Labrador Retriever
in the UK:
appearance, character and care
Labrador Retriever
in the UK:
in the UK:
appearance, character
and care
and care
one of the world's most popular and best-loved dog breeds, and for decades one of the most popular in Britain. These good-natured, loyal and clever dogs are wonderful family companions and are also widely used for work, for example as search and rescue dogs and as assistance dogs for disabled people. Here we look at the breed's origin, features, standard, care and training.
Labrador Retriever —
Characteristics
Adaptability
Barking level
Shedding level
Watchdog instinct
Protective instinct
Friendly to strangers
Trainability
Health problems
Care
Social needs
Suitable for flats
Energy level
Friendly to dogs
Friendly to cats
Suitable for children
Loyalty
Exercise needs
Intelligence
Labrador
Retriever —
Retriever —
one of the world's most
popular and best-loved dog
breeds, and for decades
one of the most popular in
Britain. These good-natured,
loyal and clever dogs are
wonderful family companions and are also widely used for
work, for example as search and rescue dogs and as assistance dogs for
disabled people. Here we
look at the breed's
origin, features, standard, care
and training.
popular and best-loved dog
breeds, and for decades
one of the most popular in
Britain. These good-natured,
loyal and clever dogs are
wonderful family companions and are also widely used for
work, for example as search and rescue dogs and as assistance dogs for
disabled people. Here we
look at the breed's
origin, features, standard, care
and training.
Characteristics
Adaptability
Trainability
Care
Suitable for flats
Suitable for children
Shedding level
Friendly to dogs
Exercise needs
Protective instinct
Barking level
Health problems
Social needs
Energy level
Loyalty
Watchdog instinct
Friendly to cats
Intelligence
Friendly
to strangers
to strangers
The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland in Canada, where in the early 19th century its ancestors, the St John's water dogs, helped fishermen retrieve fish and nets from the water. The breed was developed further in Britain, where Labradors became invaluable for retrieving game birds on shoots, and The Kennel Club recognised it in 1903. The breed was valued for its versatility, good nature and excellent working qualities. Today Labradors work with the police and armed forces, in search and rescue, and as assistance dogs.
History and origin of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever comes from
Newfoundland in Canada, where
in the early 19th century its ancestors, the St John's water dogs, helped fishermen retrieve fish and nets from the
water. The breed was developed
further in Britain,
where Labradors became
invaluable for retrieving game birds on shoots, and The Kennel
Club recognised it in
1903. The breed was valued
for its versatility, good nature
and excellent working
qualities. Today Labradors work
with the police and armed forces, in search and
rescue, and as assistance dogs.
Newfoundland in Canada, where
in the early 19th century its ancestors, the St John's water dogs, helped fishermen retrieve fish and nets from the
water. The breed was developed
further in Britain,
where Labradors became
invaluable for retrieving game birds on shoots, and The Kennel
Club recognised it in
1903. The breed was valued
for its versatility, good nature
and excellent working
qualities. Today Labradors work
with the police and armed forces, in search and
rescue, and as assistance dogs.
History
and origin of the Labrador Retriever
and origin of the Labrador Retriever
Appearance of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy, strong body that speaks of its power and stamina. It has a short, dense, water-resistant coat that is perfect for working in water. The Labrador's balanced appearance reflects its athletic, practical qualities.
The tail is thick at the base and is called an 'otter tail': it helps the dog steer when swimming. At rest the tail is carried low; in movement it rises but never curls over the back.
The eyes are usually dark, with an intelligent and friendly expression.
The coat is short, dense and fairly harsh, and it repels water. It is easy to keep clean but needs regular care.
The body is compact and muscular. The dog should be well proportioned, with a level back and a strong middle.
The head is broad with soft lines, the jaws are strong and the eyes expressive. The forehead runs smoothly into the muzzle.
Appearance of the Labrador Retriever
The head is broad with soft lines, the jaws are strong and the eyes expressive. The forehead runs smoothly into the muzzle.
The eyes are usually dark, with an intelligent and friendly expression.
