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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Labrador Retriever is a appealing and well developed breed. Definitely one of its outstanding features, the coat is short and thick on top and smooth at the bottom layer. The fur exists in even amounts across the body. The breed's head is broad and there is a significant stop. The nose is broad and either dark brown or black, depending on the color of the coat. Its eyes are the window to its gentle nature. The eyes are not prominent, but average in size. Just as the nose, the eyes can vary in color depending on the color of its coat. It has a typical Retriever neck; elongated, but muscular. The tail starts wide and narrows at the end. The tails is stiff, straight, and set just below the back when the breed is at attention (resembling an Otter's tail). The breed's front legs are straight and the back legs are very angular.
Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds chosen for a pet, and for good reason. This breed has a gentle disposition and shows affection to its family. A family that is too busy to spend time with this breed is not recommended. The Labrador Retriever can become depressed without interaction with its family. Although this breed is generally easy going, it can have an independent streak. It shouldn't be a problem training this breed. It has a high intelligence level and loves to make its owner happy.
Height and Weight
Male height: 22-24 inchesMale weight: 60-75 poundsFemale height: 21-23 inchesFemale weight: 55-70 pounds
Health Problems
The Labrador Retriever is basically a healthy breed. Some types may develop progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip dysplasia. Other conditions that the breed may develop include elbow dysplasia and eye problems.
Ideal Living Conditions
The Labrador Retriever can usually adapt to any type of living condition. The breed loves human interaction and appreciates being close to its family. Whether the breed is kept outdoors or indoors it needs attention. The ideal living condition is one where the breed is outdoors in an average-size yard and its family plays with often.
Exercise
The Labrador Retriever has an above-average energy level and will obtain the exercise it needs in most cases. This breed has a healthy appetite and if it is inactive for a significant amount of time it can become obese, which can lead to health problems. Regular exercise is key for all types of Labrador Retriever.
Life Expectancy
The Labrador Retriever typically lives 10-12 years.
Litter Size
The average litter size of the Labrador Retriever is 8 puppies.
Grooming
Grooming the Labrador Retriever is a matter of keep the coat smooth and healthy. Regular brushing is the main grooming task the breed's coat needs. During the shedding season more brushing is necessary, but not to an excessive extent since its coat does not shed heavily. Washing the coat is only needed occasionally, such as when the coat has an odor or becomes dirty.
Origin
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland around the 1800s.
Group
Sporting, Gun
Color
The acceptable colors of the Labrador Retriever are chocolate, yellow, black, and silver.
Breed Clubs
Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club http://www.midlandcountieslabradorretrieverclub.co.uk Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac http://www.lrcp.com The Labrador Retriever Club of Canada http://www.labrador-canada.com Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club http://www.gglrc.org Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California (LRCSC) http://www.lrcsocal.org Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club http://www.hotlrc.com
Breed Rescues
Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Rescue http://www.lab-rescue.com Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue http://www.labrescue.org Labrador Retriever Rescue http://www.lrr.org Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue http://www.midwestlabrescue.org Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue http://www.cc-labrescue.org Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England http://www.labrador-rescue.org.uk

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