Feedback from the owners of Labradors. Labrador retriever: description, nature
Currently, Labrador Retrievers, orLabradors, are among the top five most favorite and popular breeds of dogs. This pet with an active, faithful and affectionate character immediately becomes a universal favorite.
Origin
The history of the formation of the rock has severalversions based on legends. It is believed that it originates on the island of Newfoundland (now this area belongs to Canada). One part of the learned community recognizes the version that originally the Labradors were only black, so they are named because of the similarity of the shade to the labradorite stone. Other specialists suggest that the breed is bred on the Labrador Peninsula.
In the XIX-XX centuries interest in this breed was greatEnglish aristocrats. Reviews of the owners of Labradors of that time made her a fashionable hunting dog, distinguished by a special nobility. Influential people created nurseries in their possessions, conducted genealogical books, and organized demonstration competitions.
The glory of this extraordinary pet spread to all countries of the world. Every day he conquers the hearts of new dog breeders.
Character
Most of all labradors like activeactivities and the attention of its owner. They are patient enough, they are always ready to go for a walk with pleasure. In a domestic setting, these pets play happily with their children. However, one should be careful when playing with the baby. Labrador never deliberately harms a small member of the family, but in an attack of puppy delight can accidentally overturn or scratch.
Life optimism, good nature and energy, beatingkey - all these qualities are characteristic and normal for a breed such as a labrador retriever. Customer reviews describe the cases when these pets were so infectiously frolicking that they even pulled in their merriment even adult masters. The whole character of the Labrador is reflected in his intelligent, faithful and good-natured look.
Loneliness is bad for these pets. They miss, staying locked up for a long time.
Main Standards and Characteristics
The international standard FCI indicates that the averageLife expectancy in Labradors is 10-13 years. Height or height in the withers' withers area is 55-62 cm, bitches - 53-59 cm; body weight - 25-32 kg (for bitches), 28-36 kg (for males) - such standards have a labrador retriever. Characteristics and reviews of owners give such pedigree descriptions:
- a pet with a strong chest, a straight back, a powerful neck and strong, well-developed paws creates the impression of a dog of a dense physique;
- the head looks powerful because of the large cranial breadth, not pointed, with the broad muzzle of the nose of the muzzle has a pronounced transition from the forehead;
- The eyes of a brown or nutty shade look benevolent and intelligent;
- far-set and hanging ears with their mobility convey the mood of the pet;
- thick at the base and narrow at the tip of the tail has an average length and stiff hair, resembling an otter's tail;
- movements are free.
A modern dog, according to breed standards,can be of three varieties in color: brown, entirely black or pale. The latter type means all the options, from light cream to red.
Optimal living conditions
From the character description it is clear that thisfour-legged friends are characterized by a lively temperament and energy. The ideal place for their stay is a country house with a plot where you can frolic for a long time. However, the feedback of Labrador owners says that she is happy in the apartment if the dog breeder has time for regular walks in the park area, forays into nature and constant training. The main thing for a pet is not the number of square meters, but the length of outdoor games and active entertainment. Unearned energy can lead not only to apathy and anguish of the animal, but also to destructive behavior and unpleasant actions.
Training
This four-legged friend perfectly suits eveninexperienced dog breeder. The natural mind, patience and ingenuity are qualities that help to easily teach a pet such a breed as a labrador. The owners' comments say that the dog is remarkably easy to train, and lessons with it deliver only joy. The pet tries to please his master in every way. The only thing that can be a small obstacle in learning is a playful character. A dog can be distracted by the entertainment in which she would like to participate, especially in the early period of life. Youth in the representatives of this breed lasts about three years. Even at an older age they do not want to change their puppy habits and prefer to frolic, when dogs of other breeds are already becoming serious at this time.
Where can it come in handy?
The dog of this breed is very versatile. She can become just a pet, and be used as a rescuer, guide, hunter or policeman. Initially, the breed was bred as a working dog, so it is characterized by strength and endurance.
