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Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Introduction
Labrador Retriever (also known as Labrador or Labs) is a breed of dog that was originally developed in the UK from fishing dogs imported from a province in Canada (then known as the colony of Newfoundland). Therefore, the dog was named after the Labrador region.
Furthermore, a Labrador is well known for its temperaments as playful, loyal, and obedient. It was bred as a hunting and sporting dog. However, it was widely kept as a companion dog. This kind of breed may also be trained as a guide, therapy, rescue, or assistance dog.
Moreso, Labradors are available in three colors, Black, Chocolate, and Yellow. In addition, a Labrador is considered the most popular breed as of 2006. Some of the famous Labradors include Sully, a Labrador Retriever assistance dog that served Former President George H.A Bush during the last six months of his life.
History
Labradors originated from the United Kingdom. They were bred from their progenitors imported from Newfoundland in the 1830s by the 10th Earl of Home and his nephews Lord John Scott and the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. The now extinct St. John’s water dogs used as gun dogs( from Newfoundland) were crossed with British hunting dogs to create the Labradors. These dogs were also bred for their prowess in waterfowling by the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury.
The 12th Earl of Home, the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, and the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury worked together to develop and establish the Labrador Retriever dogs. Therefore, the dogs Buccleuch Ned and Buccleuch Avon were mated with bitches carrying blood from the dogs that were originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home.
The offspring become the progenitors of all modern Labradors. The now-used name of this breed became popular in Europe in 1870. In 1903, the Kennel Club recognized the Labradors followed by American Kennel Club(AKC) in 1917. These dogs were imported in the early 20th century to establish this breed in the USA.
Labrador Retriever Lifespan
Both Labrador Retriever Dogs and Bitches have a life span of between 10 to 12 years. Although, AKC has listed the average lifespan of a Lab is 11 to 13 years. However, the life span of a dog is determined by how well it is taken care of. The Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a short lifespan as compared to Yellow and Black. This is according to research conducted by the University of Sydney.
In addition, the short life span of Chocolate Labradors has been attributed to the breeders’ attempt to increase their numbers via selective coating breeding at the expense of other important health traits. However, the life span of a Labrador may vary from dog to dog, for instance, Adjutant, the oldest Labrador had a life span of 27 years.
Female Lifespan
A Female Labrador has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years which is also the case with their male counterparts.
Black Labrador Lifespan
Both Black and Yellow Labradors have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, the Chocolate Labradors have a shorter lifespan as compared with the two due to selective coating by the breeders at the expense of major health issues.
Labrador Retriever Grooming
When grooming your Labrador, it is advisable to pay attention to ears, teeth, eyes, coat, and feet which will give you an opportunity to spot any unusual condition that may require medical attention. Furthermore, this kind of breed sheds at least twice a year in handfuls. Therefore, Labradors owners are recommended to comb their coats every day during heavy shedding as well as bathe them in warm water to get rid of the dead hair.
A Labrador that spends most of the time indoors should bathe once after a period of four to six weeks. Before a bath, comb your dog’s coat in order to get rid of any tangles and debris that may cling to the coat. If a dog owner wants to take a Labrador for a total spa experience, the president of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Terri Becker DiMarino recommends preparing your dog for a touch several days prior to grooming to accustom the dog to the sensation of touch.
Once your Labrador is cozy with someone’s touch, make a plan of a regular grooming schedule for your dog. On a regular week when the Labrador is not shedding, two brushings per week are recommended. If a Labrador owner is not taking the pet to the spa, nail trimming is recommended at least once a month to prevent overly grown nails from causing pain when the dog is walking or running. Teeth cleaning twice a week using a dog-formulated toothpaste is advisable to remove tartar buildup.
Labradors are susceptible to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Dog owners should clean the eyes at least once a week using cotton dampened in a well-balanced pH solution to remove excess wax and debris. Avoid cleaning the inner ear canal.
