Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever ("Labrador" or "Lab" for short), one of the most familiar breeds of dog, is noted for its friendliness, intelligence, and obedience. Because of these traits they are often trained to be gun dogs and assistance dogs, such as service dogs or guide dogs. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Labrador Retrievers are one of several kinds of retriever.
Appearance
Labradors are relatively large (males weighing 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg), females: 50-70 lbs (23-32kg)), energetic dogs, and are either black, yellow, or brown (called "chocolate") in colour, in that order of frequency. The color is determined by two sets of genes - one determining coat color (black and yellow) and the other determining nose color (black and pink/brown). The black coat gene is dominant in both cases. Chocolate Labs are the result of the black coat color gene and a pink/brown nose color gene. Yellow Labs vary in color from white to light gold to a fox red. Their fur is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make him an excellent swimmer.
There are two types of Labrador Retreivers, the English and the America stock. English Labs are shorter and stockier than their American counterparts. No distinction is made by the AKC, but the two classification come from different breeding.
Uses and activities
Labradors are a well-balanced breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. Labradors were bred in the United Kingdom in the mid-1800s, as hunting dogs, from dogs imported from Labrador and Newfoundland. As the name suggests, they are excellent at retrieving game, such as ducks, after the game has been shot. Their coat repels water to some extent, thus the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.
Labradors have a reputation as a mellow breed, but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Most Labs enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity, such as dog agility or flyball.
The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn quickly make them an ideal breed for assistance dogs.
Labrador Retriever info from WikiPedia
Labrador Retriever Related Articles
Spectacular Dog Competition at Oaklawn Park; Hot Springs, Arkansas - May 26 Through May 28
Arkansas Parks and Tourism (http://www.arkansas.com/ ) announced that the Super Retriever Series Crown Championship, which showcases many of the nation's top retriever-dog handler teams, will be returning to Oaklawn Park's racetrack infield in Hot Springs on May 26-28.
The dog competition (http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/hors... Full Story
Black Labrador saved by Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team
MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (274-06) issued by The Government News Network on 8 August 2006 At 21:40 last night Brixham Coastguard received a call reporting a dog lost over the cliff edge at Sharkham Point near Berry Head, Brixham.
Berry Head Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team were called out to try and rescue the five y... Full Story
Top Dogs Are Named at the Search Dog Foundation's Annual IRONDOG(TM) Competition
The best of the best came to train in the Los Angeles area -- this week's America's finest search and rescue dogs perfected their skills and proved who were the top dogs during the Metacam(R) IRONDOG training mission (April 10-15, 2005). Created by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/), thi... Full Story
More
Labrador Retriever
Articles
Related Sites with information on Labrador Retrievers
|
Sponsored Listings
affordable pet meds affordable
|
