Page 256 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

256 GUIDE T O BREED S

Drop ears set Broad
well back head Medium-sized,
Moderate hazel eyes
stop

Powerful neck

Level topline Characteristic
“otter” tail, round
and well haired
Black nose
fades to light
brown with age

Broad chest

Weatherproof,
short, yellow coat

Round,
compact feet

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

THIS KIND AND INTELLIGENT FAMILY FAVORITE LOVES SPORTS AND SWIMMING AKC

Height range One of the most familiar dogs, the Labrador police forces. In particular, its steady
22 in (55–57 cm)
Retriever has been topping “popular dog” character makes it a superb guide dog
Weight range lists for at least two decades. The dogs from for the blind. However, it is as a family dog
55–82 lb (25–37 kg)
which the present-day Labrador Retriever that this breed has gained great popularity.
Life span 10–12 years descended were not from Labrador, as is The Labrador Retriever is loving and lovable,
Origin Canada commonly supposed, but from Newfoundland. easy to train, anxious to please, and reliable
Here, from the 18th century onward, black with children and household pets—but it
dogs with waterproof coats were bred by has too amiable a character to make a
local fishermen and used to help tow in good guard dog.
Other colors catches and retrieve escaping fish. Dogs This breed has energy to burn and needs
of this early type no longer exist, but a to be kept mentally, as well as physically,
few were brought to England in the 19th active. Long daily walks are essential,
Chocolate Black century, and these led to the development preferably with the chance to take a swim
of the modern Labrador Retriever. By the along the way. If this dog sees water, it will
May have a small, white spot
on chest. early 20th century, the breed was officially plunge straight in. Underexercised and
recognized and continued to be much left to its own devices, a Labrador Retriever
admired by field sportsmen for its excellent may be given to excessive barking or
retrieving skills. become destructive. It tends to gain weight
Today, the Labrador Retriever is still widely quickly, and lack of exercise combined
used as a gundog and has proved efficient with its insatiable appetite can lead to
at other types of work, such as tracking for weight problems.

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