Thursday, April 4, 2013

English Labradors Offer Love, Loyalty, And Companionship

By Leola Walls


If someone is considering adopting a dog, English Labradors are a great choice. These large, intelligent dogs are very gentle, easy to train, and are generally not aggressive. It is necessary to provide them with enough exercise and activity to keep them physically and emotionally healthy however, since they are rather energetic, big dogs. Their famous loyal and loving disposition has earned this breed a place of honor as a top choice in family pets.

While Labradors are one breed of dog, there are two varieties; English and American. They differ in build and facially; the English Lab is shorter, stockier, and lighter in weight than their American counterparts, with males weighing 70-95 pounds and females weighing 60-85 pounds on average. This dog also has a wider head and muzzle than the American Lab.

The strong body of these dogs makes them especially suited to hearty, outdoor activity such as hunting, which Labs were in fact originally bred for. These dogs have soft, straight fur that may have a slight waviness to it, and the coat color can be either black, yellow, or brown. A Lab is normally a solid color, but may have a small patch of white on the chest. It has strong jaws and a medium-sized muzzle, and dark eyes which usually convey its intelligence and kindness.

One of the main reasons Labs are such popular family pets is their sweet and pleasant demeanor. English Labs specifically are very docile and are easily trained, American Labs on the other hand can prove to be a bit more of a challenge due to their higher excitability. Generally these dogs are eager to please their master and very patient. The activity and noise of children and other pets does not upset them either, making them an ideal choice for families.

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Lab has developed an ability to be simultaneously silent and still while also being alert. An exceptionally keen sense of smell further increases their skill as a hunter. They naturally love water and can swim well when the situation calls for it. The British Lab is also less likely to bark excessively and is normally a quiet pet.

Labs are not hard to look after in terms of grooming. A weekly brushing, with special care given to their thick undercoat, is needed as well as an occasional bath or dry shampooing. Nails will need trimming from time to time too. This breed sheds moderately with the seasons as many dogs will. Providing the dog with a healthy dry dog kibble diet is necessary, and they may also enjoy other foods which have been vet-approved as snacks. Regular medical care and vaccines are important, as is watching for signs of those ailments Labs are prone to including; gastric torsion, PRA, mast cell tumors, eye disorders, and hip and elbow dysplasia. A healthy Labrador can live 10-14 years.

As a large dog, Labs are naturally very active and mentally curious; this means that the animal needs to have sufficient amounts of physical activity and mental stimulation in order to remain happy and healthy. Taking them for a walk or run a couple times a day is important, as is teaching them to heel so they understand that the human is in control. They enjoy playing fetch as well.

With demonstrated intelligence, strength, and stamina, Labs are often chosen for work as guide dogs for the disabled and blind, search and rescue animals, and police work. English Labradors are specifically used more for such jobs because of their naturally calm character.




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