All gun dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Cocker and Springer Spaniels, Pointers and Setters to name just some, are incredibly popular house dogs. This is because they are generally attentive and amenable breeds and make good family pets. The Labrador is the most widespread breed in USA and Great Britain, well above any other breed.

Origins of the Breed

The beginnings of the Labrador started when the British upper classes took a lot of interest in dogs coming from Newfoundland which were used to pull fishing nets on the seashore, and these were used to cultivate the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever breeds that we know in the present day.

All gun dog breeds have their origins in the 1700s when the use of guns for hunting grew to become a new hobby with the land-owning classes. The dogs needed to grasp quite complicated instructions, follow scent trails and maybe swim. These gun dogs needed to listen to and obey complicated commands and have a willingness to be trained. Even though black Labradors were initially chosen, chocolate and yellow were accepted by the 1900s, and acquired huge popularity all over the world thereafter.

Features of Labradors

Labradors are keen and lively dogs who get pleasure from life. They often take more time to grow out of puppy hood - up to three or more years as opposed to the two years for most dogs. Lots of owners will advise you their Labrador never left puppy hood! This characteristic playfulness and puppy behaviour is what makes the breed so desirable to many owners, but it takes considerable time, energy and perseverance from the owner to focus and manage this excitement and high spirits.

There's two distinctive types within the Labrador breed. Generally family dogs are of the sturdy 'box' appearance weighing in at roughly 66 to 88lbs. The working dog part of the breed are usually slighter and trimmer at around 50-55lbs with a higher energy level than the bigger family dogs. The character of these working dogs is frequently more akin to Springer Spaniels.

All Labradors are high octane dogs who, if they could talk, would exclaim 'More!', 'Again!', 'Me, Me, Me!' But they are great chums and family pets though enormously time-consuming especially as puppies and young dogs.

The adaptability and intelligence of the breed has led it to become used in a range of jobs - not just as a gun dog. Police work as sniffer dogs for drugs and explosives, guide dogs for the blind and search and rescue are just a few of the ways the Labrador is employed.

A House for Labradors - Can You Meet the Challenge?

Labradors are challenging and spirited dogs even while (or perhaps if!) they grow into maturity. They need continuous psychological and physical stimulation to keep them busy. Needless to say, these dogs will need a dynamic family that is active and continuously on the go. They require substantial exercise so they will not suit the quiet, stay at home types! They are in general excellent with kids and are mostly very uncomplaining and calm - but nevertheless playful and great fun, making them ideal family pets.

You need to brush the dog only once a week so they are less demanding in that sense, but are apt to moult a lot so beware! You will have to to spend time dog obedience training your Labrador and this should happen early on with the puppy, if possible the moment he arrives in your house. Once skilled in the basics you might advance towards advanced training, agility or perhaps showing your dog if he is a decent example of the breed. Whatever you choose just be certain that you keep your dog active!

There could be health issues with your Labrador Retriever. The attractiveness of the breed has regrettably led to haphazard breeding and there are at least 25 recognised inherited medical problems connected with the breed. There are, however, certificate programmes to aim to reduce several of these such as canine eye conditions and joint conditions. Chat to your vet - if possible before you buy a Labrador puppy - to get a thorough appreciation of the concerns.

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