Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

The Labrador Retriever, sometimes known as the Labrador, is a British retriever gun dog breed. It was produced in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs brought from the colony of Newfoundland (now a province of Canada) and called after the colony's Labrador area. It is one of the most popular breeds of dog in many nations, notably in the Western world.

The Labrador is a dog that is loyal, obedient, and playful. It was bred as a sports and hunting dog, but it is also popular as a companion dog. It can also be raised to be a guide or service dog, as well as for rescue and therapeutic work.

Nobles introduced ancestors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe to be used as gundogs in the 1830s. The 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, who raised these Newfoundland fishing dogs for their ability in water birds hunting, was another early supporter.

The Labrador Retriever breed was developed and established in the 1880s by important figures of the time. Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, dogs provided to Buccleuch by Malmesbury, were bred with females bearing blood from those first brought by the nobles. The descendants are the parents of all present Labradors.

The Labrador Retriever, sometimes known as the Labrador, is a British retriever gun dog breed.

It was produced in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs brought from the colony of Newfoundland (now a province of Canada) and called after the colony's Labrador area.

It is one of the most popular breeds of dog in many nations, notably in the Western world.

The Labrador is a dog that is loyal, obedient, and playful. It was bred as a sports and hunting dog, but it is also popular as a companion dog.

It can also be raised to be a guide or service dog, as well as for rescue and therapeutic work.

Nobles introduced ancestors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe to be used as gundogs in the 1830s.

The 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, who raised these Newfoundland fishing dogs for their ability in water birds hunting, was another early supporter.

The Labrador Retriever breed was developed and established in the 1880s by important figures of the time.

Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, dogs provided to Buccleuch by Malmesbury, were bred with females bearing blood from those first brought by the nobles.

The descendants are the parents of all present Labradors.

Breed facts

Size

25–36 kg for dogs and 25–32 kg for females. The AKC recommends 55 to 62 centimeters for dogs and 55 to 60 centimeters for females, respectively.

Temperament

The Lab has a well-deserved reputation and is one of the sweetest-natured breeds. They're extroverted, eager to please and get along well with both humans and other animals.

Aside from having a charming demeanor, they are intelligent and eager to please, making them simple to teach. Because this breed is full of energy and excitement, training is absolutely essential. The Lab's working wish indicates that they are active. This breed needs both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Grooming

The Lab coat is made up of two layers: a short, thick, straight topcoat and a silky, weather-resistant undercoat. The two-layer coat keeps them warm and dry, which aids them in their function as hunters' retrievers.

Grooming doesn't get easier than this, however, the breed sheds a lot. Comb your dog on a regular basis, especially when they are shedding, to remove loose hair.

Labs require a wash every two months or more often to keep them clean and smelling fresh. However, if your Lab gets into a puddle of mud or something unpleasant, as they are prone to do, it's recommended to bathe them more frequently.

Behavior with children

The Labrador Retriever enjoys the noise that children bring with them. They'll gladly enjoy a child's birthday celebration and even put on a party hat. However, like other dogs, they must be taught to behave with children—and children must be taught to behave around the dog.

As with any breed, educate kids how to handle and touch dogs, and constantly monitor any encounters between dogs and small children to avoid biting or ear or tail grabbing on either party's side. Teach your youngster to never approach a dog who is eating or sleeping, or to attempt to steal the dog's food. Dogs should never be left unsupervised with children.

Health concerns

Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in bigger dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia are all examples of eye illnesses. They can suffer from exercise-induced collapse, which produces heat, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after brief sessions of exercise, or obesity, which in certain cases may be attributed to a partial or complete lack of the proopiomelanocortin gene.

