Are you thinking about getting a Labrador Retriever puppy? Want to know if they are wonderful family dogs? Here are the Top 10 Answers for your Labrador Retriever Questions from a Lab owner.
Labrador Retrievers are America’s number one popular dog and with good reason.
They are fantastic family dogs who enjoy staying home as much as they do taking a long hike in the woods.
There are 2 distinct breeds of Labrador Retrievers, English and American.
Each is bred for different things. The major differences are physical and temperamental differences.
No matter which one you choose, they will probably be the best companion you’ve ever had. Both are wonderful dogs and choices.
English Labrador Retrievers versus American Labrador Retrievers.
English Labrador Retrievers
My dog Callie is an English Labrador retriever.
- English labs are medium-sized and heavier looking dogs.
- They have blockier chest and barrel type chests.
- A wider head and powerful looking neck.
- They look more like the typical breed standard when full grown because they have the thicker necks, shorter bodies and shorter legs.
- Their coats are thicker than an American lab.
- They are the ultimate water dog!
Another distinction is the otter like a tail on an English lab. They have a straighter, thicker tail built to help them swim through water.
American Labrador Retreivers
American Labs are slimmer and more athletic looking than English Labs.
- Narrow face and longer noses.
- They have a thinner coat compared to the English lab and a longer neck.
- American labs tails are longer and many curl up at the end. American Labs have longer legs and look taller.
They are great playmates for kids and families.
Which Should I get American or English lab
Either! Both types of labs are sweet and loving dogs who will do anything to please their owners.
An American lab can have a higher energy level than an English lab. Therefore, the American labs will need more exercise than their counterparts.
We know English labs for their quiet and calm demeanors. They are mellow pets.
Are Labrador Retrievers good for Allergy Sufferers?
No! Unfortunately not.
While studies have shown that Labrador Retrievers have lower allergen levels than other breeds because of their love of swimming, they are not hypoallergenic.
Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, especially in the spring and summer months. That’s bad news for those suffering from pet allergies.
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you must look for a Poodle, Goldendoodle ( f1b ) or Yorkshire terriers.
What are the most Common Allergies do Labrador Retrievers have?
Food allergies are number one allergies for Labrador Retrievers. Callie is allergic to chicken. It causes her to itch non-stop.
Most Labrador Retrievers have some kind of food allergies, mainly because of these ingredients:
- Chicken is the number one allergy in labs.
- Chicken eggs
- Beef
- Corn
- Soy
- Fish
- Wheat
Food allergies in Labs include itchy skin, hair loss, ear infections and skin infections. They can also have a frequency in bowel movements.
While you can treat pet allergies with antibiotics, they will return once they halt the antibiotics.
Do Labrador Retrievers love Cold Weather and the Snow?
Labs love the snow! Your dogs should never live outdoors as it can get to cold.
However, Labrador Retriever's love cold weather to play outside. Labradors have a short, dense double water-repellant coat that helps keep them warm outdoors.
Cold weather shouldn’t be an issue for many dogs until it falls below 45 degrees.
I always use baby wipes on my dog's paws, underbelly and face and tails after playing outside if it’s snowing.
What Colors do Labrador Retriever's come in?
Basically, there are only three different Labrador colors recognized by the AKC.
- Black
- Brown ( Chocolate or Liver colored )
- White or Yellow
However, in practice there are many more shades of yellow colors in Labs from pale white to the fox red.
Have you heard of Silver Lab’s?
While this is not a traditionally recognized color, they have become more and more popular.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?
The average life span of a lab is 10-14 years. A recent study suggests that Chocolate Labs live the shorter lives than Black or Yellow Labs.
There are many factors in the life span of a Lab. They include diet, healthcare management, and even inherited disease.
It’s important to have your Lab vet checked yearly to keep it as healthy as possible.
Do Labrador Retriever's shed?
Oh, my yes! They do! A lot in the spring and summer months.
I vacuum my house daily, if not twice a day during shedding season. I keep a lint roller in my house, my car, and even in my bedroom.
I come home and I have my dog’s hair on my jeans. I leave and I have dog hair on my jeans.
How to Control A Labrador Retriever's Shedding
No matter what, you're going to have dog hair. However, how much depends on how well you can keep up with your dog's coats.
- We highly recommend using a Roomba and setting it to run twice daily.
- On top of that I run my Dyson Vacuum cleaner a couple times a week.
- I brush my dog's daily.
- I feed fish oil supplements to my dog on a daily basis
Final Thoughts on Getting a Labrador Retriever?
If you’re thinking of getting one, do it! Best decision you’ll ever make!
If you’ve already got a lab, you know what magnificent dogs they make. Labrador’s are one of the best dogs for kids.
They are smart, good-natured and take everything in stride as long as they are with you.The friendly Labrador Retriever loves everyone!
They are great dogs! I highly recommend if looking for a new family member.
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