| When it comes to dog breeds it is hard to beat a | | | | Labs are full of energy and need a fair amount |
| Labrador Retriever, also known as a "Lab". Statistics | | | | exercise daily. They need a long walk or run every |
| point to this breed as the most popular in the United | | | | day with a good size yard to romp and play. |
| States according to American Kennel Club, and here | | | | Remember to take the time for some positive |
| are the many reasons we think why. | | | | reinforcement dog training and your dog will be a |
| The Lab is a loyal and affectionate canine that is | | | | happy well behaved pup. |
| eager to please everyone. They thrive on human | | | | Dog health issues to watch for with the Lab are hip |
| interaction and want nothing more than to be a part of | | | | dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). |
| the family pack. They absolutely love children which | | | | The history of the Lab is rather complicated, it begins |
| makes them our first choice for a family dog. The Lab | | | | with its place of origin Newfoundland not Labrador. It |
| also is a versatile hunting dog and favored by many | | | | is thought that Newfoundland had many small water |
| bird hunters not to mention they love water for which | | | | dogs that were bred with the Newfoundland dog |
| they were bred. This breed is also well suited and | | | | breed. This in turn produced an early version of the |
| excels at dog services such as guide dogs for the | | | | Lab called the St. John's Water Dog. These dogs |
| blind, search and rescue etc... | | | | were used by fishermen to pull fishing nets and to |
| Labs come in three colors black, chocolate and yellow. | | | | fetch fish that fell from the nets. |
| They have a short double coat that is smooth, straight | | | | In the early 19th century these dogs were brought to |
| and water resistant which is very easy to care for. | | | | England by seamen returning from Labrador. These |
| Their head is broad with a moderate stop and a fairly | | | | dogs were then bred with many other retrievers to |
| wide muzzle. The nose is black, on black and yellow | | | | enhance their hunting skills. The breed name is thought |
| dogs and brown on chocolate dogs. Their ears hang | | | | to have come from the Duke of Malmesbury who |
| down to a moderate length, set back slightly. They | | | | was reported to call his dogs, "Labrador dogs". It was |
| have a full strong neck and the body is slightly longer | | | | during this time that the original breed died out in |
| than the tail. Labs are considered a medium size dog | | | | Newfoundland due to a hefty dog tax and a strict |
| standing 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh | | | | quarantine law imposed by Britain. |
| between 50 to 75 pounds on average. | | | | |