As you begin your journey towards dog ownership, you are likely to be confronted with more breeds than you ever thought were possible.  The Labrador is currently the most popular dog in the United States, with good reason.  Still, taking some time to understand what a Lab is and where they came from can help you determine if it is the right breed for you.

Breed History

Many Labrador lovers do not realize that the original breed was indigenous to Canada.  They were more than man’s best friend – they were an important part of the fishing community, where they worked side by side with fishermen to pull in nets and catch escaped fish.  Eventually, they were crossbred with several other breeds, most notably Spaniels and Setters, to create the breed we know today.

The Perfect Owner

While every breed has unique characteristics, perhaps none demand a specific type of owner like the Labrador.  Remember that Labs are very active and social.  The perfect owner will have both the time and the energy to devote time each day to their Labs.  This is especially true during the critical ‘puppy’ time.  The ideal owner will recognize just how much affection and playtime their new pet needs and will work each day to provide them with the puppy/owner time they need.

Just What You’re Getting Into

Labradors are considered medium-sized dogs.  They are athletic, with a short coat that is partially water resistant.  They are the ideal dog for waterfowl hunting but also have sweet and temperate dispositions making them perfect family pets.

If you have the time to devote to your new pet, the Lab may be the perfect breed for you.  Full of energy and affectionate, they are ideal for both families and outdoorsmen. Consider adding one of these fun and feisty dogs to your home and see how long it takes for you to have a new best friend.

True Labs are pure-breeds, so your first consideration should be finding a breeder. It is important to carefully check the reputation of each breeder prior to selecting one. Discuss what health tests they perform on their breeding stock and ask to see records. This will help you avoid purchasing a pet that is genetically predisposed to develop one of the common Labrador ailments.

Once you have selected a breeder and a liter has been born, your next major hurdle will be picking the perfect puppy. This can be difficult and many folks make the same mistake. They choose the first puppy that approaches them. There is a belief that this puppy will be the most affectionate. This is actually often completely wrong. Instead of affectionate, these bold pups are often simply the most aggressive of the pack. Stay away from the puppy that is scared or nervous – they will likely grow into an easily frightened animal. Take some time to review the entire liter. If you see a puppy who appears cautious you’ve probably found the perfect pet. Typically it is these puppies that grow into pets that are obedient and enjoyable.

You also cannot deny that sometimes you just bond with a particular Labrador puppy. If this is the case, spend some time watching the dog interact with its littermates to see how he or she acts around other dogs, always remember that this behavior is a good indicator of their eventual personality.

Take some time when selecting your Lab puppy – it will help ensure you end up with the perfect pet.

Like all Labs, Black Labs are super intelligent.  Recent years have shown a huge increase in the number of Black Labs being used as service dogs.  Police departments are turning to this specific breed to assist them with their investigations, and many organizations who train service dogs for the blind or disabled believe the Black Labrador is the best breed choice for their needs.  For the everyday owner, this super intelligence means training is relatively easy.

Labs are adorable as puppies and always seem to have paws that are slightly too big – they grow up though.  It’s important to remember that your Black Lab male will weigh between 65 and 110 pounds. The females weigh slightly less.  The dogs are athletic and muscular.  Their coats are quite dense and, unfortunately, prone to shedding, sometimes year round.  Proper diet and grooming can help keep your black lab healthy and happy and prevent extra shedding.

One of the benefits of the breed is their lack of aggression.  They are known for their gentle and peaceful natures, making them ideal for families with small children.  All Labs love to chew, so in order to protect your furniture, shoes, and other items, be sure to provide plenty of chew toys and train your pet pal to use them.

Black Labradors serve a variety of purposes, from assisting the police to playing with a child. Learning a bit about them before you purchase one will make the decision easier for you.

This problem is further compounded by the number of dysplastic animals that develop arthritis.  These problems are so prevalent that many industry leaders believe that anyone purchasing a puppy from a breeder must carefully research their options.  It is critical that Labradors puppies are only bred from stock which has been x-rayed and examined for the disorders and that only dogs with PennHIP or OFA breeding clearings.  While these requirements will, by no means, guarantee that a puppy will never develop this often painful disease, they do significantly reduce the risks.

