Profile of the Labrador Retriever
by Lee Weston

    The Labrador Retriever is among the top contenders for being considered America's National Dog.  Here is a dog that is loyal, loving, intelligent and outgoing.  He should not be used as a watch dog as he is just too friendly, he loves the world and everyone in it.  This canine is best at being a companion, hunting and retrieving, guide dog, therapy dog, drug, explosive and arson sniffing, and search and rescue.  He is eager to learn and to please his owner(s).  The Lab can adjust to just about any environment his owner is in, from an apartment, to a house in the suburbs, to country living.  It is imperative that the Lab be given the proper exercise, and training.  He will seek constant attention, either from his human family or from other pets in the household.  If you don't have a lot of time to spend, you should consider a different breed, or maybe not get a dog at all.  The Lab is not a dog to be tied up to a dog house in the back yard and ignored until supper time.  Matter of fact, no dog should have this done to them.
      The Lab is a low maintenance dog.  He requires exercise, training and regular brushing.  His coat is almost self cleaning.
     The size of the Lab varies in that the male will grow to 22 1/2" to 24 1/2" at the withers, and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds.  The female is slightly smaller, 21 1/2" to 23 1/2" at the withers, and she will weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.

     Caution should be exercised by potential owners, in that it is imperative you know that that cute little puppy in about 5 months will start to jump, be awkward, get into all kinds of trouble, and be somewhat destructive.  The Lab does not become that sedate, calm, and gentle creature until he is about 2 or 3 years old.  Many Labs end up at rescue centers and shelters between the ages of 5 months to about 14 months of age.  This is not an easy time for owners, but be assured that the dog does not have a mean, destructive bone in its body.  It is simply being a puppy.  Training must occur for these Labs.  The potential of these dogs is beyond belief for anyone who has never owned a Lab before.  You will have a companion that will be there for you for the next 12 to 14 years.

     The price of popularity is that there are many "backyard" breeders and puppy mills that seek to cash in on the Lab.  The Labrador Retriever has had incidences of hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy.  A responsible breeder will be willing, and happy to discuss these problems with a potential owner.  Anyone who evades the issues or denies that they exist, should not be given any consideration when it comes to purchasing your puppy.  The responsible breeder will be able to show certification of your dog's health from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation.


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