Shedding
Labradors have a double coat that sheds moderately all year round. Heavy shedding is experienced during seasonal change once or twice a year, especially during Spring or Fall. Using a slicker brush to comb the Lab at least once a week will help in keeping the coat healthy and glossy. Daily brushing of the coat is recommended during the heavy shedding season to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Shedding Season
These dogs experience heavy shedding in Spring or Fall as the coat prepares for seasonal change. Shedding is experienced at moderate levels all year round.
Coat
Labradors have a double coat that is short dense, and straight. The double coat is made up of an outer coat and undercoat that is soft and weather resistant providing protection against extreme weather and water. This implies that the Labrador’s coat is oily and slightly dry.
Coat Care
Daily brushing during the heavy shedding season using a de-shedding brush or slicker brush makes shedding manageable. Regular brushing helps in removing loose hair that would spread around the house. Bathing your Labrador using lukewarm water also comes in handy in the removal of loose hair. Brushing the coat regularly helps to keep it healthy and glossy by spreading the oils present on the coat.
Labrador Retriever Hypoallergenic
People who suffer from dog allergies are affected by the protein present in hair, dander, urine, mucus, and saliva. Labradors have an undercoat that is likely to shed dander in large amounts especially during seasonal change, therefore, not hypoallergenic. These dogs also shed all year round making them unsuitable for people who suffer from dog allergies.
Labrador Retriever Training
Labradors make great students for house training. Once they are in their new homes, they should start learning parlor tricks and basic obedience. Additionally, for potty training, Labradors puppies should be taken outside first thing after they wake up, and then every thirty minutes while giving rewards to keep them motivated.
Crate training and creating feeding time make potty training more effective. A crate should be a safe place for your Labrador to retreat to. It also keeps the dog safe when no one is closely watching. The crate should be placed in a room where a lot of activities are carried out and there is the movement of people. Remember to avoid using a crate as a form of punishment.
Socialization is recommended to ensure that your Labrador grows into a well-mannered and well-adjusted dog. This training should kick off at the age of 7 weeks to four months. It helps to expose your dog to other places, sounds, experiences, people, and animals. Enrolling your Labrador in obedience classes will serve as part of the socialization process as the pet will be able to meet other animals.
Training Tips
Enrolling your Labrador in Puppy classes assists the owner to identify and correct any bad behavior that may be developing. The use of positive reinforcement methods such as treats, playtime, and praise makes training effective. Avoid the use of harsh corrections methods such as raising your voice when correcting bad habits.
While teaching your Labrador Command words such as sit, stay, down, leave it, and quiet it is recommended, teach your dog one command at a time until it understands before proceeding to the next command word. Remember to keep the training session short for a span of at most 10 minutes since dogs easily get bored and have a short concentration span.
Fun games like fetching and short leash walking should also be introduced. Moreover, Labradors between three to six months may learn to swim, take the stairs, and also take obedience training classes.
Training Books
- The Complete Guide to Labrador Retrievers(June 2020).
- The Complete Labrador Handbook: The Essential Guide for New & Prospective Labrador Owners (April 2017).
- Labrador Retriever Training(February 2017).
- The Labrador Retriever Bible(November 2020).
- The Everything Labrador Retriever Book(May 2004), etc.
Training For Hunting
Labradors were bred as gun dogs retrievers. They are good at swimming and also retrieve ducks from the water. Labradors also have an otter tail that plays the role of a powerful rudder when constantly moving back and forth as the dog swims. The main prey for these dogs is ducks, and therefore, training your Lab to hunt in water is crucial. The best time recommended for training your pet is when they are between the age of 8 weeks to 10 months. This is because puppies are eager to learn, please their owners, and absorb everything around them.
Hunting in water has two elements that are at play. Your pup has to be able to swim confidently while tracking its prey and giving an attentive ear to the owner who is on land. To get started in this training you will need a lot of treats and a source of body water in which you can be able to hunt. To familiarize your dog with getting his feet wet, buy a small paddling pool.
Labrador puppies respond well to high-pitched praises. To train your dog to its full potential, purchasing many toys is recommended as they will act as distractions and decoys. The use of decoys helps your dog to focus on the task at hand. Teaching the command words sit, recall, stay, and retrieve is also crucial for training your pooch to hunt.
