General Appearance
A Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled dog, possessing an athletic and well-balanced conformation enabling it to function as a retrieving gun-dog for long hours in difficult conditions.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retrievers are its short, dense weather-resistance coat, “otter”-like tail, a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop, powerful jaws, and its “kind” friendly eyes that express character, intelligence, and good temperament. The Labrador Retriever coat colors recognized by official Standard “are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification.” A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desired. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black are all black. Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate.
The "Labrador Retriever"
Crate Training
Crate training can be a significant milestone in a puppy’s early regimen. Your puppy can learn to accept the crate happily and it will become a mobile “home” for when you travel. Should your puppy require time at the veterinarian’s office, it will not be stressed if it is placed in a crate during the hospital visit. In addition, the puppy will be much easier to house train if you confine it to a crate when you cannot observe it. A puppy will not want to soil its' bed, so it will wait to relieve itself until you bring it outside.
There are many types of dog crates, ranging in plastic, wood, or wire. A collapsible wire version is the crate of choice used in the house or when traveling by car. The puppy cannot chew it, ventilation is good, and it allows viewing from all sides. You can partially cover a wire crate with a blanket if you want to provide your puppy with a “den-like” environment. Airlines may require a closed (plastic) crate if you ship your dog by air. However, do not allow the crate to become a substitute for valuable time spent in play and socializing.
Responsible Ownership
A key part of your responsibility as the owner of any dog is to make sure that your dog is not only trained, but also supervised. If left outside, your dog should be in a fenced yard or kennel run, not roaming the neighborhood. Loose dogs run the risk of being hit by a vehicle, causing an accident, annoying the neighbors, or even being stolen. Your dog should always be on leash when walking, unless you are hunting or training. In urban and suburban areas, the responsible owner never fails to curb and pick up after his dog.
Health Care
Veterinarian care is an important part of your responsibility in providing for your Labrador. You should have already selected a veterinarian and had your new puppy examined, and an immunization schedule set up. After the initial immunizations, your puppy should see the veterinarian on an annual basis for protection against regional health threats and early detection of debilitating disease. It is important to establish a relationship with a regular veterinarian in your area, so he or she can be contacted if an emergency arises.
A good diet is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy and strong. Most commercial foods are well balanced and palatable.
To Spay or Neuter
Not all dogs need to be bred to live a happy and fulfilled life. Spayed bitches and neutered males do not exhibit extreme personality changes by removing their reproductive capability. They often live longer and healthy lives, free from cancer, uterine infections, and perianal tumors. While most Labradors should be surgically sterilized at some time during their lifespan, the sex hormones have been proven to have important health benefits. Early spay and/or neuter has been associated with an increase in size, an increased risk of some orthopedic diseases, bone cancer and some undesirable behavior. LRC, Inc recommends that the timing of surgical sterilization involve a conversation regarding risk/benefits between the veterinarian and the owner involved.
A Breed Standard for Labrador Retrievers has been developed. It is an approved written description of the ideal Labrador: how it should move, look and act. Only Labrador Retrievers without known heredity defects or severe temperament flaws should be used as breeding stock. Because of the popularity of the Labrador Retriever, breeders have the added responsibility of maintaining healthy stock, free from hereditary defects and possessing the qualities that make this breed versatile. Raising a litter of Labradors is a serious consideration and involves a significant financial investment