Long Live the Labrador
Who doesn’t love a Labrador Retriever? Well, according to the American Kennel Club, no one. In 2010, like the previous 20 years, the Labrador Retriever has been named the most popular dog breed in the U.S., UK and Canada.
Found in yellow, black or chocolate colors, I’ve personally owned two Labs in my time; a big-hearted, mischievous, male black Lab named Riley and currently a sweet, very affectionate, female chocolate Lab named Lola. Once you’re past the “terrible twos” where the Lab puppy is a handful, I’d have to agree with the tens of thousands of registered Labrador owners that these are great dogs! Gentle companions with no lack of personality, I can recall Riley sleeping “Snoopy style” on top of his dog house, spread eagle with his chin resting on the front edge. How in the heck he got up there, I can only attribute it to the intelligence of the breed. There’s no wonder why the breed is so sought after with such a vastly, wide spread intention.
Lab Lesson
Originally from Newfoundland, and first recognized by the AKC as part of the Sporting group in 1917, the original breed was used to retrieve fishing nets and help catch escaping fish off the lines. With it’s webbed paws, “otter” like tail and water resistant coat, there’s no wonder the dog worked in this capacity. Today, this water loving, seasonal shedder is the number one choice for assistance dogs for the blind, search and rescue teams, police narcotics, hunters and maybe most importantly, families. With so many designations, it appears obvious why the Lab is a highly sought after, four-legged, fury friend. So much so, that recently in the Mid-Western United States, a wild coyote befriended a black Lab of his own.
With an average life span of 10-12 years, there are a couple of set backs with the dog breed cherished by so many in the form of ear infections and a genetic disposition to hip and elbow dysplasia according to Wikipedia. You can see that article here. It’s said that the ear infections are due to the floppy ears of the Lab which may trap heat and moisture, especially with their love for water. One can tell if there is an infection if the inner ear is a dark pink, red or dark brown. Although not as bad as some other breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia in Labs is most commonly treated with dog joint pain supplements which can be found in most stores, but look for the human grade version as it absorbs faster and is easier to digest. By no means should these genetic concerns have any bearing on one’s desire to own a Lab. From empirical insight I can attest, the good in these dogs far out-weighs the bad. They will make a super family pet and can develop into other practical roles as the owners see fit.
With only a few minor inherited set backs compared to a wonderful temperament, meaningful companionship and all the different societal uses of the Labrador Retriever there is a good reason why the Lab is the highest registered dog in 3 countries and maybe more.
