Labrador Retriver

The Labrador Retriver: Superdog And Devil Dog

One of the best selling books of 2005 was “Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog”, a true story written by John Grogan. The movie version is slated to be released in the fall of 2008. Although the late-lamented Marley has made Grogan’s fortune, he was a total terror to live with, despite the fact that he was a Labrador Retriever.

This is typical of the relationship between people and Labradors. People expect them to be mind readers or a furry person and they are neither. If the owners don’t commit to interacting with their dogs a lot, then even the best bred Labradors will turn into Devil Dogs (and not the nice kind with the creamy filling, either).

Labradors Need To Be Busy

Labradors have been bred to work all day and use up a lot of energy into making independent decisions. They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog in the world and almost certainly smarter that 99.9% of human beings. If you don’t give Labrador Retrivers something to do, they will find a job to do - no matter if you like this new profession or not.

It is crucial to know what you are getting into before you bring home a Labrador - whether a puppy or adult. Labrador Retrivers are animals that are a bit like small horses in that they need daily exercise, preferably at least two brisk walks of twenty minutes each twice a day. Some get by on one long walk, but also get to play fetch or go fishing with their owners. If they don’t get this exercise, they feel their oats and burst with energy. This tends to lead to mischief and destruction.

What Labrador Retrivers Are Capable Of

In the aftermath of September 11, most of the nations rescue dog squads were deployed to either New York or Washington, DC. The three breeds of dogs seen over and over again were Border Collies, German Shepherds and, most of all Labradors of all sizes and colors. They were not only able to traverse dangerous territory to do their jobs, but they were also able to turn their energy off to comfort the grieving.

Labradors will stare at you when they are not thinking of play or food. Even the maverick Marley became the perfect therapist at the times his family needed comfort most. Labradors adore humans, for some unknown reason. It has been suggested that the souls of humanity rest in the bodies of dogs. Labrador Retrivers make a good case for this theory.

One of the most popular dog breeds for pet owners is the Labrador. The reason for this is because labs are loyal, intelligent, and very friendly. They make outstanding companions and are the choice for pet owners around the world. Because of this it makes Labrador mix dogs almost as popular. Labrador mixes like their full bred counterparts are extremely popular. Generally speaking a Labrador mix will keep the qualities of the Labrador breed and balance those qualities against the qualities of the mixed breed.

Examples Of Labrador Mix Breeds That Are Popular

One of the most popular Labrador mix breeds is a lab and golden retriever mix. Both of these breeds’ possess similar qualities, are similar in size, and make outstanding companions. Goldens are among the smartest of all dog breeds and are frequently used as seeing eye dogs because they are so easily trained. A golden and Labrador mix will not have as much hair as a pure bred golden and therefore will be easier to care for and maintain. This makes them very popular and there is a lot of ways to not only find information about but find places to get this mix.

Lab Mix Information

The next lab mix information to look at is the Chow and Labrador mix. The Chow is a very popular breed of dog, but most people do not know there can have a bit of a mean personality. They make good guard dogs, but can be dangerous to have as a family pet. By mixing them with a lab you can temper this and have a pet that is not only great around people but is a good guard dog as well.

My personal favorite, although I might be a bit biased because I have one at home, is the Rottweiler and Labrador mix. Rots are generally views as mean guard dogs but nothing could be farther from the truth. One of the problems with the full bred Rottweilers is that they have a short life expectancy do to problems with their hops and other physical issues. In addition they tend to not be warm and cuddly dogs. Again both of these characteristics can be improved on by mixing with a Labrador. My lab rot mix is extremely friendly to people she knows. Kind to my son, great around the neighborhood kids she will defend the home against strangers with full force, so while not for everyone she is wonderful in my home.

There you have three examples of some popular and effective Labrador mix breeds. If you have any questions on how to get specific mixes, contact your local SPCA and I am sure they will be more than willing to help you.

About the Author

Ola Norrman, the webmaster of  ( http://dogbadge.com/labradors/about ) about labradors has the mission to tell the world about Labrador Retrievers. He is exposing the reason of why the Labrador are voted to one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world.

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Discover Labrador Dogs

One of the several kinds of retriever, Labrador Retrievers (or Labrador dogs) are currently listed as the number one registered dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This breed is ranked very highly by dog enthusiasts on all levels; playfulness, friendliness towards strangers and pets, easy to train, affectionate and even make a great watchdog.

It was in 1903 when the breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club and later in 1917 by the AKC. It was in 1991 when Labrador Retriever was first voted as the most popular breed of dog and has continued to hold the spot in the charts even until today.

Labrador dogs are very amiable, obedient and good natured provided they are trained. They make good companions and are wonderful around kids because of their high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. These dogs can sometimes remain gentle and very calm around the house but when provoked, can immediately become intense, energetic and boisterous.

Labradors are known for its extreme loyalty to its owner and is eager to please. It enjoys being challenged mentally such as learning new tricks and makes a wonderful student of obedience training. They also enjoy doing activities that involves physical effort such as swimming, running and of course, retrieving.

Labrador dogs’ daily upkeep must be kept fairly active. Their daily exercise must include activities in the form of running and swimming. Since they were historically bred for retrieving in water environments, retrieving tops the list of fun games that Labrador dogs enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

This breed aren’t particular when it comes to shelter. They can either live and enjoy the warmth and coziness of staying indoors or remain outdoors during any type of weather. When letting your dog live outside, just ensure they are safe and comfortable either during the hot humid months or the chilling winter temperatures. But, just like any other companion dogs, staying inside with its family and enjoying the stable temperatures is more preferable for Labrador Retrievers.

Generally, Labrador dogs can live for up to ten to twelve years as long as they are living a healthy lifestyle. Major health issues that can affect Labrador dogs are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation and obesity. Other health concerns that may occasionally occur among this breed are diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis and muscular dystrophy.

Richard Cussons is great lover of Retrievers. Discover more about Labrador dogs at Labrador Savvy.com.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_244450_54.html

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