Perhaps one of the most frequently spoken household names for the American dog right behind the Golden Retriever and Yorkie Terrier is the Labrador Retriever. Beautiful, bold, docile, and friendly, the Labrador Retriever is a family dog that has gotten much love and recognition for its temperance in the nuclear family living style. Great with kids, bare to minimum upkeep, and a personality that provides and demands companionship, the Labrador Retriever is a great breed amongst dogs.
As there extremely pleasant demeanor is always looking to please, labs are a very active and energetic breed that desires much care, training, and exercise to ensure that he or she does not get bored, in which case you may find your favorite pair of heels suddenly missing. Although it is rare of a lab to become violent, destructive, or slightly vicious, Labs require a leader, as well as a companion and if these are prevalent during the most crucial years of becoming socialized, the Labrador Retriever will radiate an aura of intelligence, diligence, love, and protection. The Labrador, ranging in a wide array of colors which can be silver, brown, black, or yellow as the color of the Labrador depends on the origin. The Lab is believed to have originated from Newfoundland, as it was seen as a dog that would accompany men working in the docks or that would hunt. As time went on, the dog was cross bred with spaniels and terriers until the Labrador has currently been claimed to be a dog native of American or English descent. These two types of Labs are quite different in regards to their shape, size, and sometimes temperament. English Labradors are generally bred stockier, thicker, and heavier as these types of Labradors have been studied and many scientists have confirmed that there is variation between the American Labrador, whom is usually tall and lanky.
The body structure of these Labs is crucial to their overall weight and well-being, as the weight of Labs have great impact on their potential health conditions further down the line. As most Labrador Retrievers are anywhere between 50 to 80 lbs, the lab’s shape is one that is generally considered balanced and athletic. Their active lifestyle and desire to always play helps them keep their sleek and slender body in shape. The weight of a retriever is essential, as it is the gateway to understanding the overall health and happiness of your lab. Labs that tend to be overweight or seem lazy are generally bored and do not receive enough exercise. Making sure your lab is a healthy one is an extremely important part of owning a lab or any dog in general. If the Labrador does not receive the necessary amount of activity on a daily basis, essential bones such as its hip and elbows may start to deteriorate. These two bones are quite common problems for Labs as they are the focal point of its strong and sporty physique.