Life expectancy

12 to 14 years

Breed facts

Size-4 to 7,5 kg

Temperament-calm and friendly with a playful personality

Grooming-they need to be groomed frequently due to their long, double coat that mats easily

Behavior with children-they get along very well with children and babies due to their kind, friendly, and fun personality

Health Concerns-Brachycephaly-it is a malformation of the skull due to their breeding; heart disease, eye issues (caused by eye irritations and excess discharge); hair issues (they don't have fur, they have long hair with can tangle easily); ear issues( ear infections); skin sensitivity (allergies) and they also might develop a stomach sensibility due to their selective appetite

Life expectancy-10 to 16 years (the oldest recorded Shih Tzu has lived 23 years)

Breed facts

Size-3 to 4 kg and between 20 and 23 cm tall

Temperament-The Maltese has a dynamic personality and is a natural charmer. He reacts strongly to positive stimuli such as food prizes, praise, and play since he is so people-oriented. Despite their delicate and noble appearance, Maltese may be rather energetic. If they are rewarded for their accomplishments, they learn rapidly. Maltese demand a lot of human care and suffer from separation anxiety due to their lengthy history as companion dogs. They can bark and become destructive if left alone for several hours each day.

Grooming-Maltese fur mat and become grimy easily. Maltese are also susceptible to unpleasant tear marks on their cheeks.

Brush and comb your Maltese's coat on a regular basis, especially if he has a sporty short haircut. This helps to keep him clean and prevents matting. Despite their beauty, Maltese become dirty rapidly and must be washed at least once a week.
Maltese need to have their teeth brushed two or three times a week (if not every day to avoid bad breath and gum disease) to remove bacteria and tartar.

Behavior with children-However, because Maltese are so little and easily harmed, they are not a suitable choice for households with small children. They, like other dogs, must be taught their right role in the family, as well as adequate socialization and basic obedience training. It is not recommended to get a Maltese if you have small children, because they can injure them really easily by stepping on them, holding them too tight, or even dropping them. They are most suitable for families with old children or adults that would like to have this type of dog and provide good care and attention.

Health concerns-Patellar Luxation, Portosystemic Liver Shunt, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypoglycemia, White Dog Shaker Syndrome, Collapsed Trachea, Reversed Sneezing

Life expectancy-12 to 15 years

Breed facts

Size

25–36 kg for dogs and 25–32 kg for females. The AKC recommends 55 to 62 centimeters for dogs and 55 to 60 centimeters for females, respectively.

Temperament

The Lab has a well-deserved reputation and is one of the sweetest-natured breeds. They're extroverted, eager to please and get along well with both humans and other animals.

Aside from having a charming demeanor, they are intelligent and eager to please, making them simple to teach. Because this breed is full of energy and excitement, training is absolutely essential. The Lab's working wish indicates that they are active. This breed needs both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Grooming

The Lab coat is made up of two layers: a short, thick, straight topcoat and a silky, weather-resistant undercoat. The two-layer coat keeps them warm and dry, which aids them in their function as hunters' retrievers.

Grooming doesn't get easier than this, however, the breed sheds a lot. Comb your dog on a regular basis, especially when they are shedding, to remove loose hair.

Labs require a wash every two months or more often to keep them clean and smelling fresh. However, if your Lab gets into a puddle of mud or something unpleasant, as they are prone to do, it's recommended to bathe them more frequently.

Behavior with children

The Labrador Retriever enjoys the noise that children bring with them. They'll gladly enjoy a child's birthday celebration and even put on a party hat. However, like other dogs, they must be taught to behave with children—and children must be taught to behave around the dog.

As with any breed, educate kids how to handle and touch dogs, and constantly monitor any encounters between dogs and small children to avoid biting or ear or tail grabbing on either party's side. Teach your youngster to never approach a dog who is eating or sleeping, or to attempt to steal the dog's food. Dogs should never be left unsupervised with children.

Health concerns

Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in bigger dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia are all examples of eye illnesses. They can suffer from exercise-induced collapse, which produces heat, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after brief sessions of exercise, or obesity, which in certain cases may be attributed to a partial or complete lack of the proopiomelanocortin gene.

Life expectancy

12 to 14 years

History

The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s when ships traveling between Canada and Poole in Dorsetshire brought St. John's water dogs bred by European immigrants in Newfoundland to Britain. These were subsequently crossed with British hunting dogs to create the Labrador Retriever. The Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Sir John Scott were among its early sponsors.

