Labrador Retriever as Hunting Dog
The Labrador retriever has a broad head, thick nose, scissors bite and a pronounced stop. Its muzzle is fairly wide and its neck is powerful. The eyes are chestnut or hazel with an intelligent expression. The medium-sized ears are pendant. The otter tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering, and completely covered with hair. Its limbs have good bone structure. The webbed feet aid in swimming. The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and high strung. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, agility, and competitive obedience. Labs bred from English lines (English Labs) are more calm and laid back than Labradors bred from American lines. English Labs mature quicker than the American type.
Height: Dogs 56-61cm. Bitches 53-58cm.
Weight: Dogs 27-34kg. Bitches 25-32kg.
Some males can grow to 45kg or more. Some of the health concerns with the Labrador Retriever include: hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need a lot of exercise. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight. The smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders. It is very important to clean the Labradors ears on a regular basis. Labs tend to get ear infections easily, and prevention is better than constant treatment. If your Labrador is one who swims or gets wet often, the ears must be cleaned after these activities to prevent an ear infection starting from the moisture in the ear. The breed is outstanding as an obedience and field trial competitor.