Labrador Retriever Traits
- Fun.
- Outgoing/easygoing.
- Intelligent.
- Loyal.
- Loving and loves to feel included.
- Enthusiastic.
- Friendly.
- Eager to please.
- Affectionate.
- Tractable.
Aggressive
These dogs are non-aggressive and make great companionable housemates who bond with the whole family. Labradors also socialize well with humans alike and neighbor dogs.
Barking
A Labrador is not a barky kind of breed. However, like most breeds, it also barks due to separation anxiety since they are people-oriented. Barking may be frequent if your dog feels ignored or neglected due to boredom, especially at night.
Bite Force
Even though Labradors have an outgoing and affectionate personality, they have a bite force of 230 PSI.
Biting
Labradors are susceptible to biting problems since they are mouthy. These dogs are also natural retrievers and are used to having something in their mouths may it be a toy, treat, fingers, etc. Biting is also common in puppies as they play with their littermates and owners. It is likely to happen when puppies are exploring new textures, objects, and people.
A dog is also likely to bite when it is in distress, pain, or fear. Although biting may seem adorable for puppies, it may not be so when they grow older and larger in size. Biting problems should be discouraged to avoid raising an adult Labrador that has serious biting problems. This behavior may be corrected through redirection and bite inhibition training.
Height
Labradors have varying heights for both males and females according to the Kennel Club(KC), FCI(Fédération Cynologique Internationale), and AKC(American Kennel Club). The following is the height varieties for male and female according to the above clubs:
Club Female Height in (cm|in) Male height in (cm| in)
AKC 21.5 to 23.5 inches( 55 to 60 cm) 21.5 to 24.5 inches( 55 to 62 cm).
KC 21.5 to 22 inches( 55 to 56 cm) 22 to 22.5 inches( 56 to 57 cm).
FCI 21.5 to 22 inches( 54 to 56 cm) 22 to 22.5 inches( 56 to 57 cm).
Weight
According to AKC, male Labradors should weigh between 65 to 80 pounds ( approx. 29.5 to 36.3 kg) pounds while female Labradors should have a weight of between 55 to 70 pounds ( approx. 24.9 to 31.2 kg).
Types
There are two types of Labrador Retrievers; The American Labrador and the English Labrador. The English Labradors are blockier, thicker, and heavier as compared to their American counterparts. The former has been bred for their working ability and expertise in gundog trials and field. American Labradors are also referred to as field or working labs. The latter participates in conformation shows since it has been bred to meet the required physical standards such as having a blockhead.
Labrador Retriever Allergies
Labradors are prone to allergies caused by various allergens including food, contact, insects, skin, and environmental allergies. This breed is more susceptible to allergies since its immune system produces more of an allergic antibody referred to as immunoglobin. The antibody makes the immune system release histamine when the body comes into contact with an allergen.
Some of the environmental allergens that cause allergies in this breed include dust, dust mites, house molds, grass, grass pollen, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, etc. Most of the culprits that cause contact allergies include latex, medication, and carpet cleaning detergents.
Both contact and environmental allergies are most likely to manifest as sores, redness, or dry flaky skin on the armpit, ankles, groin, paws, around the eyes, and between the toes. The most common symptoms that Labradors exhibit when suffering from allergies include chronic ear infections, vomiting, runny nose, redness, itchy ears, constant licking and rubbing of the affected body parts, and diarrhea.
Labrador Retriever Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Labradors may be caused by hereditary conditions, food allergies, or even environmental allergies. One of the most common hereditary conditions that cause skin inflammation include atopic dermatitis which causes mild to severe itchiness. A Labrador that has itchiness may respond by rubbing or scratching the affected body parts including the nose, belly sides, face, ears, muzzle, and stomach.
Licking, chewing, or rubbing the affected places can lead to further skin damage and trauma. If a dog that is suffering from skin allergies is not given the proper care, the affected body parts become hot spots for secondary infections both yeast and bacterial. Skin allergies also cause chronic ear infections. A home remedy for a Labrador that is suffering from skin inflammation is the use of hypoallergenic, sulfate-free, and organic shampoos that relieve skin irritation and itchiness.
