Image: Zinah Insignia from Unsplash
This year, National Labrador Retriever Day is on January 8th, and to celebrate these amazing pets, we have written an article on all things Labrador.
The Labrador Retriever is friendly, trainable, good-natured, and affectionate, so it's no surprise that it is one of the most popular breeds in the UK. The breed was developed in the 19th century from dogs imported from Canada. They were originally bred as a gun dog, primarily working waterfowl, and even today, most Labrador owners will be familiar with their love of water! In addition to their original roots, in the modern day they also excel as pets or as guide and assistance dogs.
Image: Alex Bortolato via Unsplash
The first Labradors were almost always black in colour, with the chocolate colouration first making an appearance in the late 1800s, closely followed by yellow or golden Labradors in 1899. It is these colours that are recognised by the Kennel Club today, with yellow Labradors varying from whitish to fox red and chocolate from a light caramel colour to a rich liver.
The average lifespan of a Labrador is ten to twelve years. A recent study into the health of the breed showed that arthritis is a particular concern, and they can be prone to hip and elbow disorders. It is recommended that breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia to help reduce the number of puppies being born with this condition.
For the most part, Labradors love their food, and they can be more prone to obesity than other breeds. It is important to feed them appropriately to maintain a lean body weight throughout their lives. This has the additional benefit of preventing undue stress on their joints.
If this article has raised any concerns about your Labrador’s health, please call us at Coquet Vets on 01665 252250.
