Read About Labrador Puppies Breed

Labrador Puppies are loyal and intelligent watchdogs that can be wonderful companions for life. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Labrador Puppies - Dog Breed Facts

1. AKC Group:

   Sporting Group.

2. Size & Weight:

   21 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall; 55-80 lbs.

3. Coat:

   Coat is dense and short. It should feel reasonably hard to touch. The undercoat is soft and weather-resistant.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Head is wide skulled and clean-cut. The muzzle is fairly wide ending in wide black or brown nose. The eyes are brown or hazel and set wide apart.

5. Body:

   Short coupled body with a fairly wide chest and well sprung ribs. The topline is level from withers to croup. The tail is medium sized and thick at the base.

6. Colors:

   Black, Yellow and Chocolate.

7. Life Expectancy:

   10 -- 12 years.

8. Popularity:

   Labrador puppies are the most popular breeds with the highest number of 13,867 labs being registered in 2005. AKC rank: 1.

9. Habitat:

   Best suited for medium-sized yards. Could do fine in an apartment if decent exercise is provided.

Labrador Puppies - Dog Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Canada.

2. Lineage:

   Could be traced back to their ancestors in Newfoundland, Canada.

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   1917.

4. Historical Information:

   Labs were originally employed in Newfoundland, Canada by fishermen to fetch fishing nets from icy cold waters. Today labs are one of the most popular breeds.

Labrador Puppies - Dog Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   They are quite easy to train and the training should start very early.

2. Temperament:

   Labs are friendly, easy going dogs and love people. They are intelligent and extremely obedient. Labs must be socialized from young, as some tend to be wary of strangers.

3. Child Friendly:

   Labrador's love children.

4. Behavior:

   Labs like to stay with people and may turn destructive if left to their own devices for long periods of time.

5. Habits:

   They simply love water and swimming.

Labrador Puppies - Dog Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Some labs are prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, retinal disorders (PRA) and epilepsy. If prone to dandruff or other skin condition use an antioxidant that contains vitamin E.

2. Feeding:

   Labradors are inclined to obesity, so keep an eye on what you feed them.

3. Exercise Needs:

   Vigorous daily exercise is a must for them. They are outdoor dogs and like much to run, play and swim.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Minimal.Regular brushing with bristle brush will take care of the coat. They are average shedders.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Leash and collar are handy often.

6. Travel Needs:

   Water pan and flask, leash and a ball or something to play.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   They do fine usually with other dogs. Socialization from young is recommended.

Labrador Puppies - How to Choose your Dog Breed

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Healthy lab puppies are active and respond to call. Their eyes must be shiny and bright.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Puppy crate and a warm bedding. A new collar with his name on it, a chewy toy and filled water bowl.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Keep away small items that the puppy can choke on. Also remove any plants like hibiscus, holly, etc that can be toxic to the puppy. <

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   Labs need constant human presence. Make them comfortable by soothing words and gently stroking. Ask for and bring some playthings from the breeder the puppy used to play with.