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Labrador Retriever

2023-09-22 17:57 Breeds and features
The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed known for its friendly and outgoing nature. Here's some information about Labrador Retrievers:

Origin: Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada.

Size: They are a medium to large breed. Adult males typically weigh between 65-80 pounds (29-36 kg), while adult females usually weigh between 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg).
Coat: Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense, water-resistant coat. They come in three primary colors: black, yellow, and chocolate.

Temperament: They are known for their friendly, outgoing, and gentle nature. Labradors are excellent family dogs and are often good with children and other pets.

Intelligence: Labradors are highly intelligent and are often used as working dogs in various roles, including search and rescue, therapy dogs, and assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities.

Exercise Needs: They are active and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like fetch are essential for them.

Training: Labrador Retrievers are known for their trainability. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and are often eager to please their owners.

Lifespan: On average, Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years.

Health: While generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to specific health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are essential for their well-being.

Popularity: Labrador Retrievers consistently rank as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and many other countries.

Activities: They excel in various dog sports and activities, including obedience trials, agility, and field trials.

Family Dogs: Labradors often become beloved family members due to their friendly and social nature.

Whether as a family pet, a working dog, or a companion for outdoor activities, Labrador Retrievers are known for their versatility, making them a favorite choice among dog lovers.
FCI Standard, Standard No. 122 (January 29, 1999)

Origin: United Kingdom.
Date of Publication of the Current Standard: June 24, 1987.
Function: Retrieving.
FCI Classification: Group 8. Retrievers, Flushing Spaniels, Water Dogs.

Section 1. Retrievers.

With working trial.

General Appearance: Strongly built, compact, energetic; broad skull; broad and deep chest in ribs; fore and hindquarters comprehensive and robust.

Behavior and Temperament: Good-natured, very active. Excellent sense of smell, soft bite, passion for water. Adapts easily, loyal companion. Intelligent, wise, and obedient, with a strong desire to please. Naturally good, without a hint of aggression or excessive shyness.

Head

Skull: Broad. Well-defined without fleshy cheeks.
Stop: Pronounced.
Facial Area:
Nose: Broad, well-developed nostrils.
Muzzle: Massive, not lightened.
Jaws and Teeth: Medium-length jaws, jaws, and teeth strong with perfect, regular, and complete scissor bite, i.e., upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set perpendicular to the jaws.
Eyes: Medium-sized, expressing intelligence and good character; brown or hazel.
Ears: Not large or heavy; hanging, lying close to the head, set far back.
Neck: Dry, strong, massive, set well into well-placed shoulders.

Body

Back: Straight line of the top.
Loin: Wide, short, and strong.
Chest: Of good width and depth, with barrel ribs.
Tail: A distinguishing feature - very thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the end, of medium length, free from feathering but clothed thickly all around with the dense, short coat, which gives it a rounded appearance, described as an otter tail. It may be carried gaily but should not curl over the back.
Limbs

Forequarters: Legs are well-boned and straight from elbow to ground, whether viewed from the front or side.
Shoulders: Long and sloping.
Hindquarters: Well developed, without any tendency to slope down to the tail.
Knees: With well-defined angles.
Feet: Round, compact; well-arched toes and well-developed pads.
Movement: Free, covering adequate ground; straight and true in front and behind.

Coat

Hair: A distinctive feature - short, dense, weather-resistant coat with no waves, tail thick at the base and gradually tapering.
Color: Entirely black, yellow, or chocolate. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. A small white spot on the chest is permissible.

Height

Ideal height at withers: Males 22-22.5 inches (56-57 cm); Females 21.5-22 inches (54-56 cm).

FAULTS: Any departure from the previous points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

NOTE: Males should have two normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.