Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed all over the world. The dog has a lot of innate talents and is predisposed to quickly acquiring the skills and abilities necessary for the owner. If you are looking for a beautiful dog with a powerful and strong build, with a soft and easy-going character, which can become your faithful assistant in hunting, fishing and family, then this breed is ideal for you.
Breed characteristics and external data
Labrador is one of the most popular pet breeds. They are distinguished from other animals by their wonderful character. “Labrick” will be a wonderful companion; he willingly adapts to his owner and loves children. Kids of the Labrador Retriever breed are not prone to aggression, they are caring and affectionate. In addition to the initial hunting role, your new friend can serve:
- companion;
- guide;
- lifeguard;
- bloodhound.
A purebred dog can boast of a good appearance. The dog is strongly built, with strong bones. Acceptable height at the withers is 54-57 cm. It has a wide skull, chest, and loin. The dog's front paws are clawed and straight, the toes are arched, with well-developed pads. The coat is short and thick, repels water. The muzzle is massive, wide, with well-developed nostrils. A distinctive feature of the breed is its not very long, thick tail, gradually tapering towards the base, without bending behind the back.
Suitable for living in an apartment or outdoors?
Labrador is a versatile dog. In the summer, they actively shed, which allows them to get rid of excess hair. In winter, on the contrary, they grow overgrown; a warm undercoat also saves them from frost.
You can keep them both on the street and in a house or apartment. They can easily withstand high and low temperatures. The main thing is that if your dog still remains in the yard for the winter, provide him with an insulated enclosure and a kennel where he can hide from severe frosts.
In the summer, your Labrador should always have a cool, shaded place where he can rest from the heat. If you are still worried about your pet, you can leave it indoors during the winter. In the summer, spraying your dog with water from a hose will help combat high temperatures. This process can be turned into a game.
How to choose the right puppy
Choose a Labrador Retriever responsibly, because this is a creature that you will have to take care of for at least 10-15 years. Nuances:
- Do not make this decision yourself; if you do not live alone, be sure to discuss the issue with your family. Distribute caregiving responsibilities among family members, but remember that it will be difficult for a small child to cope with a hyperactive dog.
- Make a decision - you want to have a dog or a bitch. Males for the most part are larger and stronger than females, making them much more difficult to walk with. They strive to show other dogs “who’s boss” and are already interested in the opposite sex at a young age. Girls are more affectionate, calm and become more attached to their owner. Problems with them can arise during the estrus period, which lasts 21 days twice a year.
- Think about where to choose your puppy. You should attend several large dog shows and try to contact an experienced breeder there. In such places, only promising puppies with interesting pedigrees and all the necessary documents are almost always exhibited. There you can also find titled parents for your future retriever.
- The description and cost of puppies can be found on the Internet. Each large breeder has its own website, which describes breed standards and prices. Trusted nurseries can guarantee that puppies will be fully vaccinated. Avoid flea markets where no one can provide the puppy's measurements.
Purpose of acquisition
This is a universal dog with a wide variety of working qualities. The main purposes for purchasing retrievers are for show, breeding, hunting, or just as a pet. The requirements for dogs that will perform are very strict, which will make choosing a puppy difficult. When choosing a hunter, it is important that the dog is not cowardly or timid during puppyhood. For a pet, the main requirements are health, good mental health and an affordable price.
Criterias of choice
- Breeder qualifications - choose proven ones.
- Male or female - according to qualities.
- The price of a puppy varies between 30-60 thousand rubles.
- Working qualities of parents - depending on the purpose of acquisition.
- Temperament and type - according to your preferences.
- The structure of the hairline should be thick and water-repellent.
- The physical condition of the puppy is healthy, plays, vaccinated.
- The tail should be short and thick at the base. Should not curl over the back, as in some breeds.
- Muzzle – with narrow and thick ears; pupils are colorless.
Which coat color do you prefer?
Breed standards allow three types of retriever colors: black, beige (brown) and fawn (dudley). Often future owners think that there are differences other than visual ones. The temperament, character and health of a puppy do not depend in any way on color. The psychological factor is on the side of light-colored dogs - people subconsciously treat them more calmly. Fawn Labrador puppies are widely advertised, which is the description of the dog people imagine when they hear about Labradors.
Bitch: character
There is an opinion that Labrador Retriever females have a more submissive and gentle character. But experts believe that character largely depends on heredity and individual characteristics. There are always exceptions, bitches with a very difficult character, and there are males with an easy-going and submissive character. But still, there is a difference in the behavior of the sexes. There are advantages and disadvantages for female and male genders.
Advantages:
- Strong relationship with owner and home
- Emotionally sensitive perception
- Girls are smarter and smarter than boys
- Accepts training tasks well
- During walks, he runs less in the bushes
- Doesn't rush at strangers
- The breed is ideal for breeding, just one assessment from the exhibition is enough
Flaws:
- Sly
- Periodic menstruation
Diet of a small Labrador
A dog, if it is fed correctly, always has the same weight, looks healthy, its coat is shiny and free of dandruff. A good appetite is an indicator that the dog is being fed properly. At a young age, it is better for the pet to be rather thin in appearance than fat, so as not to interfere with the development of tendons and joints. It is better to stick to the diet that the breeder practiced, and only introduce new products over time.
Approximate daily diet for a small Labrador: meat 15 g per 1 kg of dog weight, carbohydrates - 5 g per 1 kg of weight, fats - 2 g per 2 kg of weight. Don't forget to drink - clean water should always be available. Stick to the formula above and avoid:
- fatty pork;
- sausages;
- peppery and spicy foods;
- bones (can lead to constipation);
- spoiled products;
- any sweets.