Currently, these dogs are successfully used inrescue operations. The feedback of Labrador owners in most cases indicates that their four-legged friend is a born swimmer. It not only swims remarkably well, but is also capable of working in icy water due to the waterproofness of the wool cover.
Quite often you can see Labrador in the rolepoliceman. You should know that this pet's scent is 25% better and better than the German Shepherd. Thanks to his balance and intelligence, he does an excellent job. At the same time, his motivation is devotion and loyalty to people, and not a born malice, like some other breeds of dogs. For example, in the UK, a Labrador named Yogi was awarded the Knight Gold Medal for the discovery of 490 cargoes containing drugs.
There are cases when these dogs helped patients with epilepsy, warning the host about another attack.
But to use this pet as an evil guard is unlikely to succeed. He is too friendly and completely non-aggressive to scare away strangers and protect the object.
Reviews
Activity, dedication, friendliness and goodappetite - that's how their Labrador owners describe their pets. Your feedback about the breed, most likely, will also note these qualities, if a decision is made to take this dog to your family. By nature, it is suitable for everyone and perfectly suits in families with children. Many reviews indicate that the pet with his love of life and kindness has strengthened friendly relations in the family. Apparently, it is not in vain considered that this breed is a symbol of family well-being and happiness.
Memo to the owner of a Labrador puppy
Puppy is a fragile creature with weak ligaments andmuscles. It is important without having to not take it or do it right, that is, hold tight so as not to miss it. Raise the baby with both hands under the chest and seat at the same time, only not under the tummy.
The habitat of the puppy should be spacious and soft, away from drafts. In the room you need to remove small items, wires and other hazards.
It is necessary to comply with all the hygiene procedures described in the "Care" section of this article. Feeding is described in the "Power" section.
What can not be done:
- feed with sharp bones, since there is a risk of internal bleeding;
- pull the objects out of the mouth for up to 8 months, so as not to damage the bite;
- give sweets, pastries, fatty and fried (this applies to adult dogs);
- offer hot or cold (from the refrigerator) food;
- often bathe;
- stroking the ears;
- to lower the baby on the stairs before 4 months;
- long walk after eating;
- To swing or beat when punished;
- to drive a puppy on a harness.
Care
The main activities are based on the propensity of thisthe dog to fullness and its hyperactivity. Regular long walks and loads are necessary, as well as control over food. A city dog living in an apartment must walk in the morning and in the evening, for a total of not less than three hours.
Thick, short and stiff to the touch - solooks like a wool coat pupils breed Labrador. The owners' reviews confirm that the dog mildly sheds only in the spring and requires minimal care for the coat. It should be simply combed regularly with a rubber brush.
You need to bathe your pet as necessary in clean water. Sometimes you can use a shampoo for dogs with a soft formula.
This pet needs periodic inspectioneyes, claws and teeth, which should be cleaned as needed by yourself or a specialist (depending on the problem). Particular attention should be paid to the ears. Since they are hanging, they are more susceptible to infections and parasitic diseases.
You should remember about the timely vaccination and taking anthelmintic drugs.
Food
You can feed as a special food (betterclass "super-premium"), and natural food. Meat products (lamb, veal, turkey or beef) should be half the diet of a representative of the Labrador Retriever breed. The owners' comments point out that these dogs are very voracious, so the food should be right and balanced. The second half of the diet should consist of cereals (rice, buckwheat, wheat), vegetables and fermented milk products with a reduced fat content. With excess weight, a good porridge serves well. Vegetable dishes are better to digest. Of vegetables should be preferred zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, greens and cabbage.
Vitamins should be prescribed by a veterinarianindividual characteristics of the pet. This breed of dogs is often given not only vitamin and mineral complexes, but also special preparations that reduce appetite and slow the conversion of carbohydrates into fat.
Conclusion
Clever, cheerful and kind dog, demandingregular physical activity, - so scientists describe Labrador breed. The owners' comments on the dogs of this breed confirm this. This pet can not be left in a long solitude and inaction. This will lead to obesity, depression and bad behavior. Labrador will become a true friend to every owner, who will have the opportunity to walk with him daily and pay attention to his pet.