Eye health is critically important for a happy dog.  Unfortunately, many labs suffer from cataracts or retinal atrophy.  Again, it is critically important that breeding stock by tested each year for these disorders to lessen the risk of future vision problems. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation maintains a registry for this purpose.

Anyone interested in purchasing a lab for their family should spend a good deal of time research available breeders.  The best carefully screen all breeding stock animals for all of the ‘at risk’ diseases and disorders.  Remember that purchasing a Labrador from an above par breeder means purchasing a dog that can fit into a wide range of living situations. They are extremely intelligent, obedient and agile.  Labs make ideal ‘helper’ dogs.  Make sure that you and your family have the perfect pet pal by carefully researchig the breeder before falling in love with a new, adorable pup.

Learn how you can help and read up on the breed; knowledge will help you in a number of ways.  First, you will find out that there is so much to love about the lab in the first place.  Discovering more information about lab rescues will be something that you will find very satisfying, and there is quite a bit of information on rescue of not only this special breed, but just about every other breed out there.  Quite often it is up to the Humane Society or local animal cruelty prevention society to take care of rescuing animals of all types from abusive owners.  That is not always the case, though.

Other rescue groups do exist in a number of areas specifically for the purpose of Labrador rescue.  On our website, you’ll find a list of several different websites—some are very localized, others are national.  One is even a Canadian website.

Helping Labrador Retrievers find safe homes after they have not been well-treated is something that is not always an easy thing to do.  These dogs will quite often need lots of patience and loving care after what they have gone through, and you and your dog may need to learn some new coping skills.

Typically, Lab rescue will yield a dog, or dogs, that have been malnourished and mistreated in any number of ways by the owners.  The websites that are listed on our sites are no-kill shelters, and will work to find homes for these beautiful animals that will suit them.

All animals, especially Labs, are loving—and these particular dogs can

provide all sorts of other things for the owners.  Protection, fun, and a general sense of well-being can be had because of playing with this wonderful breed.  Whether it’s mixed or full-bred, they’re wonderful and are great with kids and adults alike.

Dogs, unlike human beings, can’t speak up and let you know if they don’t feel well. That’s why, if you’re a conscientious Labrador Retriever owner, you need to know how to read your lab, and sense behavior that is “out of the ordinary” for your specific pet.

As is the case with any pet, a Labrador Retriever that refuses to eat or that eats very little, that has problems going to the bathroom (that goes infrequently, for example, or that produces black or overly soft stools), or that seems uncharacteristically lethargic, may be in need of some prompt, thorough medical attention.

Beyond these basic warning indicators that can indicate illness in any animal, Labrador Retrievers may present special signs and symptoms which might set off alarm bells that only the Lab owner would recognize as unusual behavior.

For example; Labrador Retrievers tend are loving animals and overall to be upbeat, friendly and pleasant animals. So if your Lab suddenly becomes a surly, growling creature, one that disobeys commands, nips or bites, then he/she may be in need of physical or perhaps even psychological help (yes, there are doggie psychologists).

Labs are strong and sturdy animals. So if your lab dog seems weak, slow to move, or uninterested in daily activities, or if he/she is sleeping far more than usual, then a visit to your veterinarian is a good idea.

Labrador Retrievers are typically beautiful animals with shiny coats. If a properly groomed lab has dull eyes, a drab coat, or excessive problems with fleas and ticks, then he/she may be in need of medical attention.

If you as a caring, conscientious owner happens to spot any of these signs or symptoms, don’t panic; they may be signs of a temporary condition, one easily treated with the use of medication, or changes in diet and exercise regimens. If the condition should happen to be more serious, remember that veterinary medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. Your dog’s veterinarian may be able to suggest a single surgical procedure that can heal your lab; restoring your prized, beloved dog to a full state of bountiful and robust health in no time.

The ownership of a Labrador Retriever can be a wonderful addition to your family.  Yet like any other ‘new addition,’ either human or animal, a Lab brings with it a whole host of duties and responsibilities.

