3 minute read
Breed Focus: Labrador Retriever
By Andrew Munford
There are so many reasons why the Labrador Retriever was just named the most popular breed in the United States by the American Kennel Club.
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They're loyal, full of energy and personality, easily trained, and are great as family dogs as well as personal companions.
The breed originated in Newfoundland and were originally named St. John's dogs. They were trained to catch fish that had escaped fisherman's lines in the Atlantic Ocean. Dogtime.com states that they are believed to have been a cross of Newfoundlands and smaller breeds that were skilled swimmers. This explains their absolute love for the water and their ability to swim circles around some of their owners.
Due to their history as a working breed they are very easily trained and are widely used as hunting dogs. They also take great pride and pleasure in serving as emotional support, guide and guard dogs. They truly are a breed that will do anything for the owners lucky enough to have them.
Due to their short hair and soft coat they are very easily groomed and great to use as a pillow if you get one to sit still long enough for a nap.
I know some of you lab owners read the last line and thought, “Easily groomed? Have you tried putting one in a tub?”
Yes. Yes I have. I will tell all the readers out there that their coats are easy to maintain. That doesn't mean they like the process. More than likely you've gone through the pain of begging your lab to let you bathe them. This has probably included treats, forced angry voices at their adorable faces, literally dragging them as close as you can to the water, or just giving up and turning the hose on them in the backyard.
I'll say that experience proves the hose method is always going to be the most successful in getting them wet, but they'll just pay you back by rolling in the dirt. That's the price you pay for having a pup with the personality of a child. A very large, strong, and deceptively fast child.
The lab is a dog that loves the outdoors, but doesn't do well as a backyard-only breed. They need to be around their family and will beg for attention without hesitation. Many new Lab owners will mistake mischievous behaviors like chewing belongings and/or furniture as the sign of an angry dog. The reality is they have so much nervous energy that they'll find the easiest way to get it out. If the only attention you're giving them is after they've done something bad you will end up with a disaster area in your home.
The best way to get them to release their energy is to take them on daily walks and to engage them with toys. You should also establish a zoomie zone so that your prized possessions don't become a victim of a very happy moment for your pup. If you've never seen a fully grown lab get a case of the zoomies inside of a house, you're missing one of the most adorable/potentially disastrous things you'll ever see.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Height: 1’9"-2’ tall at the shoulder
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Life Span: 10-12 years
Read more at dogtime.com
5 Tips For Grooming Your Lab
This section comes to you by proud Lab owner Valorie Johnson
Find someone to help you hold them down
Let them play in the water
Wear a bathing suit
Brush with love
Cuddle with clean pup
Photos courtesy of Valorie Johnson and feature 4-year-old Lacey Johnson. According to her Mom, Lacey is the most spunky, protective, nurturing, and loving dog she's ever had. Her favorite treat is whatever Mom's eating or at night she has to have her big "cookie" before she can go to bed.
Labrador Retriever remains America's No. 1
The Labrador Retriever has yet again taken the top spot in Dallas in the American Kennel Club's (AKC) 2017 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S., a news release announced.
Dallas' Most Popular Breeds 2017
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
French Bulldog
Bulldog
German Shepherd
The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the No. 1 breed in Chicago, Denver and Houston, among others.
Houston's Most Popular Breeds 2017
Labrador Retriever
Bulldog
French Bulldog
German Shepherd Dog
Golden Retriever
