Description of the breed
Labradors are dogs with a strong, well-proportioned physique. They have a slightly stretched body, a straight back line, a moderately deep chest, a large head and strong limbs.
The muzzle is not pointed, the eyes are brown or hazel, medium-sized, the nose is black, but in fawn and chocolate dogs it can be brown. The ears are hanging, adjacent to the head.
The coat is dense and hard to the touch, saturated brown, fawn and black colors are acceptable.
The height of labradors at the withers is 54-57 cm, and the weight is 27-40 kg.
Representatives of this breed, provided proper care, live on average 12-14 years.
The nature of pets
A good-natured disposition, love of life and an unlimited supply of positivity are the main qualities and characteristics of Labradors. The cheerfulness of these dogs is contagious, it is simply impossible to stay in a bad mood next to them.
- That is why it is believed that labradors help to create a happy, calm atmosphere of joy and harmony in the house.
- Representatives of this breed cannot be called passive, their energy goes over the edge, they love active games and communication and easily establish friendly relations with both people and other pets.
- Being smart and quick-witted animals, labradors are easily amenable to education and training, mastering new commands is not a problem for them.
- Difficulties during classes can arise only because of the curiosity and increased playfulness of these dogs – they can be distracted by external stimuli, so the owner needs patience and the ability to switch the pet’s attention to himself.
Pros and cons
Like representatives of other breeds, Labradors have advantages and disadvantages, which it is important to know about before purchasing a puppy in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The advantages include:
- attractive appearance;
- friendliness;
- ability to learn;
- no need for time-consuming care;
- focus on people;
- obedience;
- ability to get along with animals and children;
- energy;
- lack of aggression.
Disadvantages of the breed:
- lack of guard and security qualities;
- the tendency to gnaw everything;
- snoring;
- permanent molting;
- the need for attention;
- overeating;
- tendency to obesity.
Despite the fact that the breed has a lot of shortcomings, it is worth understanding that most of them are the result of improper upbringing and care of a pet or overestimated expectations of the owners and insufficient awareness of the breed’s features.
Where is it better to keep: in an apartment or on the street?
Labradors can be kept outdoors, but only if there is a spacious, equipped, warm enclosure.
It should be located in a place from which the dog will have an overview of the entire yard. You should also spend as much time as possible with your pet so that he does not feel lonely and abandoned.
Labradors need long daily walks and active games.
You can’t keep a Labrador on a chain.
How active are they? What kind of people is it suitable for?
Labradors, thanks to their sociable nature and ability to adapt to new conditions, easily adapt to the habits and lifestyle of their owners. Perhaps the only thing they will not be able to put up with is a passive lifestyle.
- Therefore, it is not necessary to get a dog of this breed for elderly people and those who will not be able to devote enough time to walking with a pet.
- These are dogs for those who lead an active life, are fond of hunting, sports, tourism and simply do not like to sit still.
- The owner of a Labrador must be a strong-willed person with a strong character, a leader who will not let the dog get bored and will be able to direct her energy in the right direction.
How does it relate to loneliness
This is a great example of companion dogs that are completely focused on people and depend on their attention. Labradors tend to spend as much time as possible with the owner, to participate in his life.
They have a hard time tolerating loneliness, longing and lack of attention can cause destructive behavior.
Who should I choose – a boy or a girl?
When choosing the sex of a future pet, one should start from the purpose of its acquisition and some psychological and behavioral differences between males and females due to the performance of different functions in the pack.
The task of males is the development of new places, the protection of the territory. They are inquisitive and persistent, have leadership qualities, but they obey the one who is stronger without any problems.
The main function of bitches is reproduction of offspring. They are more cunning than males and achieve their goals not by acting ahead, but by going through all the options.
Girls are more obedient and calm, it is a little more difficult to achieve obedience from males, but with the timely manifestation of leadership qualities, there will be no problems.
The content of the dog is also reflected in its physiology. So, males, because of the need to mark the territory, require longer walks, they are characterized by increased sexuality, which is why they can run away for a hot bitch.
In girls, the behavior changes only during estrus, i.e. no more than 2 times a year, the rest of the time she is sexually neutral.
If there are plans for breeding the breed, then the choice should be made in favor of the bitch.
Good or evil?
Labradors are absolutely not characterized by aggressive behavior – they are good-natured dogs that are friendly to everyone. Therefore, they are not suitable for the role of guards or watchmen.
The maximum that can be expected from representatives of this breed who have seen strangers on their territory is a loud barking, notifying the owners of someone’s visit.
How does he treat children?
- Good-natured, active, affectionate Labradors get along well with everyone, including children.
- Despite the fact that they are not prone to aggression and easily become excellent babysitters and best friends for children, it is not
- necessary to get a dog of this breed to families where the child is not at least 10 years old yet.
This is due to the irrepressible energy and high emotionality of the representatives of this breed – in an excited state and attempts to express their love, they can inadvertently push the baby or easily bite, which will lead to fright.
