Labrador Retriever
Oxfordshire Dog Photography
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly breed and is always a real pleasure to photograph. Historically the Retriever earned their keep as “fishermans helpers” they would haul the nets, fetching ropes and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic Sea. In the present day the Lab is well mannered and a hard working breed. Typically the Lab will work as retrievers for the hunters, assistance dogs, show competitors and search and rescue dogs.
The Retriever is typically a muscular and athletic breed. These physical traits comes from their retrieving characteristic. The love this breed has is incredible, they’re people orientated who serve their families.
The Labs brilliant characteristics makes for them to be a excellent therapy dog. We have had several Labs come into the studio that serve for Pets as Therapy. Their intelligence makes for them to be the ideal assistance dog, you will often see them for charities like (Dogs for good). They also excel as search and rescue dogs thanks to their athletic build, strong nose and courageous nature.
One things for sure whether they’re a field retriever, show dog or modern working dog they’re a loveable furry friend who will complete a home.
Size
Height – 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight – 55 to 80 pounds
Life Span – 10 to 12 years
Personality
The Retriever is an outgoing, eager to please and they’re friendly with both people and other animals. Due to the Retriever being intelligent and they’re eagerness to please makes them an easy breed to train. It is always advised to train your Lab from an early age as the breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. Due to being retrievers they need lots of exercise they need to be physically and mentally active to keep them happy. However there can be some differences in required activity levels depending on the Lab. Some Labs are energetic whereas some will love curling up on your sofa more than going for a long walk. It is advised that a Lab should be active for between 30-60 minutes.
The Lab is not one for being left on their own for long periods of time. They love to be in and around the family. If they’re left alone for long periods of time then they’ll become very bored which could result in them digging, chewing or finding other destructive outlets for their energy. Like all retrievers Labradors are happiest when they have something to carry. It is in there nature to carry. You will want to keep toys accessible as they love to play and chew toys, if not then you could find your sofa is a replacement for them!
Labrador Retrievers absolutely loves kids, they’re the perfect family dog. However like any breed they need to be trained how to act around children and likewise the children need to know how to act around your Lab. If a Lab has lots of experiences with other dogs and cats they’ll be super friendly with them too.
Maintence
The Lab coat is made up of two layers, a short, thick, straight topcoat and then a soft weather-resistant undercoat. By having this two layered coat it protects them from the cold and wet weather. This aids with their “retrieving”. When it comes to grooming the Lab is fairly easy to maintain. They do shed a lot of hair so buying a strong vacuum is always recommended. Brushing daily is important to get out the loose hair.
The Labrador Retriever only needs to be bathed every other month to keep them looking and smelling great. It is recommended to brush your Lab’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove any tartar buildup. You should check a Labradors Retriever’s ears they should be checked weekly for redness or bad odour which can indicate an infection.
