SCRAPS Breed Profile LABRADO R

Stats

Country of Origin: Newfoundland, Canada Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Use today: Family companion, drug detection, service work Life Span: 10 to 12 years Color: Black, Yellow, Chocolate. Coat: Smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom Grooming: Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders. Height: Males 22-24 inches, Females 21-23 inches Weight: Males 60-75 pounds, Females 55-70 pounds. Some males can grow to 100 pounds or more.

Profile

In Brief: There are two types of Labradors, the provides protection from water, cold and all English Labrador and the American Labrador. types of ground cover. A slight wave down the The English bred lab comes from English bred back is permissible. Woolly coats, soft silky stock. Their general appearance is different. The coats, and sparse slick coats are not typical of English bred labs are heavier, thicker and the breed. Movement of the Labrador Retriever blockier. The American bred Lab is tall and should be free and effortless. lanky. The Labrador Retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a Temperament: The Labrador Retriever is a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly coat. The most distinguishing characteristics of intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, and good-natured, they love to play, especially weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; powerful in water - for they love to swim. They have an jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes. The Labrador excellent, reliable, temperament and are is bred primarily as a working gun dog. friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and Description: His ears should hang moderately need to feel as though they are part of the close to the head, set rather far back, and family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be somewhat low on the skull; slightly above eye reserved with strangers unless very well level. The tail should be free from feathering and socialized as puppies. These dogs are clothed thickly all around with the Labrador’s watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have short, dense coat, thus having that peculiar been known to guard. They can become rounded appearance that has been described as destructive if left too much to their own devices. the "otter" tail. Dew claws may be removed. The Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as hind legs are strongly boned and muscled with they have very strong necks. Show lines are clearly defined thighs. The coat is a distinctive generally heavier and easier going than field feature of the Labrador Retriever. It should be lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly high strung. Often the best pets are from hard feeling to the hand. The Labrador should combination show/field stock. This breed is very have a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that popular. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watch dogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, Living Conditions: The Lab is an energetic sledding, carting, agility, and competitive family dog requiring regular exercise and obedience. Labs bred from English lines activity. Give this dog an average sized (English Labs) are more calm and laid back than backyard with a daily walk and he will be set. Labradors bred from American lines. English Labs mature quicker than the American type. Exercise: Daily walks are a must for this dog. True Labrador Retriever temperament is as Hailing from a hunting / fishing background, this much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. dog needs some vigorous daily exercise. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non- Origins: Labrador Retrievers, originally from aggressive towards man or animal. The Newfoundland, were initially used in work Labrador has much that appeals to people; his alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After him an ideal dog. being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its Health: Labs are prone to hip dysplasia, a skills as a true retriever. From this point in the malformation of the hip joint that ranges from breed’s history, "Labs" were bred primarily to mild to severe and can cause such disability or perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a pain that major surgery is necessary. Labs are stable temperament suitable for a variety of also prone to several eye disorders, including activities beyond hunting. progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and epilepsy.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal