Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Choose White Labradors For An Ideal Family Pet

By Anna Hernandez


Both official and unofficial sites list the Labrador Retriever as the world's favorite dog breed. Certainly it tops the charts with the American Kennel Club. The United Kingdom and Canada also rate it as most popular. If you want white Labradors, be sure to contact reputable breeders.

Labs have a long history of helping pull in fishing nets and is also very popular as a gun dog. It is friendly and sociable but also full of energy. If they don't have enough to do, they become bored and may take to wandering. They are great with children, being gentle and patient. They are also easy to train as they like pleasing their owners.

The breed is very versatile. Thousands bring pleasure to families simply as pets. They are also used in a number of official capacities. The majority of guide dogs for the blind are Labs. They are used in detection work of all kinds by the military, customs and police. Being an assistance dog is another task they perform well. They are also excelling as companions and 'minders' to autistic children.

If not given basic obedience training, they tend to be very boisterous. A dog which may weigh up to 90 pound can be a potential hazard around small children and the elderly. Luckily they are not hard to train. Some become overweight as they are constantly looking for food. With a busy life and plenty of exercise, they will be happy to stay home and will not develop destructive tendencies.

As a legacy of its early career spent near the water, the Labrador has webbed paws and loves the water. The broad, strong 'otter' tail is another characteristic. The short coat is dense but not wiry. It is slightly oily which increases the water-repellent qualities.

The official colors are yellow, chocolate and black. Yellow dogs range from white to rust red. White dogs were achieved by selective breeding of the lightest colored dogs. In the rush to meet the demand for a white coat, there was a certain amount of line-breeding and inbreeding. Without a good knowledge of inbreeding, genetic defects can become ingrained.

When closely related dogs are allowed to mate, the offspring inherits both favorable and undesirable features. Genetic disorders are often passed on. Genuine breeders will not attempt to fast-pace their breeding program. They will offer to show you documentation of the bloodlines. Their breeding stock will have been tested for genetic conditions.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are reasonably common. Dogs can be tested and given a score for the condition of their joints. A range from 0 to 106 is possible with low scores being more desirable. A breed average of 16 has been given for this breed. It is preferable that stud stock have scores well below the average. Eye problems also occur. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative condition of the retina and can lead to partial or total blindness. By contacting a licensed breeder, you will find white Labradors which are healthy and sound.




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