For people looking to enjoy the company of a new pet at home, you should definitely consider the Labrador Retriever. It’s no wonder the breed is the most popular dog in the US, Canada, and the UK according to kennel registrations.
Without a doubt, their increasing popularity is a direct result of their well-balanced and friendly nature. So well-balanced in fact that Labrador Retrievers happen to be the most common choice of a guide dog for the visually impaired and choice of hearing dog for the deaf. The breed itself accounts for up to 70% of total assistance dogs in some countries.
As a good-natured breed, Labrador Retrievers sometimes referred to as Labradors or just as Labs, have the reputation of being great family pets. This reputation is well earned because they are known to be friendly with children of all ages, as well as other pets.
In appearance, Labradors come in three color variations – yellow, ranging from cream colored to a fox-red, chocolate, ranging from medium to dark brown, and black. They are typically 55 to 130 lbs and grow to be around 21 to 25 inches in height. The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 10 to 12 years.
Because most Labrador Retrievers mature around the age of three, you should expect an energetic dog who loves to play an endless game of catch, frisbee, flyball, etc. Because of this, it is also recommended that you leash-train your dog early on, to help prevent pulling as the dog matures. If you are looking for a calmer pet, consider adopting an older Lab.
Labrador hybrids are also a popular choice and include breeds such as the Labradoodle, which sees a Labrador crossed with a Poodle, Mastadors, which crosses a Labrador with a Mastiff, and Spanadors, which are crossed with Cocker Spaniels.
So, if you are looking for the perfect pet to bring home to your family, be sure that you keep Labrador Retrievers in mind. Their mild and playful temperaments, plus their loyalty and compassion towards their owners, make them an excellent candidate for becoming your family’s newest member.
