THE LABRADOR

The loveable, affable Labrador retriever or Labrador is the UK’s favourite breed. They are intelligent dogs, eager to learn and eager to please, and are still used in a working capacity for the police, as guide dogs and for other highly skilled work.

Originating from Newfoundland in the 16th century, they were bred to help fishermen haul in lines and pull carts of fish. It is believed they mated with visiting hunting dogs to conceive the dog we know today as the Labrador, named after a colony in Newfoundland.

When brought over to Britain, they were used as gun dogs favoured by the Duke and Earl of Malmesbury, so much so that the Earl’s son began to breed them and by 1903 they were recognised by the English Kennel Club.

Their easy-going nature combined with loyalty and intelligence, make this affectionate dog a perfect family pet. They can be large, with the male growing up to 62cm and weighing 36kg a potential problem with small children as their energetic nature could knock over a young child. As with all dogs, we recommend you never leave them unsupervised with children.

They require plenty of exercise, up to two hours per day, but they also need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and possibly destructive behaviour. As their name suggests, they love to retrieve so playing fetch is great. They are sociable pups and mix well with other dogs, so taking them on play dates in the park and letting them interact with others will help with their mental health.

They love to learn therefore training will be easy especially with a treat as a reward. Known as the greedy breed, most owners will agree, their Labrador has an insatiable appetite, and they will gain weight if you’re not careful. Speak to your vet about the best type of food for your dog, they will advise you on nutrition as well as quantities to keep your pup in the best possible condition.

They shed their coat twice a year, but a weekly groom will help keep them looking their best. Labradors come in three colours, black, chocolate and yellow but there are variations on these such as the yellow ranges from cream to red fox. They have a waterresistant undercoat and short, dense fur, harking back to their fisherman days.

Labradors are extremely agile and good-tempered, with a strong will to please, which is why the majority of Labradors are now pets rather than working dogs. As with most breeds, their natural instincts will always surface; taking them swimming in a safe environment will help enrich their lives as they get to do what they love.

If you are looking to buy a Labrador DO NOT purchase from a puppy farm or any uncertified dog breeder. Research, check reviews and speak to others who have a lab. Please make sure you know who you are buying from.

FACT FILE

LABRADORS

• Country of origin: In Newfoundland

• Size: Large

• Body: Strong and muscular

• Coat: They have a double coat which sheds twice a year

• Grooming: Once a week is recommended

• Colours: Black, Chocolate, Yellow

• Lifespan: 10-12 years

• Weight: Male: 29–36 kg, Female: 25–32 kg

• Height: Male: 57–62 cm, Female: 55–60 cm

• Exercise: More than 2 hours per day, they are extremely active

• Temperament: Extremely easy going, loving and loyal

• Good with children? They make a fantastic family pet but as always, we recommend not leaving them unsupervised with small children

• Intelligence: They are known as one of the most intelligent breeds

• Training: As highly intelligent dogs, they can be trained easily, they love to learn

• Health problems: Hip and elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts,

Epilepsy, Gastric DilatRoation-Volvulus, Cold Tail and

Myopathy