Over the past few years, Labrador retriever puppies have become one of the most popular dog breeds in America. The AKC (American Kennel Club) lists this breed as the #1 registered dog breed for 2008 and 2009. This breed is recognized as an excellent hunting dog as well as a loyal family pet.
Labrador retrievers did not actually originate in Labrador as their name suggests. Their roots trace back to Newfoundland in the early 1800's when small water dogs were mixed with the large Newfoundland breed. The result was a dog called the St. John's water dog which evolved into what we know now as the Labrador. It became readily apparent that these dogs were great hunting dogs with their speed, capability of swimming and their retrieving instincts.
There are three main colors recognized in the breed. These are black, chocolate (brown) and yellow. Many feature white markings and some yellow labs have a lot of white to where they look almost entirely white. Puppies grow quickly and often reach their full size by the time they are 7 months old. Females can stand up to 23 inches and weigh as much as 70 pounds. The males weigh up to 80 pounds and may reach 24 inches high.
These puppies are trainable but are extremely active and full of energy. They are very playful and have rambunctious natures which can be exhausting to their owners. This is why starting them out with training at an early age is so vital. The two things you will want them to learn early are to sit and not jump up onto people and to walk on a leash. Any money spent on early obedience classes will be well worth it as the lab gets older.
No matter which approach you take in training the puppies, it is important that all members of the household follow the same routine. There must be consistency in what is taught or the dog will be confused. For instance, if one person does not allow the dog to sit on the couch but another person does allow it, the dog will not know what he is supposed to do. As they are so intelligent, this conflict may actually lead the dog to sneaky behavior. The best approach is firm yet gentle training. This will create strong bonds with everyone in the family.
Lab puppies love to eat and some grow rapidly. But a fast rate of growth makes them susceptible to hip dysplasia, a joint problem of the hips. To help combat this it's recommended they be fed a diet low in protein (food with 25% protein or less) and a formula that's designed specifically for larger dog breeds. Labs are also prone to obesity as they age. Carefully monitoring diet and providing ample exercise will help hinder this trend.
As stated, labs learn easily. And they love to please their masters. Not only are they terrific hunting companions and great family pets, they're also commonly used as search and rescue animals, narcotics detectors for law enforcement and guide dogs for the blind.
Bringing a lab puppy into your home is equal to adding a new family member. With plenty of affection, proper training and the right care, these dogs will be lifelong loving and loyal companions.
Get more information about the characteristics and traits that you should ask for when selecting your pet from a litter of labrador retriever puppies. By contacting a reputable and reliable labrador retriever breeder, you'll find your perfect pet in no time!
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