Early authors confounded Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and Lesser Newfoundland, with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as Newfoundland.

Colonel Peter Hawker described the first Labrador as being no bigger than an English Pointer, black more commonly than other colors, long in the head and snout with a deep chest, strong legs, and a short and silky coat, and not carrying its tail as high as the Newfoundland. In the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in 1846, Hawker separates Newfoundland from both the "true Labrador" and the St. John's breed of these dogs.

By 1870, the term Labrador Retriever was widely seen in England. The first yellow Labrador was born in 1899 and the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1903.

The Labrador breed dates back to at least the 1830s when ships traveling between Canada and Poole in Dorsetshire brought St. John's water dogs bred by European immigrants in Newfoundland to Britain.

These were subsequently crossed with British hunting dogs to create the Labrador Retriever. The Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Sir John Scott were among its early sponsors.

Early authors confounded Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and Lesser Newfoundland, with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as Newfoundland.

Colonel Peter Hawker described the first Labrador as being no bigger than an English Pointer, black more commonly than other colors, long in the head and snout with a deep chest, strong legs, and a short and silky coat, and not carrying its tail as high as the Newfoundland.

In the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in 1846, Hawker separates Newfoundland from both the "true Labrador" and the St. John's breed of these dogs.

By 1870, the term Labrador Retriever was widely seen in England. The first yellow Labrador was born in 1899 and the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1903.

General facts

Labrador Retrievers adore food and may get fat very rapidly if overfed. Limit treats, exercise your Lab often, and divide carefully regular meals instead of putting food out all time. Also, be aware that the Lab's insatiable hunger applies to people's food as well as inedible stuff. Labradors will scavenge in rubbish, counter surf, and will eat chewed-up stuff such as children's toys.

Labrador Retrievers were developed for physically hard occupations, and they have the strong energy that comes with that. They require 30 to 60 minutes of activity every day. Without it, they might release their conserved energy in harmful behaviors like barking and chewing.
Many individuals believe that because labs have such an excellent reputation, they do not have to worry about training. However, Labs are big, lively creatures who, like other dogs, must be taught proper canine behavior. As soon as you welcome your Lab home, engage in puppy and obedience lessons.

Many people consider Labs to be a hyperactive breed. Lab pups are very energetic, but most will calm down as they mature. They do, however, tend to be very energetic throughout their lives.
Labrador Retrievers really aren't known for their ability to run, but with the appropriate motivation—such as a smell of something tasty—a Lab will take off. Check that your dog has current identifying bands and a microchip.

General facts

The coat is thick, glossy, silky, and shining, and it falls gently along the body with no curls or undercoat. The color is pure white, although a slight ivory tint is allowed. Adults typically weigh 3–4 kg. Males are slightly taller than females 20–23 cm.
The Maltese has no shedding.

Maltese, like other white canines, may have tear streaks.

Stanley Coren ranks it 59th out of 79 breeds for intellect.

Despite his little stature, the Maltese appears fearless. His trustworthiness and caring responsiveness are charming. He is one of the gentlest-mannered of all little dogs, yet he is also active, playful, and vigorous.

Maltese are versatile, energetic, and delightful toy friends. A tiny body moves with a fluid and elegant step beneath the all-white mantle. The overall effect is one of free-flowing grace and harmony. The appealing Maltese face, with its huge, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose, may win over even the most hardened heart.

Maltese, despite their aristocratic appearance, are tough and adaptable dogs. They make vigilant watchdogs who are fearless in a delightful toy-dog sense, and they are competitive tiny agility athletes. Maltese are low-shedding, long-lived dogs who like meeting new people of all ages. They might be difficult and rebellious at times, but they respond well to reward-based teaching.

Labrador Retrievers adore food and may get fat very rapidly if overfed. Limit treats, exercise your Lab often, and divide carefully regular meals instead of putting food out all time.

Also, be aware that the Lab's insatiable hunger applies to people's food as well as inedible stuff.

