Labrador Retriever

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated April 3, 2009)

The Labrador Retriever is a short-coated dog that is very popular in America. Part of the reason is his hardiness to withstand the different climatic conditions. He is also popular because of the different terrains the dog is able to work. He is skilled in both the sandburs as well as the cockleburs. There are many different theories as how the Labrador Retriever originated, but most generally agree that the breed first appeared in England in approximately 1835.

Labrador Retrievers have great abilities as a retriever. Healthy dogs appear strongly built and short-coupled; they are very active. The coat is very distinctive for this breed. It should be close, short, and very dense without a wave. The coat should also be free from feather. The feel of the coat should give a fairly hard feeling to the hand.

The Labrador Retriever has a good temper and great intelligence. The dog's color should be either yellow or black, with medium-sized eyes that are brown, yellow or black. The most preferred eye color is brown or black. The approximate height for a male Labrador Retriever is somewhere between twenty-one and twenty-four inches from the shoulders and weighing from sixty to 74 pounds. The females weigh between 55 and seventy pounds and stand approximately the same height as the males.

Additional information on the Labrador Retriever can be found at the website for the American Kennel Club.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

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