Discover Labrador Dogs

One of the several kinds of retriever, Labrador Retrievers (or Labrador dogs) are currently listed as the number one registered dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This breed is ranked very highly by dog enthusiasts on all levels; playfulness, friendliness towards strangers and pets, easy to train, affectionate and even make a great watchdog.

It was in 1903 when the breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club and later in 1917 by the AKC. It was in 1991 when Labrador Retriever was first voted as the most popular breed of dog and has continued to hold the spot in the charts even until today.

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Labrador dogs are very amiable, obedient and good natured provided they are trained. They make good companions and are wonderful around kids because of their high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. These dogs can sometimes remain gentle and very calm around the house but when provoked, can immediately become intense, energetic and boisterous.

Labradors are known for its extreme loyalty to its owner and is eager to please. It enjoys being challenged mentally such as learning new tricks and makes a wonderful student of obedience training. They also enjoy doing activities that involves physical effort such as swimming, running and of course, retrieving.

Labrador dogs' daily upkeep must be kept fairly active. Their daily exercise must include activities in the form of running and swimming. Since they were historically bred for retrieving in water environments, retrieving tops the list of fun games that Labrador dogs enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

This breed aren't particular when it comes to shelter. They can either live and enjoy the warmth and coziness of staying indoors or remain outdoors during any type of weather. When letting your dog live outside, just ensure they are safe and comfortable either during the hot humid months or the chilling winter temperatures. But, just like any other companion dogs, staying inside with its family and enjoying the stable temperatures is more preferable for Labrador Retrievers.

Generally, Labrador dogs can live for up to ten to twelve years as long as they are living a healthy lifestyle. Major health issues that can affect Labrador dogs are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation and obesity. Other health concerns that may occasionally occur among this breed are diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis and muscular dystrophy.

Discover Labrador Dogs

Richard Cussons is great lover of Retrievers. Discover more about Labrador dogs at Labrador Savvy.com.

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Labrador Pups Are Eager to Learn

Perhaps you've watched The Dog Whisperer and thought I'll never have those kinds of problems with my Labrador puppy! Unless you are very familiar with Labrador puppy care, you could easily become Cesar Millan's next client. Labradors are high-energy dogs when they are young. With their intelligence and energy combine, you have a recipe for general canine mayhem. Keep an eye on their diet so they don't get hyperactive.

Labrador puppies are discovering the world for the very first time. Get down on your hands and knees to get a puppy's eye view of your home. Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They will give in to temptation. Remove anything you don't want the puppy to destroy. Leave things that are okay to chew, like toys or Nylabones, for the inquisitive mouth. And be patient and persistent. Dogs aren't dumb, but they need to learn in their own time. Repetition over time is a great puppy teacher.

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It's never too early to begin training. Keep training sessions short (only a few minutes long), do several every day and end a session with a lot of praise. Keep your Lab pup's attention on you by randomly treating or praising whenever the puppy looks at your face. Never hit your puppy (and you will be tempted). Growling or speaking harshly makes the puppy know he or she has made you upset. By observing your Labrador puppy closely, you will begin to know when they are thinking of doing something you don't want to do.

Burn up some of your puppy's energy with daily walks and play sessions. Neutering or spaying will also keep your Labrador well behaved and looking to you for all good things. Labrador puppy care includes regular check ups with your vet. You don't want to over work your puppy (say, going for ten mile jogs a day) when the bones are still growing. Your vet can help you work out a proper exercise regime and diet.

Raising a Labrador pup is hard work - almost as hard as raising a kid. But the more you put into your puppy's training and care, the more you will get in return. Raising a puppy will then not become a chore, as it will become fun and automatic. It is exciting to help raise a loving, intelligent animal and being able to communicate with him or her. You are also legally responsible for your Lab's behavior.

You can never learn too much Labrador puppy care. Never be afraid to ask questions from your Lab's breeder, from any other dog owners, professional dog trainers or your vet. You can also get very useful information from most all-breed dog training books, which are often geared for Labrador personalities. You need to remember that dogs only vaguely understand people. They try - but can get signals crossed. Take a deep breath and try to remember all the good times with your pup.

Labrador Pups Are Eager to Learn

Brooke Sunderland loves everything having to do with dogs, especially Labrador pups. Everyone should have to pass an IQ test before being allowed to bring Labrador puppies home. Labrador puppy care requires a little research and consultation with a qualified vet.

SPAYING YOUR DOG