Labradors will scavenge in rubbish, counter surf, and will eat chewed-up stuff such as children's toys.

Labrador Retrievers were developed for physically hard occupations, and they have the strong energy that comes with that.

They require 30 to 60 minutes of activity every day. Without it, they might release their conserved energy in harmful behaviors like barking and chewing.

Many individuals believe that because labs have such an excellent reputation, they do not have to worry about training.

However, Labs are big, lively creatures who, like other dogs, must be taught proper canine behavior.

As soon as you welcome your Lab home, engage in puppy and obedience lessons.

Many people consider Labs to be a hyperactive breed. Lab pups are very energetic, but most will calm down as they mature. They do, however, tend to be very energetic throughout their lives.

Labrador Retrievers really aren't known for their ability to run, but with the appropriate motivation—such as a smell of something tasty—a Lab will take off.

Check that your dog has current identifying bands and a microchip.

Overview

Labrador Retrievers have a high rate of success in becoming guide dogs. Recent research looked at how effectively four distinct breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Mixes, and German Shepherds) trained to be guide dogs. German Shepherds had the greatest failure rate in this trial. The most successful breeds were Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever mixes. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, had a better success rate after extended training than Labrador Retrievers.

They can tolerate cold water for a long period of time, being really good swimmers also. They have a great ability to be patient and quiet together with hunters looking for birds. They wait until the hunter has shot the bird and then they can use their nose to find where it has fallen and retrieve it.
Labradors are intelligent and have self-direction which makes them perfectly suitable for taking care of people (service dogs).

Endal is a hero dog that has been helping his disabled owner his whole life: covering him with a blanket, activating an emergency call, and other helpful tasks that he has been able to help with.

Also, other Labradors are able to take money and credit cards from ATMs with proper training. The breed is also used for saving people from drowning, together with Leonberger, Newfoundland, and Golden Retriever.

They are the most popular assistance dogs in the United States, Australia, and other countries (also used by the police).

Overview

A slightly rounded cranium, black snout, drop ears, dark, attentive eyes, short, straight legs, and a beautiful tail finish out the picture. He's a nice, clever dog that loves his family. And, as one of the tiniest toy breeds, he's ideal for apartment or condo life. The Maltese responds to his surroundings and serves as an efficient watchdog wherever he stays.

Despite their delicate and noble appearance, Maltese may be rather energetic. If they are rewarded for their accomplishments, they learn rapidly. Maltese demand a lot of human care and suffer from separation anxiety due to their lengthy history as companion dogs. They can bark and become destructive if left alone for several hours each day.

No breed is flawless, and Maltese may be aggressive against small children or other dogs, especially if they have been too spoiled by their owners. If this happens, they might become highly defensive, barking and even biting if they view an animal or a person as a danger to their bond with their loving human family.

However, because Maltese are so little and easily harmed, they are not a suitable choice for households with small children. They, like other dogs, must be taught their right role in the family, as well as adequate socialization and basic obedience training.

Labrador Retrievers have a high rate of success in becoming guide dogs. Recent research looked at how effectively four distinct breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever Mixes, and German Shepherds) trained to be guide dogs.

German Shepherds had the greatest failure rate in this trial.

The most successful breeds were Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever mixes. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, had a better success rate after extended training than Labrador Retrievers.

They can tolerate cold water for a long period of time, being really good swimmers also.

They have a great ability to be patient and quiet together with hunters looking for birds. They wait until the hunter has shot the bird and then they can use their nose to find where it has fallen and retrieve it.

Labradors are intelligent and have self-direction which makes them perfectly suitable for taking care of people (service dogs).

Endal is a hero dog that has been helping his disabled owner his whole life: covering him with a blanket, activating an emergency call, and other helpful tasks that he has been able to help with.

Also, other Labradors are able to take money and credit cards from ATMs with proper training.

The breed is also used for saving people from drowning, together with Leonberger, Newfoundland, and Golden Retriever.

They are the most popular assistance dogs in the United States, Australia, and other countries (also used by the police).