The coat is short, dense and fairly harsh, and it repels water. It is easy to keep clean but needs regular care.
The body is compact and muscular. The dog should be well proportioned, with a level back and a strong middle.
The tail is thick at the base and is called an 'otter tail': it helps the dog steer when swimming. At rest the tail is carried low; in movement it rises but never curls over the back.
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog with
a sturdy, strong body that speaks of its power and stamina. It has a short, dense,
water-resistant coat that is
perfect for working in water.
The Labrador's balanced
appearance reflects its athletic, practical
qualities.
a sturdy, strong body that speaks of its power and stamina. It has a short, dense,
water-resistant coat that is
perfect for working in water.
The Labrador's balanced
appearance reflects its athletic, practical
qualities.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the world's most popular breeds, and its colours are clearly defined in the breed standard. There are three accepted colours:
White markings, especially on the chest, are not wanted, although a small white spot is sometimes accepted. The nose should be black in black and yellow dogs and brown in liver dogs.
Breed colours
Liver (chocolate):
a deep brown, completely solid. Small differences in shade are accepted, but the colour should be even
Yellow:
from light cream to deep fox red. The colour should be even, without clear patches.
Black:
a deep, solid black without markings. The most common colour in Labradors and the historically traditional one.
Black —
Liver —
Yellow —
a deep, solid black
without markings. The
most common colour in Labradors
and the historically
traditional one.
without markings. The
most common colour in Labradors
and the historically
traditional one.
a deep brown, completely
solid. Small differences in shade are accepted, but the
colour should be even
solid. Small differences in shade are accepted, but the
colour should be even
from light cream
to deep fox red.
The colour should
be even, without
clear patches.
to deep fox red.
The colour should
be even, without
clear patches.
Breed colours
The Labrador Retriever is
one of the world's most
popular breeds, and its colours are clearly defined
in the breed standard. There are three accepted colours:
one of the world's most
popular breeds, and its colours are clearly defined
in the breed standard. There are three accepted colours:
White markings, especially
on the chest, are not wanted,
although a small
white spot is sometimes
accepted. The nose should be
black in black and yellow
dogs and brown in liver dogs.
on the chest, are not wanted,
although a small
white spot is sometimes
accepted. The nose should be
black in black and yellow
dogs and brown in liver dogs.
Breed standard:
the Labrador Retriever
the Labrador Retriever
Head:
Well proportioned, with a broad skull.
A clear stop between forehead and muzzle.
A medium-length muzzle, neither pointed nor angular.
Strong jaws and a scissor bite.
Well proportioned, with a broad skull.
A clear stop between forehead and muzzle.
A medium-length muzzle, neither pointed nor angular.
Strong jaws and a scissor bite.
Eyes:
Medium-sized.
Brown or hazel in colour.
A friendly, intelligent expression.
Medium-sized.
Brown or hazel in colour.
A friendly, intelligent expression.
Coat:
Short and dense, with a water-resistant undercoat.
It should be neither wavy nor too soft.
Short and dense, with a water-resistant undercoat.
It should be neither wavy nor too soft.
Body:
Compact, with a broad chest.
A level back and strong loins.
Well-developed muscles.
Compact, with a broad chest.
A level back and strong loins.
Well-developed muscles.
Tail:
Thick at the base and tapering towards the tip.
Covered with dense hair, like an otter's tail.
Never carried over the back.
Thick at the base and tapering towards the tip.
Covered with dense hair, like an otter's tail.
Never carried over the back.
Movement:
Free and powerful, with good reach and strong drive.
Movement shows clear balance and coordination.
Free and powerful, with good reach and strong drive.
Movement shows clear balance and coordination.
The Labrador Retriever is a sturdy, well-proportioned dog that combines strength, stamina and a friendly temperament. Matching the breed standard matters for breeding and show dogs, but for a companion dog the most important things are good health, good care and a loving owner.
