To anyone who owns a Labrador retriever, it comes as no surprise that they're the most popular breed in the U. S. There are plenty of reasons for this popularity: Labs are outgoing, loving dogs whose gentle temperament and steady nerves make them ideal family pets. Members of the sporting class, Labs make good hunting dogs as well as great pets -- but don't expect your Lab to be an effective guard dog: the breed is so friendly, a Lab is more likely to befriend a burglar than scare him off! Labrador retrievers are large, powerful dogs, and they gain weight easily, so adequate exercise is essential. Your Lab will love to come in the house at night to be with her family, but be sure she gets enough room to run and play during the day -- and if you have a pool, all the better! Labs love water and will spend as much time in it as possible (figure A). Labs come in a variety of colors: black, yellow, chocolate, liver and hazel, and their eyes can be either brown or hazel. One warning, though: their love of water makes them prone to ear infections. They can also develop eye disorders, but probably the most serious physical problem of Labs is a tendency toward hip dysplasia. In order to get a healthy puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder. It's essential that you check the parents' certification to ascertain that neither of them suffers from the condition; if possible, you should arrange to observe both parents to determine for yourself that their hips seem to be healthy. It's also a good idea to use a breeder who has been recommended by people you trust, or at least to get references. Beyond being wonderful pets, Labs have a history as service animals: during World War II they were used to locate landmines, and in more recent years they have become popular as both guide and therapy dogs. They are also frequently employed as rescue dogs during the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes. If dogs truly are man's best friend, then Labs are doubtlessly among the best of the best! Web site resources for labrador retrievers: American Kennel Club Labrador Retreiver Information from the American Kennel Club
RESOURCES :
The Labrador Retriever : The Dog That Does It All
Model: 0876050445
Author: Lisa Weiss-Agresta, Emily Biegel, and Nancy Martin
Hungry Minds, Inc.
December 1998
Your Lab's Life
Model: 0761520465
Author: Virginia Parker Guidry, Joanne Howl, Liz Palika
Prima Publishing
March 2000
Labrador Retrievers for Dummies
Model: 0764552813
Author: Joel Walton and Eve Adamson
Hungry Minds, Inc.
September 2000
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