How fastidious is she in feeding?
- Labradors need a balanced diet, but this is due to their tendency to allergic reactions, obesity and other health problems, and not taste preferences.
- These dogs are not fastidious in food and are practically omnivorous.
- It is often noted that they tend to eat the contents of a garbage bag or something on the street while walking, so you should be careful – the use of low-quality products can be dangerous.
Of course, each dog is individual and what kind of dog it will grow up depends only on its upbringing.
However, the vast majority of Labrador owners claim that these dogs are an excellent example of loyalty, friendliness and a cordial attitude to everyone around.
They get along great with children, get along with other pets and do not show aggression to guests.
The Labrador breed in the apartment: pros and cons
Choosing a family dog from all the variety of breeds, more and more people stop at the Labrador. A smart, friendly, child-loving dog is the perfect pet for a friendly family. How a Labrador feels in an apartment, the pros and cons of keeping in a small space, we will consider in more detail.
What does a dog need
Labrador is a large (up to 35 kg) dog with a hunting past. This means that the dog needs a lot of movement to feel good.
Daily active walks, outdoor games, training classes are an integral part of his life. Keeping a large and active dog in an apartment requires owners to pay a lot of attention to walking with an animal.
If there are children in the family, they will be happy to run and play with their pet.
By nature, a friendly Labrador requires a lot of attention. The dog gets bored alone. Locked in a room all day while the owners are at work, he can start spoiling things out of boredom. Some owners find a way out in installing a cage in an apartment, to which the dog has been accustomed since childhood. The animal perceives the cage as its own personal house, feels comfortable there.
One of the positive aspects of keeping a Labrador in an apartment is close contact with a person.
During the breeding, representatives of the breed have learned to subtly understand the mood of a person, to sympathize and empathize with family members in difficult moments.
The owners of labradors claim that the dog is a real family psychologist, with his energy and love helps to easily endure difficult stages in life.
How to train a puppy to the toilet
One of the main tasks of a dog owner, after buying a puppy– is getting used to the toilet on the street. The owner will have to be patient and get ready to take the Labrador puppy outside at least 5 times a day. The dog defecates after sleeping, eating, and playing for a long time.
It is necessary to set a walking schedule and try to stick to it. The puppy will gradually get used to the regime, with age, the number of exits to the street is reduced to 2-3.
Up to six months, the baby is not yet able to fully control his bladder, accidents can happen at home.
You can’t scold a puppy for puddles, much less poke your nose into them! The kid will not understand what he has done wrong, but he will begin to be afraid of the owner.
At the age of about 2 months, when a dog is acquired, the puppy has not yet been vaccinated, so walking for a while is excluded. So that the baby does not dirty the floors in the house, he is accustomed to a diaper.
To do this, spread well-absorbent products on the floor in a convenient place. The puppy is often carried on a diaper: immediately after sleeping and eating, noticing that the baby is spinning in one place, sniffs the floor.
When he has done his business for a diaper, he is praised, given a treat.
Later, going out for a walk, they take the diaper described by the puppy with them. At first, he tends to run and play on the street, not thinking about the toilet. Maybe on the first walks he does not go to the toilet, he will bring everything home. You shouldn’t worry, it happens.
The described diaper will help to teach the puppy to cope with the need on the street faster. At the end of the walk, if the puppy did not go to the toilet, they put it on the ground in front of him. The baby, having smelled the smell, will do his business for a diaper. Gradually, the need for it will disappear.
Advantages of keeping in an apartment
A properly educated Labrador is convenient for keeping even in a one-room apartment. The dog rarely barks for no reason, with sufficient load on the walk does not gnaw furniture and does not spoil things.
A sharp mind helps the animal to understand when the owner is resting and should not be disturbed, and when you can have fun playing. Labradors are great babysitters.
It’s not worth leaving kids with them at all, but children over 5 years old will find a faithful and caring friend, playmate in the dog.
Forced physical inactivity of a city dweller leads to the emergence of various diseases. A Labrador requiring active walks will make the owner overcome laziness, get on a bike or put on running shoes.
Minuses
The main obstacle to the establishment of a Labrador in an apartment is its size and the need for active walks. Elderly people who find it difficult to walk a lot should not start this breed. You can not recommend a Labrador to those who disappear all day at work. The Labrador is very attached to the owner, suffers alone, can get sick.
Features of care
The breed of dogs is characterized by good health and unpretentiousness. Pet care consists of regular checkups at the veterinarian, cleaning the ears, examining the teeth, trimming the claws.
Hair care
It is not recommended to wash the dog with shampoo more than 2-3 times a year. It is enough to wash the wool with warm, clean water in case of heavy contamination. The long silky coat of the Labrador needs daily combing after a walk. After bathing, it is not enough to dry the dog with a towel, then use a hair dryer.
