Labrador Information – Lab Weight, Temperament and Facts

All around the world the Labrador Retriever is one of, if not the most popular breed of dog.  Labs are known for being gentle, loving and affectionate, highly intelligent, easy to train, obedient, trustworthy and great with kids.  There is so much to like about these dogs!  Labs make an ideal pet for many individuals and families.

History

Labradors actually hail from Newfoundland, in Canada, not Labrador.  In the 1800s there were many small water dogs in the area which were crossbred with Newfoundlands to help fishermen.  The result was a dog known as the St. John’s Water Dog.  This dog was an early version of the Lab we know today.  As the story goes, the Earl of Malmesbury saw dogs of this type and imported one back to England where it was much admired.  Other St. John’s Water Dogs were imported to England.  Unfortunately, the St. John’s Water Dogs in Newfoundland died out due to a heavy dog tax and quarantine law.

However, the dogs had been interbred with other retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.  They retained their water abilities and added abilities in the field.  Today’s Labrador Retrievers can be traced accurately back to about 1878 when accurate pedigrees and registration were kept.

Appearance

The Labrador Retriever is a medium-large sporting dog.  They are strongly built and short-coupled.  They should appear to be athletic and balanced, able to work in the field or in the water.  They have a short, dense, weather-resistant coat that can be yellow, chocolate or black.  The dog’s tail is an “otter” tail, acting as a rudder in the water.  They have a clean-cut head with a broad back skull.  Labs have kind, friendly eyes that should show character, intelligence and good temperament.  Labs should always have a stable temperament.

Labs also have webbed paws which help them in swimming.  They love to swim and excel at any water sport for dogs.

Dogs stand 22.5-24.5 (57–62 cm) inches tall at the withers.  Bitches stand 21.5-23.5 (55–60 cm) inches tall.  In working condition dogs weigh 65-80 (29–36 kg) pounds and bitches weigh 55-70 (25–32 kg) pounds, although pets are apt to weigh more.  This breed is prone to obesity so owners should carefully monitor how much food they are fed and see that they get plenty of exercise.

photo credit: ratterrell

Temperament

The Labrador Retriever is a gentle, affectionate dog.  They may be somewhat reserved with strangers but they are never aggressive.  They will welcome new people as soon as they become acquainted.  Labs may give a warning bark when someone approaches but they don’t really make very good guard dogs.

Labs are typically an excellent choice for a family with children.  They are gentle and loving and they can be playful with children.  They are also very patient dogs.  While all children should be taught to respect animals and not to abuse them, Labs are even more tolerant than most dogs about children roughhousing with them.  They will also be somewhat protective of children if necessary.  Labs also love to play any kind of game so they are well-suited for playing fetch and retrieving games with kids.

Tips For Lab Owners

Labradors can be quite boisterous and rambunctious as puppies and it may take a long time for your Lab to grow up.  You can expect a Lab to continue to show puppy-like behavior until he’s 2-3 years old. He will have a lot of energy, run, play and show puppy behavior during this time.  Labs don’t usually have a lot of problem behaviors but they can be chewers.  As retrievers they like to carry things and have things in their mouths and this can include your shoes or the TV remote.  They may chew on things they shouldn’t so you may have to keep your home “puppy-proofed” and put things away so they can’t chew on them.

photo credit: James Whitesmith

You may also need to put some bitter-tasting cream on your wooden furniture to discourage your Lab from nibbling on it.  Your Lab may also bring you things to throw for him such as his ball and other toys.  Labs can be fairly insistent about wanting to play a game of fetch since they love to retrieve.

Labs are very intelligent dogs and they actually enjoy training.  Your Lab will be happiest, and your home will probably be saner, if you and your Lab enroll in a good basic obedience course.  You’ll probably be amazed at how fast your Lab learns things and begs for more.  He may be the star pupil in the class.

Labs do shed.  Sometimes quite a bit.  Some Labs have two big sheds during the year, in spring and fall, but other Labs will shed throughout the year, depending on your climate.  These dogs are not recommended for you if you are bothered by dog hair.

As your Lab grows older and slows down you’ll need to pay special attention to his diet.  Labs are a breed prone to putting on weight. Watch your dog’s portions and adjust them, if necessary.  Make sure your older Lab is still getting enough exercise.  Labs can and do become obese unless their owners watch their condition.

Labs can excel at just about anything.  They are usually the first choice as service dogs and guide dogs for the blind.  They have been used as military dogs, as search and rescue dogs, for many kinds of detection work because of their great noses, and as therapy dogs.  Their steady temperament, intelligence and trainability makes them suitable for all kinds of training.  These devoted dogs can do it all.

Labrador Retrievers are recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the world.