Originally a hard working gun dog used to spending its days hunting the Labrador retriever has an altogether different image today. Now, Labs are considered to be ideal family pets and if you want the perfect picture of doggie cuteness than a Labrador puppy will fit the bill. Labs are loyal and faithful companions for their owners.

Very popular with dog owners around the world the Labrador retriever is a perennial favourite with all age groups. Their cute looks and playful nature make them great companions for the young and the old and they are often trusted with jobs such as police and emergency rescue work.

The Labs friendly nature and desire to please their human masters makes them ideal assistance dogs for the disabled or the deaf and they often used as therapeutic aids for people suffering from all manner of both physical and mental ailments.

Remarkably strong swimmers, Labrador retrievers like nothing more than playing in water and they will happily plunge into the sea or a river given the opportunity. The physical make up of the Lab with its otter style tail and waterproof coat means they are really at home in the water and will happily join their owners for a dip in the pool.

Unsurprisingly Labs are great retrievers and their breeding as gun dogs has left them with the ability to carry even the most fragile of objects in their mouths without damaging it. My Lab often brings me my reading glasses without a problem and it is said that they can carry an egg in their mouths without breaking it. Though they are likely to eat the egg as they do have quite ferocious appetites!

In general Labs are not markedly prone to having some of the negative traits found in some breeds. These include but are not limited to being hypersensitive, aggressive, insecure, pining nor territorial.

Labrador retrievers are especially wonderful with children because the Lab has an intense desire to not only please, but its desire to play is almost equal with its desire to eat! Children can spend hours playing catch with a ball, or a Frisbee, and the dog will appear to be tireless. They seem to literally thrive on human interaction, affection and attention.

Labs, as a breed, are exceedingly intelligent making them highly trainable though it is certainly true that they have great independence and can be quite stubborn in their behaviour.

Labs are also very curious creatures and they will happily investigate any new surroundings with great glee. If something attracts their attention, particularly the scent of food, they will determinedly seek it out. Similarly they will happily trot after a person they havent met before simply to check them out.

Because of their friendly nature and tendency to roam they can often go missing or, worse, be tempted away from their homes. It is highly recommended therefore that Lab owners arrange for their dogs to be micro-chipped or, at the very least, to have the owners contact details on their collars.

When it comes to health issues Labs do have a tendency to put on weight because of their enormous appetites and need regular exercise to help them keep in shape. Other health concerns include hip dysplasia as Labs are prone to suffer problems with their joints and hips and often develop arthritis in their later years.

But, those minor health concerns aside, it has to be said that, for many of us, Labrador retrievers are as close as you can come to having the perfect family pet!

Looking for the best guide to Labrador Retreivers - look no further than the Labrador Retriever Guide an online resource for all Labrador owners including a full history of the Labrador Retriever

• Dogs And Water Fun by Joanne Gallagher Enjoying the outdoor sun is a natural activity with beautiful summer. Many of us love the water just like some dogs love the water. Even dog breed that don't normally enjoy getting wet will enjoy a swim if they are encouraged or don't want to miss the......
• The Deal with An Electronic Dog Fence Pet owners who really love their animals know they have to keep them safe. When it comes to dogs, it can involve a series of duties, such as walking them, giving them their shots, taking them regularly to the veterinarian, and even getting a dog fence installed in order......
• Dog Pain Relief Pet Owner Should Now by Alfon Carmine Until recently, there was very little known about dog pain relief and because of that, dogs were forced to suffer through a variety of situations. In those days, many dogs were not even given pain medication when they were spayed or neutered, which is unheard of in......
• 5 Things A Dog Owner Must Know by Audri Whites Are you a dog owner or is still thinking about owning one? Sure having a dog is such a wonderful experience. Especially if you have enough bonding moments with them, dogs sometimes become very protective, and of course, very loyal to their owners- which is very nice.......

• Pin Up Posters Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters Pin up posters might not have the popularity today that they once did, but most people will immediately recognize some of the most popular pin up moments from the heyday of beautiful pin up models. Marilyn Monroe was a pin up queen in her......
• Who is Going to Take Care of your Pet IF you Die? Was reading a trade publication today called Trusts and Estates Magazine, I LOVE this magazine - it is a wealth of information written by tax professionals for tax professionals.  Most of the info in there is not approprioate for a personal finance blog...not because it is not interesting, but rather,......
• Should You Wait to Swim After Eating? [caption id="attachment_339" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Swimming and Eating."][/caption] One of the most common myths about swimming is that you shouldn't do it after eating - the amount of time varies, but most people usually say a half an hour to an hour. Is this myth true, and if it is, what......
• 6 Tennis Tips and Tricks Tennis tips and tricks are like small tweaks that you can make to your game in order to improve your play. If you are looking for a way to improve your capabilities as a tennis player, consider these tennis tips and tricks and then move on to look at other......

Written by Toby Le Rock using tags: animal, animals, dog, Dogs, Home, labrador retriever, labrador retrievers, pet, Pets

Are you thinking about breeding your Labrador retrievers? It is certainly an idea that many Lab owners will have at some time or another but there are a number of things to consider before deciding to take the plunge into canine breeding. Of course there are two distinct reasons why anyone would want to begin breeding Labrador Retrievers. The first to produce a litter for themselves and family, the second is as a commercial operation.