Labrador Retriever Food Allergies
Labradors are also prone to food allergies that may result in an immune response that may range in signs that may mimic skin conditions including facial swelling, hives, and itchiness. However, the most common symptoms associated with this kind of allergy include gastrointestinal stress that leads to vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Many dog owners have a problem distinguishing between food allergies and food sensitivities or intolerance. A dog that suffers from food sensitivities doesn’t experience an immune response but instead a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in Labrador’s food. Although, food intolerance may involve diarrhea and vomiting.
Dog owners are urged to closely work with their veterinarians to determine whether the dog is affected by food intolerance or food allergies. Most of the common foods that result in food allergies include eggs, corn, wheat, soy, beef, chicken, milk, and dairy products.
Ears
This breed has floppy ears or rather Drop ears which hang by the side of the dog’s head. However, Labradors are vulnerable to ear infections since the soft furry flops over the ear canal, hence creating a dark and warm environment perfect for germs.
Furthermore, the dog owner may detect infection early if they are accustomed to inspecting the Labrador’s ears frequently. Occasionally, a Labrador may raise their ears up because it is alert and listening intently.
Ear Infection
Ear infection in Labradors may be due to skin and food allergies. These dogs also have floppy ears that hang to the side of the dog head. The soft furry flops over the ear canal hence creating a warm and dark environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Labradors also love swimming which may trap moisture in their ears causing ear infections.
Other causes of ear infections include wax buildup, debris, excessive cleaning, and injury to the ears. There are three types of ear infections in dogs respectively otitis interna, media, and externa. The most common type of ear infection is otitis enterna which causes inflammation to the cells in the external portion of the ear canal.
Otitis interna and media refer to the infection in the inner ear canal and middle inner ear canal respectively. The most common symptoms that your dog may exhibit while suffering from an ear infection include itchiness, odor, head shaking, dark discharge, pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal.
Ear Infection Home Treatment
It is highly advisable to take your dog to the vet once you notice odor, redness, itchiness, and swelling. Immediate treatment is important for your dog’s comfort and to prevent the spread of the ear infection to the middle and inner ear that may result in loss of hearing. Once you get to the vet, the ear will be thoroughly cleaned using cotton dampened with medicated ear cleanser. After the cleaning, a dog owner takes the pooch home with a prescription for a topical medication and ear cleanser.
Labrador Retriever Food
Seniors, adults, and puppies have different nutritional and caloric requirements. It is advisable for a dog owner who prefers commercial dog food to purchase the best food based on their current stage in life. There are various different types of food that a dog owner may feed his pooch including kibble, wet foods, raw dog food, semi-moist dog food, fresh dog food, homemade dog food, etc.
Homemade dog food allows dog owners to have complete control of their diet and food intake of their dogs, It is highly nutritional when prepared right. However, it is expensive and time-consuming. Regardless of the type of food that you chose for your dog ensure that the diet is composed of quality proteins, added vitamins, minerals, fats, and probiotics.
Feeding Guide
The feeding schedule of a Labrador is mostly determined by age. The following is the feeding guide for Labradors:
- For 6 months and older, they may be fed twice a day.
- Between 3 months to six months, feed them thrice a day.
- Under three months, they should be fed four times a day.
N/B A Labrador eating four times a day should eat after a span of three hours whereas a Labrador feeding thrice a day should feed after four hours. Moreover, a dog fed twice a day should have a meal six to seven hours apart.
Exercise
A Labrador is generally active. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise for at least one hour a day. Furthermore, your dog may participate in various exercises including swimming, walking, hiking, and also an endless game of fetch and frisbee.
Additionally, they have been described as good running partners. However, it is recommended to check with your veterinarian whether a senior’s dog joints will manage long runs.
Some of the other dog breeds include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever
Both Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever make perfect family pets since they are playful, loving, and kind. Furthermore, Labrador has three colors, Black, Yellow, and Chocolate while Golden has different shades of golden colors as the name suggests.