How many times should you feed your puppy?
Until two months of age, Labrador puppies eat 6 times a day. Do not feed the puppy at night; distribute these 6 feedings throughout the day approximately every 3.5-4 hours, and then, as the number of feedings decreases, increase the interval between them. From 2 to 4 months the puppy is fed 5 times a day, from 4 to 5 months - 4 times, from 5 to 6 months - 3-4 times. From 6 months, gradually transfer your Labrador puppy to the diet of an adult Labrador. From the age of 6 months, feed your Labrador twice – in the morning and in the evening, at certain hours.
What to feed with a natural diet
If you feed your Labrador with regular food, it is important to properly balance the diet. Remember: Labrador puppies are not gourmets, there is no need to try to diversify their food - it is better for the food to be the same, but always complete. Any flavoring additives (spices, ketchups, mayonnaise, etc.) are harmful and dangerous for a dog. Include in your diet:
- Meat is a large part of natural nutrition. Any part of beef is included in the diet (goulash is suitable, take tendons, veins, trachea, cheeks), lamb is recommended. Give the meat raw, fresh or after freezing. You cannot cook it for a long time if it is intended for a dog.
- Vegetables and fruits, herbs (vegetable components are given lightly stewed in a frying pan, boiled in water).
- Porridge. Keep in mind that many people love buckwheat and are allergic to it.
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Premium ready-made food
When feeding your Labrador with ready-made food, there will be no problems with choosing a diet. The question is one thing - the food needs to be selected successfully. Buying the most expensive one will not guarantee that it will suit your dog. Buy food in small packages at first. Study how your Labrador reacts to it, whether there are any allergic reactions: check for redness in the ears, belly, and interdigital spaces. See if your Labrador eats this food with pleasure. Pay attention to dry food from the Holistic line.
Health
Another characteristic of the Labrador is its tendency to overeat. You will have to make sure that your pet does not begin to gain weight, otherwise deterioration in health will inevitably occur. First of all, the joints begin to suffer, and for such active dogs this is a real disaster.
In general, Labradors are a fairly healthy breed. This does not mean that you will only have to see a veterinarian if you are sick. You will definitely need to get your dog vaccinated regularly and take him to the veterinarian for routine checkups.
Although you will have to learn some manipulations yourself: mobile Labradors often hurt their paws and can get injured. It is necessary to have a veterinary first aid kit in your home; a veterinarian or breeder will help you stock it.
And finally, we come to the most important question: where to buy a puppy.
How to arrange a place of detention
When you have a small puppy, you need to create a “place” for him where the baby can sleep. Place the “place” in a dry, not very warm room - for example, a room or a hallway, not near a central heating radiator, not near a stove, and not on the go. Excessive heat has a bad effect on the animal; it will interfere with your pet’s sleep. It is advisable not to place the puppy in the hallway or kitchen if the size of the apartment allows a different arrangement.
The “place” for the first time can be a small, not deep box (or box), with a mattress pad, which must be washed occasionally. For “space,” avoid drafts. Labrador puppies eagerly go to their place with all the toys and bones. The little Labrador sleeps a lot, so give him that part of the apartment where it is as quiet as possible most of the time.
The main character traits of a Labrador Retriever: female or male?
The Labrador Retriever puppy is an active and restless pet. If you take care of and train your puppy, you can avoid pampering. Constant damage to things does not indicate the baby’s bad character, he is just very active and needs somewhere to throw out his energy. You can buy toys for him, he will be active with them, direct his energy to playing with them. Already from 3-4 months (the time of socialization), he is able to perceive the general rules of education. At this time, it is important to begin socializing and training the dog.
Features of education and training
As you train your dog, you will develop your own methodology. The main thing is that the classes are friendly and useful. Follow the generally accepted Labrador training tips to help train your puppy:
- Choose a site where there will be no one except you and the dog.
- Classes should be short - children are not able to concentrate for long.
- If you use a toy as a reward, use the item only for activities. Then it will be of great value to the Labrador.
- If you reward with treats, they should be in the form of small pieces that are easy to swallow.
- All “goodies” are excluded from the daily diet.
- End your classes on a happy and positive note.
Is it possible to influence and correct the character of a Labrador Retriever?
Raising and training a Labrador Retriever is of great importance, as soon as you bring him into your home. Do not allow people to chew things, stop attempts to pester strangers while walking, do not allow them to eat from someone else’s hands, pick up food from the floor, or beg for food from you while eating. It is forbidden to jump on and bite people, even to show your love. Only training and proper upbringing will change a dog’s character for the better. The puppy training process is based on the method of motivation, encouragement and praise. It is prohibited and unacceptable to treat the dog harshly during training.
Where to buy a Labrador in Moscow
It is worth paying attention to nurseries registered according to the rules of the RKF. As a rule, the older the nursery, the more guarantees it can provide. A simple search on the Internet reveals many similar companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Amar Vasant kennel was registered and licensed in 1998, provides free consultations on the selection of puppies, and a detailed description of the dogs is available. Many of the nursery's Labradors have been successfully exhibited at various competitions, including the Russian Championship.
Accustoming to neatness
The main thing to remember is that the older the dog gets, the more difficult it is to toilet train him. Therefore, training should begin as soon as the puppy appears in the house.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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You should always praise your pet after defecation in the designated area. Thus, the puppy forms positive associations. If suddenly the dog begins to shit, then you are only allowed to scold him in a stern tone, but not to beat him. You should respond to such calls immediately so that the reflex quickly becomes established in your pet.