As is the case with any pet, you as a dog owner will be responsible for the feeding, grooming and exercise of your Labrador

Before you purchase or adopt your Labrador Retriever, research the type of dog food that would be ideal for your lab (and have plenty of it on hand, as these dogs are strong, sturdy and typically quite large). I strongly suggest opting for a higher quality dog food. You will see the benefits in your Lab’s healthy coat (it will shine), your dog’s eyes will be clearer and will minimize health problems later on in your Labrador’s life.

The Labrador has a double coat, so sheds all year round.  Brushing and occasionally bathing your Labrador will help, but not completely alleviate the shedding. Keep a broom and a lint and hair remover for your clothing handy. It’s a little extra work, but it is a small price to pay for the love and dedication these dogs provide.

Labrador Retrievers are known as active and athletic dogs that need daily exercise whether it be a long walk, or playing fetch in the back yard. They are also smart dogs, so mental stimulation, i.e having them search for hidden treats, or just learning basic commands will help keep them busy. Their main goal is to please you, and most destructive behavior arrises out of boredom.

As with any dog, a Labrador Retriever puppy will need the greatest level of care and attention.  You as the owner will be responsible for the dog’s behavioral conditioning, teaching the Lab not to bite, bark excessively or chase people or other animals.  Labs are generally good-natured animals, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.  And, of course, potty training will be a major issue.

In navigating your way through these first, precious weeks in the life of your Labrador Retriever, it may help to seek the assistance of an animal behavioral book or expert.  You and your puppy may even want to head to the classroom, investing in a few weeks of obedience training at a certified school in your area.

It may also be a good idea to involve your entire family in this process, ensuring that all members assume a role in the care of your Lab.  This will be a learning experience for all of you, as you learn how to make your Labrador Retriever a helpful, beloved and valuable member of your family.

For more information about how to care for your Labrador Retriever, visit the Labrador lover’s community at http://www.clublabrador.com

If you are looking for a new dog to add to your family, consider adopting a Labrador that has been rescued and is looking for a new home.We all know that puppies are soft and cuddly but they do turn into a adult dogs. Here are some good points to consider when it comes to choosing a puppy verses an older dog.

How much time do you have to spend with your new pet? Like children, puppies need constant attention. You’ll spend a lot of time housebreaking your puppy unless you can live with puppy accidents. Although Labrador puppies are precious, they are “hazardous” to carpet, even if they are closely watched.

A two month old puppy needs to empty his bladder at least every two hours, every four hours if he’s four months old. This means you have to begin to train him by taking him out quite often to initiate the house-breaking process. It’s a round the clock chore so you’ll have to wake up that often during the night as well. A puppy will also have to be leash trained before walking them and that is another task in itself.

The bladder of an adult dog is already developed, making them easier to house-train.  Most Labrador rescue groups have older dogs that are already house-trained. A great benefit of rescuing and adopting an adult Labrador dog is that it will be less pressure on you and easier on your carpet.

Puppies are adorable, but that ball of fluff is also a wrecking ball of destruction in your home. Puppies have sharp, little teeth that chew on everything. It’s also not a good idea to keep a teething puppy around a small child; they can’t differentiate a small human from a grown one or from furniture. Chewing on everything from electronic cords to children can be a dangerous and destructive habit. You must diligently supervise a puppy to prevent this from happening.

If you get a Lab from a shelter they have most often been trained. Larger dogs have longer attention spans and don’t need the constant supervision a puppy will demand.

Personality is another advantage you get with an adult lab. This makes is much easier to choose one that fits into your lifestyle. Most rescues allow you to foster a dog on a trial basis to make sure that you and your new family member are a good match. Usually someone from the rescue group will come to see your home and make sure it is a healthy and safe environment.

You will be a hero in your community as well as to the dog you save. Older dogs have so much love and loyalty and want to please you.. This is especially true if they had a difficult life before being rescued.

Rescuers know that every year there are adoptable animals that have to be killed because of a lack of homes. There are about four million of these tragedies and about one quarter of those are purebred animals. This problem is due to overpopulation; purchasing a puppy helps contribute to the problem.

