Breed: Labrador Retriever
Average Size: The height at the withers is about 22 to 24 inches. The males are heavier than the females weighing between 65 pounds to 80 pounds with the females weighing approximately 55 pounds to 70 pounds.
Appearance: Labradors have a short, dense, and weather resistant coat. They have an otter tail and a clean-cut head with a broad back skull. The jaws are very powerful. Their coloration is either black, yellow, or chocolate
Lifespan: approximately 10 to 13 years of age.
Habitat: They like to be active so a larger space is appropriate with a place for them to run or be walked.
Food: An overweight Labrador can be prone to contracting health problems such as heart trouble as well as arthritis. They need nutritious food with only an occasional treat. If feed properly they have a healthy coat with a sheen. The best food for your Lab is real chicken, turkey, and beef along with plenty of fresh raw vegetables, fruits and also brown rice and some oatmeal. But if the cooking is too much, use a human-grade commercial food.
Temperament: The Labrador's temperament is balanced where they are good workers but also good pets. Labs are very intelligent and obedient. They have incredible retrieving abilities. They love to hold objects but without training are prone to chew. Their coats repel water making them useful for waterfowl hunting. They are reliable and friendly and are wonderful with children and equally lovable around other dogs. They long for human attention and like to feel to be a part of the family. They are somewhat easy to train. If socialized properly, the Labrador is friendly to strangers; otherwise it may be reserved and it does make a wonderful watchdog. One should be aware that if left alone a Lab may destroy things so training is a good idea plus it may help with walking them since they are such strong pets.
Special Traits: Labs are the most common dog as a pet probably because this breed is easy to train and can perform various tasks. Plus Labs are good companions and do not get too aggressive. A good thing about the Labrador is that it is very active and playful and likes to explore the new home and will entertain the owner
Other Important Info: There are various health problems associated with the Labrador such as hip and elbow dysplasia and also eye disorders. Grooming is an essential part of Labrador care and giving it a bath only occasionally when they have an odor. Use a good dog shampoo that has flea protection properties. The Labrador does not shed heavily so that brushing it with a slicker brush every week should suffice to keep it looking clean. Also check its eyes, ears and paws for signs of trouble or for parasite infestation.
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