Τετάρτη 11 Ιανουαρίου 2012

Labrador Retriever

                   The personality of the Labrador
                                                                                                                                                                   Beauty is very important of course, but Labrador is much more than a beautiful dog. The Labrador is
gentle soulful dogs that their purpose in life is to satisfy their bosses.
                                                          

The Labrador Retriever is the breed of dog that holds first place in the American and the English Kennel Club for many years and significant difference from the second race.This is because the labrador retriever is the ultimate family dog.The lack of aggression makes him an ideal companion for children.Labrador.
       
                                        
                      
            The Colors 
   
Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colours: black (a solid black colour), yellow (anything from light cream to "fox-red"), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). Some Labrador retrievers can have markings such as white patches on their chest and other areas, but most commonly they are one solid color.
Puppies of all colours can potentially occur in the same litter. Colour is determined primarily by three genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat's eumelanin pigment granules, if that pigment is allowed: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (E) locus determines whether the eumelanin is produced at all. A dog with the recessive e allele will produce only phaeomelanin pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus. The genes known about previously have had their number increased by the introduction of the K locus, where the dominant "black" allele KB is now known to reside. Black or chocolate Labradors therefore must have the KB allele. Yellow Labradors are determined at the E locus, so the K locus is irrelevant in determining their colour. Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat's colouration, which in yellow Labradors varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labradors' noses will match the coat colour.

                                           
                                    The Appearence                                       

          Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 29 to 41 kg (64 to 90 lb) and females 25 to 32 kg (55 to 71 lb). Labradors weighing close to or over 100 lb (45 kg) are considered obese or having a major fault under American Kennel Club standards, although some Labradors weigh significantly more. The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.
As with some other breeds, the Conformation (typically "English", "show" or "bench") and the Field (typically "American" or "working") lines differ, although both lines are bred in both countries. In general, however, Conformation Labradors tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their Field counterparts, which are often bred as taller, lighter-framed dogs, with slightly less broad faces and a slightly longer nose; however Field Labradors should still be proportional and fit within AKC standards. With field Labradors, excessively long noses, thin heads, long legs and lanky frames are not considered standard. These two types are informal and not codified or standardized; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia.
The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates. Some Labradors shed considerably; however, individual Labradors vary. Labrador hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. The webbing between their toes can also serve as a "snowshoe" in colder climates and keep snow from balling up between their toes- a condition that can be painful to other breeds with hair between the toes. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming.

                                                   

                                              The Character Of Labrador




It is believed the Labrador Retriever is always smiling with a twinkle in his eye. He's been described as loving the world. A Labrador with ideal temperament is 100-percent unflappable. No matter what's going on around him, he's cool, calm, and collected — unless, of course, he's being called on to play ball with the kids or show his talents in the field, when he can let loose with his natural exuberance. The loving Lab tolerates and forgives toddlers that pull his tail and tug on his ears in an effort to stand up. That doesn't mean, however, that he should be expected to put up with those things. The ever-patient Lab should be protected from mistreatment, however innocent the intent might be.
The Lab's very best qualities are that he's intelligent and easy to train. On the flip side, he likes to be busy, especially in puppy-hood. This is not a couch-potato dog that will be content to lie around all day, at least not until he's older. While a mature Lab is more laid back, the Lab puppy or adolescent that's not occupied with play, training, or work will turn to chewing, barking, and digging to keep himself entertained.

                                                What Are Lab's Needs?


When you look at his history, it's easy to see how and why the Labrador has become such a favorite among dog lovers. That relationship goes both ways, though. In return for his fun-loving companionship, the Labrador has certain needs of his own. Besides regular meals and a sturdy roof over his head, he needs plenty of exercise, consistent training, and interaction with his family. The Lab that's provided with all these things can't help but become your best friend.

These four black Labs are all related.

Exercise

Labs are sporting dogs. For almost 200 years, they've been bred to work all day in the field under any conditions. Not surprisingly, they enjoy activity, whether it be work or play. A Lab will be happy to play fetch for hours on end, to work on perfecting his obedience commands, or to go walking, hiking, jogging, or bicycling with you, or to train for agility, flyball, or other dog sports. Remember that they are hard-wired to be companion hunting dogs, retrieving over all kinds of terrain and in water, in close contact with people. This is one of the biggest areas of caution when it comes to choosing a Lab over another breed. These dogs need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and human contact. Expect to play with, train, or exercise your Lab at least three or four times daily, for at least fifteen to thirty minutes at a time.

Exercise Time Requirements

After puppyhood and up to five years of age, the typical play/exercise requirements for a Lab are a thirty- to forty-five-minute walk in the morning, a fifteen- to thirty-minute play period at lunchtime, and a forty-five- to sixty-minute walk before dinner with short potty breaks in the evening. If you have a fenced yard or access to a dog park, off-leash play can be spent retrieving, playing with other dogs, or practicing training commands. Swimming is also a favorite Lab sport.
The Labrador Retriever has a high activity level. This can be disconcerting to the person who's expecting a dog to relax with while watching ESPN or Survivor. The Lab will be happy to watch television with you, but only after hours of exercise and play.
Even older Labs need vigorous play and extended walks a couple of times a day to stay on an even keel. When their exercise needs are met, they're more content to sleep during the day while the family is at work or school. When their exercise needs aren't met, they can turn into demanding, stubborn, naughty dogs. They have strong personalities and won't be placated by anything else -- except, perhaps, food. One of the most common reasons people give when they take a Lab to the animal shelter is "I didn't realize he would need so much exercise, and I didn't have time to give it to him." To fully experience the Lab's wonderfully goofy, biddable, loving personality, be prepared to give him the exercise and human contact he craves.
  
                             Characteristics and Temperament

 
Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog. This includes a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals. But some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand—an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be slightly more independent than males. Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppy-like energy, often mislabelled as being hyperactive. Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown. Labradors often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as agility, frisbee, or flyball).
Although they will sometimes bark at noise, especially noise from an unseen source ("alarm barking"), Labradors are usually not noisy or territorial. They are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as guard dogs.

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