Eyes
Labradors have a set of medium-sized eyes that are set well apart. The eyes are neither protruding nor deep set. The eye color of Black and Yellow Labradors is brown while the Chocolate Labradors may have hazel or brown eye-colored eyes.
Eye Infection
A Labrador may suffer from an eye infection that may be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Eye infections in dogs may be caused by dry eye diseases, trauma to the eye, or viruses that make room for bacterial invasion since local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Labradors may suffer from eye infections if foreign bodies including dust, debris, fur, or hair stick into the eye. The common symptoms that dogs exhibit when suffering from an eye infection include pawing at the eye due to itchiness or pain, redness, swelling of the eyelids, a clear discharge due to viral infections, squinting, and a thick yellowish discharge due to bacterial infection.
Eye Discharge
Eye discharge in Labradors may be due to dry eye disease, viral infection, and corneal ulcers. A yellow discharge may be an indication that your pet is suffering from dry eye disease and bacterial infection. Whereas a clear discharge may be a manifestation that the eye has been invaded by a virus. However, a red eye that has a clear discharge may be a result of corneal ulcers.
Eye Problems
Labradors are likely to suffer from various eye problems including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and eye infection.
Labrador Retriever Health Issues
Labradors are generally healthy with relatively few major problems. Some of the health issues that may affect this breed include obesity, inherited disorders, atypical epilepsy, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, ear infections, Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, retinal dysplasia, heart disorders, exercise-induced collapse, hereditary myopathy, etc. According to a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College study and The University of Sydney, Chocolate Labradors are likely to have a shorter life expectancy the yellow and Black Labradors.
Seizures
Seizures refer to a sudden surge of the electrical activity in the brain which interferes with the normal functionality of the brain. Labradors are most affected by a focal motor seizure, atypical epilepsy which is an episodic movement disorder. A dog that suffers from this kind of seizure looks confused for a few seconds or minutes and simply staggers without hitting the ground.
Other Labradors may experience atypical epilepsy for about 2 to 5 minutes where they appear unable to stand upright, anxious, and unable to walk, however, they will attempt to crawl to their desired location. Head tremor or trembling for Labradors while they remain recumbent and abnormally quiet indicates that the dog is suffering from a seizure.
Some of the Labs that are affected by this condition may maintain consciousness as are able to recognize their owners and even obey commands while experiencing these episodes. Labradors may experience atypical epilepsy while waking up, drifting off to sleep, exercise, and when it is excited.
Treatment
Labradors that suffer from atypical epilepsy which is more of a seizure disorder are treated with chronic oral anticonvulsant therapy. This treatment will help in decreasing the episode frequency of the seizure. Chronic oral anticonvulsant therapy refers to the diverse group of pharmacological agents that are used in the treatment of seizures and help in the prevention of the spread of the seizure within the brain. The aim of this treatment is to obtain complete control of epileptic seizures with the fewest drugs and lowest possible dose which is the least toxic.
Labrador Teeth
An adult Labrador has a set of 42 permanent adult teeth. According to AKC, the teeth should be regular and strong with a scissors bite. Although a level bite is acceptable, it is not desired. A Labrador puppy has a set of 28 deciduous teeth. Regular teeth cleaning at least twice a week is recommended to prevent teeth problems associated with tartar buildups such as periodontal disease and gum inflammation.
Tail
The outstanding feature of Labrador is an otter tail that is thick at the base and gradually gets thinner towards the tip. The tail is of medium length and should not be extended any longer than the hock. The tail of a Labrador has been described as an otter due to the peculiar rounded appearance that it possesses. Tail docking in Labradors is a disqualification for Labs that participate in conformation shows. The tail of this dog aids as it turns and swims.
Tail Curl
A tail of a naturally bred Labrador is not curly and it may be carried gaily. Tail curl in this breed is possible for designer dogs that have been crossed with Labradors and other breeds that have curly tails.
Neck Size
The neck size of an adult Labrador is 17 to 20 inches ( approx. 43 to 51 cm).
Head
The head of a Labrador should be clean cut free from chubby cheeks with a shorter muzzle, and a more pronounced stop, the point where the muzzle and the forehead meet. A Labrador that participates in conformation shows should have a head that is block-shaped.
