The Exceptional Labrador Retriever

" A Labrador Retriever is an exceptional breed of dogs that come in several variations"

A Labrador Retriever is an exceptional breed of dogs that come in several variations. They well mannered dogs with an affable disposition and are highly intelligent and affectionate with their owners. They make great working dogs since they are always eager to please and also even greater companion dogs for children and adults alike. The Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to be water retrieving dogs so they have a natural love for water and make good “fetch” playmates. They are still noted for their aquatic and retrieving abilities until today.

Standards of the Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever standard weight is approximately around 27 – 36 kilograms. They have a tendency to be overweight so owners must be careful of their diet. They have a naturally smooth and short coat that comes in several solid colors, namely black, yellow and chocolate. These are the only accepted colors in the American Kennel Club and others are technically disqualified as not belonging to the breed.

The Labrador Retriever has a typically broad head with a dominant stop and brow. Eye colors are usually hazel and brown and very expressive and kind-looking. The breed has droopy triangular ears that hang close to their heads. The dogs’ muzzle is powerful and of medium length. Labrador retrievers usually have muscular often stocky bodies with a topline that is level.

The tail of the Labrador Retriever is one of its most distinguishable features. It is supposedly thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. When it is down it should not be longer than the dog’s hocks. The overall appearance of the Labrador Retriever’s tail is rounded and plump.

Disqualifications of show dogs are as follows deviation from the height and too much weight. An overall pink nose or the lack of color or pigment in the nose also causes disqualification. The dog’s eye rims must have pigment or color and docking of the tail or clipping of the ears are considered grounds for disqualifications. The breed only comes in three solid colors, namely black, chocolate and yellow. Variations of the primary color may be accepted (light or dark).

Health and Temperament of the Breed

The disposition of a Labrador Retriever is the most highly appreciated of all its characteristics. It is kind and sweet tempered with an outgoing nature. It tries so hard to please its human family that it is sometimes in the brink of worship. The Labrador Retriever is also intelligent and very gentle towards other living things. It is hardly aggressive and seldom shy.

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