Visit http://clublabrador.com online to find valuable information about Labradors and why adoption is a great option.

All breeds have specific characteristics, but the combination of these two dogs provide you with a medium to large size dog in stature that is good natured as well as highly intelligent.  While the physical features of these dogs tend to favor the Golden Retriever,   they tend to have many characteristics similar to both breeds.  These dogs are easy to train with large attention spans and make great guide dogs for the physically impaired as well as great hunting dogs because of their keen sense of smell.

Male Golden Labs usually weigh between 75 and 85 pounds, and females weigh 55 to 75 pounds.  These dogs generally live between 10 and 12 years, but with a healthy diet, exercise and physical and mental stimulation can live much longer. The female’s average litter is around 8 puppies.

These dogs have a keen sense of smell, are good swimmers and have great endurance so can run for a long time.  They have a dense, waterproof coat and do tend to shed.  Brushing your Lab mix will help with the shedding, however will not alleviate it.  I once read that you should choose a Labrador with a coat that matches your carpet or put in a carpet that matches you Lab.

These dogs make wonderful family pets, especially if there are children, although as a precaution, a new dog should never be left unattended with a small child.  As mentioned previously, they are strong, athletic animals that can accidentally harm a younger child just by playing with them.

Golden Labradors are extremely sensitive to sound and have loud and threatening barks that should send any intruders running. Even though they have a loud bark, they are not great watch dogs. If an intruder were to enter, they bark, but in most cases will never attack. Their bark is definitely worse that their bite.

Although this mixed breed can live in an apartment, they are active dogs and do best when there is a medium to large sized yard.  Golden Labs also love to swim, so would be in heaven to have a backyard with a swimming pool.  This breed loves to eat, so daily physical exercise is extremely important. Labradors are extremely affectionate dogs and constantly want to please their owners.  They are sweet, affectionate and love to play.

Because these dogs shed all of the time, if you or a family member have allergies you may want to consider a Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle that doesn’t shed as much.  Like Golden Labs, they are highly intelligent, easily trained and take great pleasure in learning.

Searching online, as well as word of mouth is a great resource to help you find breeders that will specialize in your choice of pet. A great website to start with is http://clublabrador.com. You’ll find plenty of ideas and information about Labradors. You can also ask friends for recommendations if they happen to have the kind of dog you’d like to own.  You can even visit a dog park on a busy weekend to see if there are any dogs that you would like to add to your family. Labradors are very energetic, so dog parks are a great place to look for that perfect dog.  Once you have spotted one, find out who the breeder is.

Once you have a list of breeders names you need to call them and ask a few important questions. First ask for references and take the time to check them out. Find out who you can email or call that has a dog they have bred. Any reputable breeder will be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know.

Now, it’s their turn. A legitimate dog breeder will want to know all about you. and your home.  They should ask you a lot of questions about yourself, your family members, your yard, and the hours you work, or are away from home.  A conscientious breeder should be interested in finding a good home for a puppy. If these questions aren’t asked, you should take it as a sign to move on to the next breeder and keep searching until you find one that is concerned with the environment and the family the puppy will be raised in.

There are other signs to look for in top Labrador breeders. Dog breeders should be passionate about their breed and be able to answer any breeder-specific questions.

You should also see where the puppies are being raised. The conditions that the pups are being raised in should be clean and comfortable.  Also note if it is in the home or in a shelter where the dogs are protected.  Meet both the mother and the father watch the breeders interaction with the puppies. Is he/she loving and kind?

A reputable breeder will not allow the puppies to be taken from their mother until they are 8-10 weeks old.  This ensures proper socialization with their siblings, as well as being ready to be weaned from their mother’s milk.

What it boils down to is whether you get a healthy and happy dog for life. The dog should have excellent bloodlines and and be free from any diseases or genetic faults. A good dog breeder might cost a little more. but you are making a 12 -15 year commitment and it is worth it.

One last note, make sure that the dog breeder you choose is a registered Labrador breeder and is able to send you home with the correct breeders certificate.  This should show the parents, in addition to proof of the puppies first required vaccinations.