Colors
The acceptable coat colors for Labradors are yellow, Black, and Chocolate. A combination of colors is a disqualification for a dog that participates in AKC conformation shows. A lab that has a small white spot on the chest is permitted but not desirable. A Black Labrador should have a coat that is all black. Chocolate Labradors may vary in shade from dark to light chocolate whereas Yellow Labradors may vary from fox-red to creamy white.
Coat Color Genetics
The accepted coat colors for Labradors are Chocolate, Yellow, and Black. The mode of the color genes is autosomal and not related to the sex of the dog. The Black and Chocolate coat color is determined by Tyrosinase-related protein 1, an enzyme that is localized to melanosomes, cellular organelles that are responsible for color.
There are four known alleles at this gene including Black designated as B and three different alleles that result in chocolate, designated as b. Therefore, a Black coated Labrador has a dominant B Black allele to the Chocolate b allele. A Black coated Lab has BB or Bb. However, a Black Labrador that is Bb carries the recessive b that is responsible for chocolate color.
The yellow coat color is determined by a different gene, the melanocortin 1 receptor. The most common allele for this gene in labs is E( produces back and brown pigment ) and e ( only produces yellow pigment). If the melanocortin 1 receptor has an e allele, it prevents the expression of chocolate or black color in the hair follicle and the coat color ends up yellow. However, the black or chocolate pigment will still be expressed in the skin but not in the color coat. For a puppy to be yellow, both parents must contribute two recessive alleles of the MC1R gene (ee).
Labrador Retriever Names
The most important exercise that dog owners engage in after getting a Labrador pup from a responsible breeder or from a rescue center, is naming their pet. This involves deciding the name that your pet will use for the rest of its life. Names may be inspired by the character of the pet, origin, suggested cool names on various websites, favorite books, roles, coat color, or even celebrities.
Remember to give your pet a name that freely rolls out your tongue and will not embarrass you when you utter it in public places such as malls and parks. Names that have vowels are easy for Labradors to understand. It is important not to give your pet a name that is used by other household members or even guests who frequent your home frequently to avoid confusion.
Names For Males
- Milo.
- Max.
- Ollie.
- Kai.
- Cody.
- Bruno.
- Murphy.
- Hunter.
- Tucker.
- Rocky.
- Jax.
- Maverick, etc.
Female Labrador Retriever Names
- Winnie.
- Layla.
- Rosie.
- Zoey.
- Sophie.
- Lola.
- Sadie.
- Luna.
- Penny.
- Chloe.
- Bella, etc.
Labrador Collar or Harness
Dog owners have to decide whether to use a collar or harness for their Labradors while they are on a leash. A collar is suitable for a dog that is less likely to pull. On the other hand, a harness is the preferred option for a dog that is likely to pull while on a leash. Harnesses offer more control and they are able to distribute pressure across the upper body and reduce strain. However, some owners may choose a collar to discourage pulling since it causes tension on the neck when the dog pulls.
Labrador Retriever Muzzle
Dog muzzles are controversial since they are most associated with aggressive dogs. Therefore, some dog owners find using a muzzle unsettling. However, muzzles may be necessary for a situation where you are not sure how your dog will respond to a new stimulus such as an environment that is unsettling or even when the dog is in pain.
Muzzles may be useful for Labradors since they love scavenging hence preventing the risk of consuming something that will affect their health while on a beach or on a leash. Creating positive association for the device with your Labrador through the use of treats and praise is highly advisable to avoid wrestling your dog to put a muzzle on when it is needed, which may make the dog defensive. A muzzle should not be used to correct behavior issues such as barking or biting.
Muzzle Size
The muzzle size is attained by measuring the length (from the eyes to the tip of the nose) and Circumference (below the eyes around the snout). For medium-sized dogs like Labradors, add approximately 1 to 1.5 inches to the exact dog’s circumference. Most Labradors have a muzzle size of 4.33 in ( approx. 11cm) in length and 13.67 inches( approx. 35cm) in circumference.
