel great both during active entertainment in parks and on playgrounds, and in a calm home environment.
Labradors will pay attention to each family member, will not deprive anyone of their love and will try to please everyone.
How Labradors get along with children
Kind, intelligent and balanced dogs get along well with young children and enjoy playing outdoor games with teenagers.
How Labradors get along with other animals
There are usually no problems with keeping such dogs together with other pets. Thanks to their good-natured disposition, retrievers get along well with other dogs.
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What conditions of detention are required for Labradors
In the house, the dog should have its own place, for example, a bed or a mattress, where he will sleep and feel safe. And so that the Labrador, especially the puppy, does not get bored, buy him special toys for animals. He will be especially pleased with the loading of balls and other objects.
Dogs of this breed are quite activeLabrador retriever, so daily walks and training are essential for them. Give your pet time every day and let him throw out the accumulated energy, otherwise he will be hyperactive at home and even start to play pranks. Also, Labradors feel great on the hunt, like to demonstrate their skills in sports and frolic in the water with pleasure.
To make walking with your pet comfortable for both of you, train your Labrador with a collar and leash from puppyhood. Also teach the dog all the basic commands, this will help, first of all, to secure it outside the usual environment.
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How to feed Labradors
As a diet for a Labrador, you can use ready-made complete food or natural food. In this case, it is better to first consult with the breeder so that the dog at least for the first time gets the food that is familiar to him. Then, if necessary, gradually change the diet.
The first option is easier, because manufacturers of high-quality feed make sure that animals receive all the necessary nutrients and nutrients. At the same time, you can choose your own nutritional options for puppies and adult animals, bitches during feeding and lactation. And in special veterinary lines there are products made for animals that suffer from food allergies or other diseases.
As for natural nutrition, it must include meat, by-products and vegetables. Of course, such a diet is more varied, but requires more labor on the part of the owner.
Labradors are prone to obesityLabrador retriever. Excess weight may appear due to the fact that the dog leads an almost sedentary lifestyle and walks little or simply due to overfeeding. As a result, the dog can develop serious health problems, develop diabetes, arthritis and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
You should not treat the animal to food from your table.
The spicy, smoked, salty, pickled, spicy and sweet dishes we are accustomed to will not be good for the dog.
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How to care for Labradors
Leaving will not be difficult. It is enough to comb once a weekLabrador retriever pet so that its coat has a beautiful and tidy look.
The ears of a Labrador retriever should be cleaned with a special lotion. Usually, several such procedures per month or even less often are enough, it all depends on the degree of pollution. As for the teeth, their condition is also worth paying attention to.
Another important procedure is claw cutting. They shorten them as they grow back, and this can be done both independently and with specialists - in a veterinary clinic or a grooming salon.
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What labradors are sick with
Labradors are characterized byLabrador retriever dislocations of the patella (patella), hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans.
This breed also sometimes suffers from distichiasis (an abnormality in which a number of extra eyelashes appear), collapse, exercise-induced, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, tricuspid dysplasia and entropion (volvulus century).
Other probable diseases include retinal dysplasia, central progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, acute wet (pyotraumatic) dermatitis and cataracts.
Monitor your pet's condition. For any changes in behavior or suspected health problems, consult your veterinarian.
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What to look for when buying a Labrador Retriever
To have a pet for the soul and a faithful friend in the family, choose from "pet" class puppies. They are thoroughbred and healthy, but due to minor flaws, sometimes noticeable only to specialists, they will not be able to receive high marks at exhibitions. For breeding dogs, take a look at the "breed" class, and for a successful show career - "show".
Estimate the very future pet. The puppy must be well-groomed, moderately well-fed, vigorous, active and contact. If possible, look at his parents. If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask the breeder about all the nuances. This will help avoid problems after you bring your puppy home.
When buying with a dog, you must receive the documents for him.
These include a veterinary passport with notes on vaccinations due to age and a puppy card (metric), which is a birth certificate. You can then get a pedigree with her. If the dog has been microchipped, the breeder must also give you the appropriate documents.
You can buy a pet dog for a family without any documents at all. But there is a certain risk in this, because you cannot be sure of its origin or even its physical condition. Therefore, after purchasing such a puppy, it is advisable to immediately contact a veterinary clinic and make sure that he is vaccinated and healthy.
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