Appearance and coat

Labrador retrievers are a medium-sized breed. They should be the same length from the ridge between the shoulder blades to the tail as they are from the floor to the shoulders. The AKC ( American Kennel Club )standard specifies a weight range of 25–36 kg for dogs and 25–32 kg for females. The AKC recommends 55 to 62 centimeters for dogs and 55 to 60 centimeters for females, respectively. The Kennel Club (of the United Kingdom) recommends that dogs be 56 to 57 centimeters and females be 55 to 56 centimeters.

The coat of a Labrador Retriever must be short and thick, but not wiry. Because the coat is water-resistant, the dog will not get cold when going swimming in the winter. That indicates the dog's coat is normally slightly dry and greasy. Black, yellow, and chocolate are acceptable colors.

Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colors: black (solid black), yellow (creamy white to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown, formerly known as "Liver").

Puppies of all colors may appear in the same litter. Three genes are principally responsible for color. The first gene (the B locus) affects the density of eumelanin pigment granules in the coat, assuming that coloration is enabled: dense granules lead to a black coat, and thin granules result in a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus controls whether or not eumelanin is generated. A dog with the recessive e allele will generate just phaeomelanin pigmentation and will be yellow regardless of the B locus genotype.

Labrador retrievers are a medium-sized breed. They should be the same length from the ridge between the shoulder blades to the tail as they are from the floor to the shoulders.

The AKC ( American Kennel Club )standard specifies a weight range of 25–36 kg for dogs and 25–32 kg for females.

The AKC recommends 55 to 62 centimeters for dogs and 55 to 60 centimeters for females, respectively.

The Kennel Club (of the United Kingdom) recommends that dogs be 56 to 57 centimeters and females be 55 to 56 centimeters.

The coat of a Labrador Retriever must be short and thick, but not wiry. Because the coat is water-resistant, the dog will not get cold when going swimming in the winter.

That indicates the dog's coat is normally slightly dry and greasy. Black, yellow, and chocolate are acceptable colors.

Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colors: black (solid black), yellow (creamy white to fox-red), and chocolate (medium to dark brown, formerly known as "Liver").

Puppies of all colors may appear in the same litter. Three genes are principally responsible for color.

The first gene (the B locus) affects the density of eumelanin pigment granules in the coat, assuming that coloration is enabled: dense granules lead to a black coat, and thin granules result in a chocolate coat.

The second (E) locus controls whether or not eumelanin is generated. A dog with the recessive e allele will generate just phaeomelanin pigmentation and will be yellow regardless of the B locus genotype.

Personality

The Lab has a well-deserved reputation and is one of the sweetest-natured breeds. They're extroverted, eager to please and get along well with both humans and other animals.

Aside from having a charming demeanor, they are intelligent and eager to please, making them simple to teach. Because this breed is full of energy and excitement, training is absolutely essential. The Lab's working wish indicates that they are active. This breed needs both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. Labs vary in their activity level: some are noisy, while others are more relaxed. All of them thrive on exercise.

The Lab has a well-deserved reputation and is one of the sweetest-natured breeds. They're extroverted, eager to please and get along well with both humans and other animals.

Aside from having a charming demeanor, they are intelligent and eager to please, making them simple to teach. Because this breed is full of energy and excitement, training is absolutely essential.

The Lab's working wish indicates that they are active. This breed needs both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. Labs vary in their activity level: some are noisy, while others are more relaxed. All of them thrive on exercise.

Care requirments

The beloved Lab must be with their family and is not a backyard dog. If they are left alone for an extended period of time, they will most likely ruin their holy reputation: a lonely, bored Lab is likely to dig, chew, or find other destructive releases for their energy.

Labs vary in their activity levels, but they always need action, both physical and mental. Daily 30-minute walks, romps at the dog park, and games of fetch are all great methods to help your Lab run off energy. A puppy, on the other hand, should not be taken on long walks and should only play for a few minutes at a time. Labrador Retrievers are prone to work exhaustion. It is up to their owner to know when they need to stop the play.