Labrador Litter Size
A female Labrador may give birth to a litter size of 5 to 10 puppies, which depends on her health, age, size, genetic diversity, and diet. The average litter size for Labradors is 7 puppies. A female dog of this breed that gives birth for the first time is likely to have a litter size that is smaller than the average. However, the litter size will increase with subsequent births. The largest known litter for Labs is 15 puppies.
Labrador Pregnancy Length
Most dog breeds have a gestation period of 63 days on average which is approximately two months. However, Labradors may have a slightly shorter pregnancy time of 61 to 62 days.
Labrador Pregnancy Signs
The most common signs that a pregnant Labrador may exhibit include nesting behaviors, increased weight gain, enlarged abdomen, decreased activity, more affectionate, increase in nipple size, change in appetite, easily getting irritated, etc.
Labrador Heat Cycle
Most female Labradors experience that first heat cycle at the age of 9 to 12 months. However, late bloomers may experience their first heat cycle at the age of 1 to 2 years. Labs are likely to experience their heat cycle every six months which lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
The pattern of the heat cycle may vary from one Labrador to another with others being in a heat cycle once a year while others after every 3 to 4 months. Inconsistent or late heat cycles may indicate that your dog is suffering from underlying health issues.
The heat cycle is made up of four stages; Proestrus, Estrus, Diestrus, and Anestrus. Before mating your Lab, ensure that both the male and female have been genetically tested to avoid breeding dogs with genetic health concerns. Mating is recommended when the dog is two years old in order to allow the genetically linked faults to express themselves.
Labrador Speed
A physically trained and properly exercised Labrador may run up to a speed of 30 miles per hour. The average running speed for a Lab is 20 to 30 miles per hour ( approx. 32 to 48 km/h).
Labrador Retriever Price Puppy
A Lab puppy goes for $1200 to $2000 which is determined by the physical location of the breeder, age, pedigree, and coat color.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is A Labrador Retriever A Good Family Dog
Yes, it is loving, loyal, friendly, and likes to be loved.
Are Labrador Retriever Hypoallergenic
No, Labradors are not hypoallergenic since they shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily during spring and/or fall allowing the spread of dander in the house. Dander is an allergen with a protein that causes allergic inflammation in people suffering from dog allergies.
Is Labrador Retriever Aggressive
No. A Labrador is a gentle-natured and friendly dog that gets along well with people and other dogs.
What Problems Do Labradors Have
Most Labradors are likely to suffer from ear infections due to their floppy ears which cover the ear canal. As a result, it creates a warm and dark environment for germs to thrive. Furthermore, Labradors are likely to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, especially in senior dogs.
Additionally, Labradors may suffer from eye infections including corneal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and cataracts. However, the chocolate Labradors are more to health-related issues as compared to the Yellow and Black Labradors.
What Are The 3 Types Of Labrador Retrievers
There are two types of Labrador Retrievers, The American Labrador, and the English Labrador. Furthermore, people also refer to Drakeshead Lab as the third type of Labrador. However, Drakeshead is actually a British Labrador.
Are Labs Easy To Train
Yes, they make great students since they are playful, active, and eager to learn.
Do Labradors bark a lot
They also bark like most dog breeds which is more frequent in Labradors that don’t exercise probably due to their pent-up energy.
Are Labradors smelly
Yes, Labrador is one of the smellier breeds partly because it has a thick, water-repellant, and double-layer coat. Therefore, it can hold on to odors way more than a dog with a single-layer coat. However, regular grooming will avoid having a smelly Labrador.
How Long Do Labs Live
The Labradors have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years especially the black and Yellow Labs. However, Chocolate-colored Labradors tend to have a shorter lifespan.
How Much Is A Labrador Retriever
A Lab costs $1200 to $2000 depending on the coat color, age, breeder, and pedigree.
Labrador Retriever Quick Facts
- They go by the nickname Labs.
- Labradors can be kept as companion pets as well as assistance and rehab dogs.
- Their ideal setting is a home that has a backyard. However, Labradors may also live in an apartment if the owner is able to provide play needs and outdoor exercise.
