Thinking of buying a puppy or a dog as a pet? It is just the beginning of all those happy years to come. The partnership between dogs and humans has a long history and authorities agree that the dog was the first of man’s domesticated animals. A puppy or a dog can be a friend for your kids, a guardian for your home, or even a devoted animal companion to share your human life with. Research reveals that people with pets are buffered from the impact of stressful life events and that heart attack survival rates are higher for those who own pets. With all these in mind it becomes very important which breed you have had your eye on. The Labrador is one of the best breeds to bring home.
The Labrador Retriever, also known as Labrador, Labby or Lab, is considered to be the most popular breed of dog in the world by registration in several countries, including the United States. According to canine experts Labradors are good companions for people of all ages and they have a high level of patience and tolerance for children. Mainly, this makes the Labrador and ideal choice for your family. A type of gun dog with exceptional detection and working abilities, it is also a breed of assistance dog and is being widely used by police and other official bodies. Labradors are easily trained and can be used as guides for the blind or as service dogs for the disabled. Labs are good swimmers too.
There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador with a thicker appearance and the American Labrador with a tall and lanky appearance. The English type is calmer and matures quickly, compared to the American type. In general, the Labrador Retriever is a muscular breed with strong muzzles and a powerful neck, little longer than tall and has a short double coat that comes in solid black, yellow or chocolate. The short-haired double coat is very smooth and easy to groom and these dogs are average shedders compared to other breeds. The weight of a dog can be 60-75 pounds and bitches weigh 55-70 pounds. Some males can grow up to 100 pounds or more. The average height of a dog is 22-24 inches and that of a bitch is 21-23 inches. Life expectancy is about 10-12 years.
Here are the ‘Labby Advantages”:
 Companion For All: Experts consider the Labrador as a good companion for people of all ages.
 Cool Temperament: Highly intelligent and loyal and ideal for a family with kids. Labs have a high level of patience and tolerance for children. Also, they are equable with other dogs.
 High Trainability: Labs are easily trained and can be used as assistance dogs to help people with disabilities in daily life.
 Average Shedders: Labradors have a short, weather-resistant double coat and they are average shedders. In fact they shed seasonally.
There are a few disadvantages too:
 Health Problems: Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and eye disorders.
 Tendency to Become Overweight: Labradors are big eaters and they have a tendency to become overweight. If kept indoors, they have to be sufficiently exercised.
The Labrador has a high trainability and with training it is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world. They have much that appeal to humans- their eager to please and nonaggressive nature and adaptability. They are very energetic dogs and are delighted to work and play hard.