The Labrador Retriever's breed standard is set by the major kennel clubs, such as
The Kennel Club in the UK, the FCI and the AKC
(American Kennel Club). In the UK, breeders and judges follow The Kennel Club standard. It covers, among other things,
the following:
The Kennel Club in the UK, the FCI and the AKC
(American Kennel Club). In the UK, breeders and judges follow The Kennel Club standard. It covers, among other things,
the following:
Breed standard:
the Labrador Retriever
the Labrador Retriever
Head:
Well proportioned, with a broad skull.
A clear stop between forehead and muzzle.
A medium-length muzzle, neither pointed nor angular.
Strong jaws and a scissor bite.
Well proportioned, with a broad skull.
A clear stop between forehead and muzzle.
A medium-length muzzle, neither pointed nor angular.
Strong jaws and a scissor bite.
Eyes:
Medium-sized.
Brown or hazel in colour.
A friendly, intelligent expression.
Medium-sized.
Brown or hazel in colour.
A friendly, intelligent expression.
Coat:
Short and dense, with a water-resistant undercoat.
It should be neither wavy nor too soft.
Short and dense, with a water-resistant undercoat.
It should be neither wavy nor too soft.
Body:
Compact, with a broad chest.
A level back and strong loins.
Well-developed muscles.
Compact, with a broad chest.
A level back and strong loins.
Well-developed muscles.
Tail:
Thick at the base and tapering towards the tip.
Covered with dense hair, like an otter's tail.
Never carried over the back.
Thick at the base and tapering towards the tip.
Covered with dense hair, like an otter's tail.
Never carried over the back.
Movement:
Free and powerful, with good reach and strong drive.
Movement shows clear balance and coordination.
Free and powerful, with good reach and strong drive.
Movement shows clear balance and coordination.
The breed standard
for the Labrador Retriever
is set by the major kennel clubs, such as The Kennel Club in the UK, the FCI and the AKC (American Kennel Club). In the UK, breeders and judges follow The Kennel Club standard.
It covers, among other things, the following:
for the Labrador Retriever
is set by the major kennel clubs, such as The Kennel Club in the UK, the FCI and the AKC (American Kennel Club). In the UK, breeders and judges follow The Kennel Club standard.
It covers, among other things, the following:
The Labrador Retriever is a sturdy, well-proportioned dog that combines strength,
stamina and a friendly
temperament. Matching
the breed standard matters
for breeding and
show dogs, but for a
companion dog the most important things are good health,
good care and a loving owner.
stamina and a friendly
temperament. Matching
the breed standard matters
for breeding and
show dogs, but for a
companion dog the most important things are good health,
good care and a loving owner.
Character of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is known for its friendly, good-natured and calm character. It is very loyal to its family and gets on extremely well with children, which makes it the perfect family dog. The Labrador is active and playful and enjoys being outdoors, playing and training.
The Labrador is incredibly loyal
and often becomes a true member of the family. It gets on well with other animals and is rarely aggressive, which makes it a pleasant companion for owners
who have other pets.
The Labrador loves being the centre of attention and can feel lonely if it is ignored or left without company for long. It is also very easy to train and quickly learns new commands and tasks,
which makes it an excellent working dog.
and often becomes a true member of the family. It gets on well with other animals and is rarely aggressive, which makes it a pleasant companion for owners
who have other pets.
The Labrador loves being the centre of attention and can feel lonely if it is ignored or left without company for long. It is also very easy to train and quickly learns new commands and tasks,
which makes it an excellent working dog.
Character
of the Labrador Retriever
of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is known for its friendly, good-natured
and calm character.
It is very loyal to
its family and gets on
extremely well with
children, which makes
it the perfect family dog.
The Labrador is active and
playful and enjoys being
outdoors, playing and training.
and calm character.
It is very loyal to
its family and gets on
extremely well with
children, which makes
it the perfect family dog.
The Labrador is active and
playful and enjoys being
outdoors, playing and training.
The Labrador is incredibly loyal
and often becomes a true
member of the family. It gets on well
with other animals and is rarely
aggressive, which makes
it a pleasant companion for owners who have other pets.
The Labrador loves being the centre of attention and can feel lonely if it is ignored
or left without company for long. It is also very
easy to train and quickly learns new commands and tasks, which makes it an excellent working dog.
and often becomes a true
member of the family. It gets on well
with other animals and is rarely
aggressive, which makes
it a pleasant companion for owners who have other pets.