Its sound should be accustomed to in childhood. During molting, special brushes for combing out the falling hair, as well as mittens with a massage effect will help to take care of the pet. Massaging the dog with such a glove, the owner not only improves the blood supply in the pet’s skin, but also gives pleasure to the dog.
Paddock
An adult representative of the breed needs 2-3 walks during the day. One of them should last at least 2-3 hours. The dog needs to throw out energy: run for a stick, play with a ball.
Many Labrador owners get on a bike, and the dog is taught to run nearby. An 8-10-kilometer walk for a Labrador is a good load for maintaining excellent physical shape.
Rules for keeping a labrador in an apartment
- The Labrador is a special breed of dog that is distinguished by kindness, intelligence and understanding.
- It is better to keep it in your own home, although if you organize proper care and care in the apartment, these conditions will be no worse.
- The main thing is that a caring owner is there and gives warmth.
What a pet needs
- If we talk about keeping a Labrador in an apartment, it should be noted that there are pros and cons.
- These dogs have a friendly disposition, so they get along very well with other pets.
- The owner’s task is to walk for a long time and often and organize games.
- If you comply with all these requirements, then harmony and mutual understanding will appear.
- Care, love and care – this is what a pet who will live in an apartment needs.
- Dogs of the Labrador breed are strongly attached to their owner, so they never leave him.
- You can always count on the fact that a person has a faithful companion who will always save him from any danger.
It is not difficult to keep a dog in an apartment, it usually sleeps next to the owner’s bed, it cannot be kept in an aviary or on a chain. Otherwise, she will run wild and lose her individuality.
The Master’s Code
With improper maintenance of the animal and in the absence of education, even the best puppy, who was born to pedigreed parents with a high title, can be spoiled.
To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the host code:
- a dog is not a toy, you need to be responsible for it, take care of health and behavior;
- the animal will grow up the way it will be brought up;
- punishment should be manifested in moderation and in essence;
- for successful parenting, you should show affection, consistency and patience;
- it is necessary to conduct training starting with simple tasks and gradually approaching more complex ones;
- full nutrition with good-quality and fresh products;
- strolls;
- periodic examination by a veterinarian;
- vaccinations.
- If you follow all these rules, you can only talk about the advantages of keeping a Labrador at home.
- Before you get a puppy, you need to prepare for this properly.
- You need to understand that it is necessary to remove all the things that he can chew or spoil.
- First of all, it concerns household appliances and wires.
How to accustom to a home environment
Kids initially may not be clean, which is a clear disadvantage of their content. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the carpets for a while.
Initially, you can use the playpen. But it is impossible to allow the dog to spend all his time there. There will be no cruelty in such a restriction – these are quite acceptable measures of education.
But if possible, kids should run, play and frolic. Everything that carries danger must be removed from reach.
To keep a Labrador at home, you need to be patient. After all, we are talking about the animal’s energy and its constant tricks.
- Sometimes this behavior is even tiring, but the task of the owner is to make his character more acceptable.
- The puppy can be taken home only after he can already eat on his own.
- Initially, it needs to be fed 5-6 times a day, then the number of feedings is gradually reduced.
Therefore, you need to count on someone to do it. Otherwise, there will be certain problems with the pet’s health.
Possible diseases
If the owner decided to have this animal at home, he should be prepared for the fact that it may be sick.
Most often they have the following health problems:
- food allergy;
- osteochondrosis;
- dysplasia;
- eye diseases;
- paraproctitis.
Self-medication is not recommended, you should always contact a qualified specialist.
Caring for a puppy, you should feed it in time, always caress, walk and teach it to commands. General care for dog lovers does not cause difficulties. Periodically, the ears and eyes should be examined, combed, bathed.
Where to start
The first days of the appearance of a puppy in the house can be tolerable. This is due to the fact that puppies miss their mothers, brothers and sisters.
During this period, you can not leave them alone, you need to be prepared for sleepless nights. This applies not only to the Labrador breed.
You need to play with a dog, offer toys, delicious bones or tree branches. You should hold the animal in your hands confidently and firmly enough, but without having to lift it.
If the floors in the apartment are slippery, the animal may suffer from incorrect pawing.
Therefore, after eight months, the floor should be covered with a pile coating. It is impossible to lock puppies in a dark place, for this reason their psyche is upset, rickets may appear, bones and muscle tissue develop incorrectly.
At two months old, puppies like to bite, they need to be weaned from this, but know the measure in everything. Otherwise, the dog will grow cowardly.
A Labrador should be accustomed to his place from childhood. It shouldn’t be on the aisle. It is best if it is away from drafts and heating appliances.
This breed likes to sleep on a raised platform, so you can use a chair or something similar. If the dog does not like it, you need to find a reason for this.
Sometimes they choose a cozy place for themselves. So the animal will feel safe and will be able to rest there. There is no need to feed, treat and punish at this place.