Labrador Retriever
Characteristics of this popular dog breed
The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age.
Personality
These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this.
Breed Characteristics
Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known otter tail. The tail is thick and sturdy and comes off the topline almost straight. The feet are described as webbed, with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming.
Height
- 22.5-24.5 inches (male)
- 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight
- 65-80 pounds (male)
- 55-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy
- 10-12 years
Page created by Barbara Palleros