The Labrador loves being the centre of attention and can feel lonely if it is ignored
or left without company for long. It is also very
easy to train and quickly learns new commands and tasks, which makes it an excellent working dog.
Caring for the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador needs regular care to stay healthy and fit. The coat matters, as the Labrador moults twice a year. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair in the house
and keeps the coat in good condition. Keep an eye on the ears too: Labradors easily build up a lot of ear wax, which can lead
to infection. Check the ears regularly and clean them with an ear cleaner.
and keeps the coat in good condition. Keep an eye on the ears too: Labradors easily build up a lot of ear wax, which can lead
to infection. Check the ears regularly and clean them with an ear cleaner.
Regular vet visits help to catch illness early, and the breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so choose a breeder who uses the BVA/KC health schemes. Caring for a Labrador means looking after its coat, ears, exercise and diet, so that the dog stays healthy and happy.
Exercise is the most important part of its care. A Labrador needs regular walks and play to stay fit and avoid behaviour problems. Too little activity can lead to obesity
and restlessness. Watch its food as well, as Labradors put on weight easily. Being overweight can cause joint problems and harm the dog's health in general.
and restlessness. Watch its food as well, as Labradors put on weight easily. Being overweight can cause joint problems and harm the dog's health in general.
Care
and upkeep
and upkeep
The Labrador needs
regular care to
stay healthy
and fit. The coat
matters, as the Labrador
moults twice a year.
Regular brushing reduces
the amount of
hair in the house
and keeps the coat in good condition. Keep an eye on the ears too: Labradors easily build up a lot
of ear wax, which can lead
to infection. Check the ears regularly and clean
them with an ear cleaner.
regular care to
stay healthy
and fit. The coat
matters, as the Labrador
moults twice a year.
Regular brushing reduces
the amount of
hair in the house
and keeps the coat in good condition. Keep an eye on the ears too: Labradors easily build up a lot
of ear wax, which can lead
to infection. Check the ears regularly and clean
them with an ear cleaner.
Regular vet visits help to catch
illness early, and the
breed can be prone to hip and
elbow dysplasia, so choose
a breeder who uses the BVA/KC health schemes. Caring for a Labrador
means looking after its coat,
ears, exercise and diet, so
that the dog stays healthy and happy.
illness early, and the
breed can be prone to hip and
elbow dysplasia, so choose
a breeder who uses the BVA/KC health schemes. Caring for a Labrador
means looking after its coat,
ears, exercise and diet, so
that the dog stays healthy and happy.
Exercise is the
most important part
of its care. A
Labrador needs regular walks
and play to stay
fit and avoid behaviour
problems. Too
little activity can
lead to obesity
and restlessness. Watch its
food as well, as Labradors
put on weight easily. Being
overweight can cause joint
problems and harm the dog's
health in general.
most important part
of its care. A
Labrador needs regular walks
and play to stay
fit and avoid behaviour
problems. Too
little activity can
lead to obesity
and restlessness. Watch its
food as well, as Labradors
put on weight easily. Being
overweight can cause joint
problems and harm the dog's
health in general.
Pros and cons of the Labrador
Pros
Cons
Labrador Retriever —
is a friendly, clever and active breed that is more than a pet: it is a true member of the family. If you are ready to give the dog attention, an active life
and regular care, a Labrador will be your loyal friend
for many years and will bring joy and love into your home.
and regular care, a Labrador will be your loyal friend
for many years and will bring joy and love into your home.
Labrador
Retriever —
Retriever —
is a friendly, clever
and active breed that
is more than a pet: it is a
true member of the family.
If you are ready to give the dog attention, an active life
and regular care, a Labrador will be your loyal friend for many
years and will bring joy and love
into your home.
and active breed that
is more than a pet: it is a
true member of the family.
If you are ready to give the dog attention, an active life
and regular care, a Labrador will be your loyal friend for many
years and will bring joy and love
into your home.
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