Because labs have such a fantastic reputation, some owners believe they don't require training. That is a major mistake. A hyperactive Lab puppy will quickly grow into a huge, unruly dog if not trained. Fortunately, Labs respond well to training and frequently thrive in obedience competitions.

Begin with puppy kindergarten, which teaches your puppy not just proper canine habits but also how to be comfortable with other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training techniques that praise the dog for doing the right thing rather than punishing them for doing the wrong thing.

If you're parenting a Lab puppy, you'll need to take extra precautions. Prevent your Lab puppy to run and play on really hard surfaces like pavement until he or she is at least two years old and their joints have fully matured. Normal grass play is good, as is puppy agility with its one-inch hops.

The Lab, like other retrievers, is a mouthy creature that is happiest once they have something, to hold in their mouth. They're also a chewer, so have solid toys on hand at all times unless you want your sofa chewed up. When you leave home, secure your Lab in a confinement or kennel so they don't get into trouble by chewing on items they shouldn't.

Grooming

The Lab coat is made up of two layers: a short, thick, straight topcoat and a silky, weather-resistant undercoat. The two-layer coat keeps them warm and dry, which aids them in their function as hunters' retrievers.

The coat is available in three different colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. Early breeders preferred black Labs, although yellow and chocolate Labs have since gained popularity. Some breeders have lately begun selling "unusual" Labrador Retriever colors like arctic white and fox red. These colors aren't particularly uncommon; they're a variant on the yellow Lab.

Grooming doesn't get easier than this, however, the breed sheds a lot. Comb your dog on a regular basis, especially when they are shedding, to remove loose hair.

Labs require a wash every two months or more often to keep them clean and smelling fresh. However, if your Lab gets into a puddle of mud or something unpleasant, as they are prone to do, it's recommended to bathe them more frequently.

Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week to eliminate tartar and the germs that live inside their mouths. Brushing twice a day is even preferable if you want to avoid gum disease and foul breath.

If your dog's nails don't wear down naturally, trim them once or twice a month. They're too long if you can hear them tapping on the floor. Short, carefully trimmed nails maintain the paws in good shape and prevent scratches on your legs when your Lab rushes up to welcome you.

Grooming

Opt for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food each day, split into two meals.

Avoid obesity in your Maltese by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food available all the time. Give him a physical examination to see whether he's becoming overweight.

Place your hands on his torso, with your thumbs down his spine and your fingers spread out across his sides. If you can feel his ribs, he's in good shape; if they're hidden behind a layer of fat, it's time to put him on a diet and reduce the number of goodies you give him.

Several Maltese have sensitive stomachs and may be fussy eaters. Eating issues might arise if your Maltese also has tooth or gum disease. Take your Maltese to the veterinarian if he is uncomfortable during eating or after eating.

The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by his size, age, structure, metabolism, and exercise levels. Dogs, like people, are individuals who do not require the same quantity of food. It needs to be noted that an active dog will require more than a sedentary dog. The quality of dog food y is also important.,because you don't need to give him so much if it is high quality, which means it contains everything he needs in a small quantity.

The Lab coat is made up of two layers: a short, thick, straight topcoat and a silky, weather-resistant undercoat.

The two-layer coat keeps them warm and dry, which aids them in their function as hunters' retrievers.

The coat is available in three different colors: chocolate, black, and yellow.

Early breeders preferred black Labs, although yellow and chocolate Labs have since gained popularity.

Some breeders have lately begun selling "unusual" Labrador Retriever colors like arctic white and fox red. These colors aren't particularly uncommon; they're a variant on the yellow Lab.

Grooming doesn't get easier than this, however, the breed sheds a lot. Comb your dog on a regular basis, especially when they are shedding, to remove loose hair.

Labs require a wash every two months or more often to keep them clean and smelling fresh.

However, if your Lab gets into a puddle of mud or something unpleasant, as they are prone to do, it's recommended to bathe them more frequently.

Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week to eliminate tartar and the germs that live inside them. Brushing twice a day is even preferable if you want to avoid gum disease and foul breath.

