Is a Labrador retriever the right pet for you?

Labrador Retrievers or Labs, as they are affectionately called, are ideal pets for the active family or individual. The Lab is a very even tempered animal and easily trained. The eyes of the Lab tell it all. One look into their big brown eyes shows you the character, intelligence and good temperament that make them such warm, loving companions. It is their even temperament that makes them wonderful family pets and great pets to have around children. It is their easy trainability and trustworthiness that make them perfect animals for the avid hunter.

The Lab is a devoted animal and eager to please their master. It is this quality that makes them the perfect choice for guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue dogs and narcotic detectors for the police.

The common color for Labs is yellow, black or chocolate. There is a less common color of silver-gray that AKC lists as a variety of the chocolate. The coat is a short, dense, water resistant double coat. Be aware, that they do shed seasonally but this can be kept under control with regular grooming.

The adult Lab weighs in at approximately 55 to 75 pounds. Some males can weigh as much as 100 pounds. They have powerful jaws and a strong neck. It is important to train them early so that they know you are the boss. If a Lab is left untrained it becomes difficult to make them heel and not pull on the leash, thus tempting you to avoid their daily exercise. Labs can become very destructive if they do not receive enough exercise. Before you choose a Lab as your companion be sure that you have plenty of time to devote to him. Without exercise, not only do they become unruly but they have a tendency to become overweight.

The Labrador retriever loves long brisk walks, jogs or to run alongside as you bicycle. If you have a pool or enjoy going to the lake or beach, Labs love the water and their web feet make them excellent swimmers. In their original country of Canada, Labrador Retrievers would jump in the icy cold waters and drag the fishermen's nets to shore.

The life expectancy of the Lab is approximately 10 to 12 years. As they age, Labs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and eye disorders that may require even more of your attention. . Be sure that you are ready for this long-term commitment.

For more information about the Labrador Retriever, please visit the following websites:

www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_re triever/index.cfm

www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador. htm

Learn more about this author, Toni Murphy.
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