English Labrador Retriever: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The English Labrador retriever is a medium-large sportingdog breed from the United Kingdomwith a short, dense, water-repellent double coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate. The English Lab is technically the same breed as the American Lab; the American version is just slightly lankier. But otherwise the two are very much alike. The dog features a sturdy, muscular build with a broad head, friendly eyes, and triangular ears. The Lab’s tail is medium-length and tapers toward its tip. While this breed is a strong athlete (and particularly excellent swimmer), it’s also a lovable companion that can excel in service and therapy work.

Characteristics of the English Labrador

English Labradors generally have a friendly and upbeat temperament. Most tend to get along well with everyone, including other dogs and strangers, when they've had proper training and socialization. High energy and an eagerness to please also help to shape the Lab's personality.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	High

History of the English Labrador

The ancestors of the English Labrador actually came from Newfoundland, Canada (not Labrador). Back in the early 1800s, there was a breed in this area known as the St. John’s water dog—also called the lesser Newfoundland—which worked on fishing boats. English nobles visiting the area took note of these dogs and ended up taking some back home with them.

The breed continued to be refined in the United Kingdom. It was used as a gun dog to retrieve waterfowl during hunts, thanks to its loyal and responsive nature and prowess in the water.

The version of the dog back in Newfoundland ended up dying out, so the Lab’s breed standard we know today came from the U.K. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom first recognized the Lab in 1903, while the American Kennel Club admitted it in 1917.

English Labrador Care

Plan to give your Labrador ample daily exercise. And be prepared to spend some time on brushing to keep up with the loose fur. Fortunately, Labs typically take well to training and socialization.

Exercise

Aim for at least a couple hours of exercise per day for your Lab. In general, Labs would rather exercise and play with you rather than being left to their own devices. Long walks, running, cycling, swimming, and hikes all are ideal activities. Plus, this retrieving breed loves vigorous games of fetch. Dog sports, such as dock diving, also are excellent ways to provide mental and physical challenges for this water-loving athlete. Training your Lab in service or therapy work can help to keep it mentally stimulated as well.

Grooming

Plan to brush your Lab a couple times per week to remove the loose fur and distribute skin oils. Also, expect periods of higher shedding typically as the weather changes in the spring and fall. During these times, you might have to brush daily to keep up with all the loose fur.

实验室外套保持很干净与普通刷ing. But you should still plan on a bath roughly once a month, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Also, check your dog’s ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning, and be sure to dry them well after swimming and baths. In addition, trim your dog’s nails every month on average, and brush its teeth daily.

Training

Begin training and socialization ideally when your Lab is a puppy to prevent bad habits from forming. A puppy class is a great way to teach basic commands and manners. Labs are smart and eager to please, so they typically pick up on training quickly. Plus, they tend to be very food-motivated and respond well topositive-reinforcement training methods.

To socialize your Lab, aim to expose it to different people, other dogs, and various locations from an early age. As long as Labs have positive experiences around strangers, they tend to be very friendly when meeting someone new.

Common Health Problems

This breed is generally healthy, but it is still prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Elbowandhip dysplasia
• Heart problems
• Hereditary myopathy (loss of muscle strength and control)
• Eye problems
• Bloat

Diet and Nutrition

总是提供法文esh water for your Lab. Feed it a high-quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, typically via two measured meals per day. Some Labs are prone to overeating and becoming overweight, so be sure to measure your dog’s daily diet and be mindful about treats. Discuss both the type of food and the proper amount with your vet.

Also, because Labs are prone to bloat, which can be triggered by eating too quickly, you might want to feed smaller, more frequent meals. Try to keep your dog calm around mealtimes, as well.

Where to Adopt or Buy an English Labrador

English Labradors are more common in the United Kingdom, but it’s still possible to find Labs of this variety elsewhere. Contact local animal shelters and Labrador rescue organizations to see whether there’s a dog in need of a home. For a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $800 to $1,500 on average.

For more information to help you find an English Lab, check out:

• The Labrador Retriever Club Breeders Directory
• Rescue Organizations

English Labrador Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home an English Labrador, do thorough research to make sure the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to Lab owners, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and veterinary professionals. Spend some time around the breed, too, if possible.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Curly-coated retriever
• Goldendoodle
• Flat-coated retriever

There’s a whole world of potential欧宝体育平台信誉out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!