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The Labrador Retriever gives the Golden Retriever a run for its money as to which between the two is the most popular family dog in the world. The Labrador Retriever's friendliness, behavior with children, affectionate and kind disposition and faithfulness are qualities that set it above all other dogs in the world. One look at a Labrador Retriever puppy and your heart will melt as it looks at you with its alert eyes. Next to the Golden Retriever, they are most sought after as companion dogs for children and the elderly. They are highly dependable and loyal and very protective of their masters as well. Bred chiefly as a gun dog, Labs are generally used for assisting in hunting and they love water tremendously. Their dependability and soundness of temperament has resulted in the breed being trained and developed to perform guide dog duties for the blind and disabled. In the U.S. and other countries worldwide the Labrador Retriever is considered as a high-quality, special purpose dog that can be trained to perform bomb and drug sniffing duties by military and police. Compatibility and Usage: The breed is native to New Foundland, Canada and gained prominence as a fisherman's dog. Labrador Retrievers are originally known as St. John's dog and acknowledged having been developed from the Buccleuch Avon kennels in the 1880's. Physical Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is muscular, slightly longer than tall and sports a water-resistant coat in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. Male Labradors stand between 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall and weigh between 65 to 80 pounds while the female Labs stand almost as tall as the male at 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches and weighs slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds. Temperament: There are no ways about the temperament of Labrador retrievers. They are like the angels of all dogs. He is good tempered, caring and committed. Extremely possessive and protective about their owners, the Labrador retrievers are super intelligent and can adapt to any environment. The popularity of Labrador retrievers is more because of him having become a great family dog and because labs are very gentle with children. A Lab retriever unlike other big dogs is not territorial by nature and aggression is controlled and hence it can mix around with other dogs easily. Caring & Health: Regardless of color, all Labrador Retrievers turn white around the muzzle area as they get older. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years and have an unbelievable appetite. Their number one problem is obesity. Other medical conditions they are susceptible to as knee and joint problems, elbow and hip dysplasia and ear infection. Regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent fungus formation inside the canals of their droopy ears. Choosing a great family dog has become easier thanks to the Labrador retriever, which is probably the most lovable companion you can ever have!
Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com
About the Author: Mike Mathews is the owner and publisher of the popular Dog-Breed-Facts.com website. His new ebook titled "Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle" is a great resource for the new dog owner.
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