If your dog's nails don't fade naturally, trim them once or twice a month. They're too long if you can hear them tapping on the floor.

Short, carefully trimmed nails maintain the paws in good shape and prevent scratches on your legs when your Lab rushes up to welcome you.

Health concerns

Healthy Labradors normally live between the ages of 12 and 14 years. Labrador puppies are often not taken home until they are 8 weeks old.

It is a very healthy breed with few severe issues. Inherited diseases and overweight (most are lacking all or portions of the appetite-regulating (POMC-Pro-opiomelanocortin gene) are notable health and well-being difficulties.

A Royal Veterinary College research and one done by The University of Sydney showed that Chocolate Labradors had a lower average life expectancy (by around 10%) than other colors of Labradors and are more prone to suffer from various health issues.

This is assumed to be owing to breeders' efforts to expand their numbers via selective coat color selection at the sacrifice of other vital health qualities.

Brown coats are naturally unusual (in comparison to yellow and black), and they have been popular since the 1980s. This has produced a need for greater quantities.

Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in bigger dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia are all examples of eye illnesses.

They can suffer from exercise-induced collapse, which produces heat, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after brief sessions of exercise, or obesity, which in certain cases may be attributed to a partial or complete lack of the proopiomelanocortin gene.

Hip dysplasia -in dogs is an irregular development of the hip bone that, in its more extreme condition, can ultimately cause lameness and joint arthritis. It is a polygenic (genetic) characteristic that is influenced by environmental variables. It is frequent in many dog breeds, especially bigger breeds, and is the most frequent single cause of hip arthritis.

Symptoms: lethargy,difficulty moving,back legs lameness,loss of muscle in the thighs,unusual jumps (like bunny jumps) stiffness, and pain

Elbow dysplasia- is a disorder characterized by several developmental anomalies of the dog's elbow joint, especially the formation of cartilage or the tissues around it. These anomalies, referred to as "primary lesions," cause osteoarthritic processes. Elbow dysplasia is a prevalent problem in some dog breeds.

Symptoms:limping and stiffness around the elbow area,the dog doesn't want to go on walks or play anymore,front paws pointing outwards or elbows are at a strange angle,swollen elbows

Corneal endothelial dystrophy -is an age-related condition that affects the endothelium, the inner layer of the cornea. Fluid leakage into the cornea creates edema, resulting in blue color. This will eventually affect the entire cornea. Bullous keratopathy (blisters in the cornea) can also develop, resulting in nonhealing and recurring corneal ulceration.

Symptoms:cloudiness of the eye,vision loss, sensitivity to light, putting the paws around the face, eye pain,eye ulcers

Retinal dysplasia -is an eye illness that affects the retina of animals and, in rare cases, humans. It is often a nonprogressive condition caused by viral infections, medications, vitamin A deficiency, or genetic flaws. Folds or rosettes (round clusters) of retinal tissue describe retinal dysplasia.

Symptoms:There are few visible indications of retinal dysplasia in dogs, except for a hesitation to jump from things or the appearance of being clumsy.
Your dog may collide with objects or be unable to locate items that you would anticipate him to discover, such as a ball or a toy. Reluctance to leap from a ledge. Reluctance to climb the stairs. Fear of entering dark rooms or corridors, difficulty identifying individuals or items ,color variations within the eye, behavioral modifications

Exercise-induced collapse-Most dogs with EIC have a distinct pattern of collapse that begins with hind limb weakening.

They may keep walking or running while dragging their back legs.

EIC collapse develops as the dog continues to move and may even worsen for a few minutes after exercise is stopped.

The collapse caused by EIC is rarely unpleasant and usually resolves within 5-25 minutes of rest.

A severe EIC collapse episode might be deadly.
Most dogs with EIC (more than 80%) collapse at least once before the age of three years.

A few genetically altered canines never collapse, most likely because they never get the necessary amount of activity and stimulation.

Activities requiring prolonged intensive exertion combined with enthusiasm or stress are the most likely to set off an attack.