No matter what the reasons are for wanting to breed Lab Retrievers, you must understand that not all the litters likely to be produced will be healthy and happy. If you are a first time breeder who owns a female dog, the pregnancy will be a time of joy, or dreadful disaster. To ensure a successful experience for you and your Lab, it is vital you bring together the best pairing of dogs possible. The pair need to have a good temperament, be in top physical shape as well as disease free. It is also vital you check each dog's lineage to eradicate the prospect of inherited problems and disease such as hip dysplasia.

Labradors are usually kept at home with the family, so it is crucial they have the temperament to live alongside children as well as adults. To that end, the temperament of the breeding pair is as vitally important as their health.

Inbreeding must be avoided, so it is essential that the pedigrees of each breeding pair is checked to avoid the danger they are too closely related. If the pair are closely related it can be detrimental to the health of the puppies, poor temperament and weaken the bloodline.

Before mating it is advisable to let the dogs get to know each other and, ideally, each dog should be over two years-of-age. By this time any temperamental or health issues should be apparent. Breeding Labrador Retrievers is not a decision to rush into but it should be remembered that finding the right pair of dogs is only the beginning of the process. Once the mating has taken place and pregnancy is confirmed the real work begins.

The care of a Labrador retriever during pregnancy and also the whelping process can prove to be hard work. Once the pups are born that hard work will most certainly continue. The puppies have to be cared for and finding new homes for them can be time-consuming and expensive.

Of course the last point, finding good owners, should not be underestimated. Rest assured there is no way you will let the puppies go to just anyone. Be prepared to reject potential owners if you are not satisfied that they will offer a caring and loving home to a puppy.

Searching for the best guide to Labrador Retreivers - look no further than the Labrador Retriever Guide an online resource for all Labrador owners with a full history of the Labrador Retriever

• Descriptions Of Some Common Dog Health Problems by Moses Wright Some common dog health problems are preventable. Several health problems for dogs can have severe health consequences if not treated. Fleas are often seen as a nuisance instead of a dog health problem. However, fleas can cause skin irritation that can become severe and infected. Fleas can......
• Get DOWN Fido! by Kathy Davison Most of the behavior which your puppy or adult dog exhibits is simply explained. It is because he is a dog and that is what dogs do! What you can do is reshape or channel these behaviors in a dog logical way until they are acceptable to......
• 4 Factors In Caring For Your New Puppy You should find that owning a small dog, similar to owning a larger breed. The owner of a small dog must however make some adaptations to suit the animal's specific needs. Consider the following daily dog care routines, and how they're adapted to meet the needs of your pint-sized......
• The Keys to Training Your Puppy by Help Your Pets Many of us love the idea of a cheerful, playful puppy, but reality often checks in when we're cleaning up puppy mess. While potty training difficulty differs between dog breeds, there are a few tips that can often be applied to potty training any dog breed.......

• Pets take a bite out of your wallet If you're considering adopting a pet, you should be aware of the expenses that will come your way as a responsible owner. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, pet spending is at an all-time high. The survey says that the "current basic annual expenses" total $1571 for dogs......
• Working Out with Your Dog Both you and your dog need exercise in order to live long, healthy lives. You can kill two birds with one stone by adapting a workout routine that works for both you and your four legged companion. There are a wide variety of different ways that you can work out......
• Cut Spending By Looking At Hours Of Work Put In To Pay For Stuff. How many hours of your week is spent working just to pay for your "wants" versus your "needs"? Do you have to put in overtime just to keep up with minimum credit card payments, or can you survive comfortably on your regular salary? Are you working for your stuff or......
• Organic SEO – The Real Meaning No Internet user probably hasn't heard about search engine optimization and why its techniques are crucial for the success of every website. Organic search engine optimization is, however, is not as commonly recognized. SEO is a broad subject that is categorized into two independent but related divisions – non-organic......

Written by Toby Le Rock using tags: animal, animals, dog, Dogs, Home, labrador retriever, labrador retrievers, pet, Pets

Labrador Retriever is a pet name popular all over the world particularly in North America. When you have seen this breed, you will agree with the descriptions: genuinely kind-hearted, affable, family-friendly, reliable and clearly sharp in intellect. They are unquestionably lovable creatures and in fact, the American Kennel Club hailed them as the US's most famous pet.

The Labrador Retriever is a native of Newfoundland Canada but because of its pleasant and very agreeable disposition, it quickly gained popularity not only in the US but around the world as well. Fondly called the "Lab", this dog is originally bred in order to have a quality and reliable companion for the fishermen and hunters. On the icy waters of the region, this dog vigorously helps in pulling in of nets and catching stray fishes on the boat; in hunting, they are an excellent and durable game retriever that fearlessly swims the freezing waters.

As a favorite family pet around the world, this breed is nothing but excellent! Labs are playful, energetic, stable- tempered, affectionate, naturally sweet and eager to please. They have no qualms even in meeting new people or being amongst other dogs and animals; they are equably social and welcoming and this disposition is inherent in them and it needs only a little enhancing.

What makes this dog even more lovable is the fact that it is gentle hearted, naturally and sincerely sociable, and easy to train. Their intelligence and affectionate and kind spirit makes them very manageable and likable that you can't help but love them and make them your favorite. Wherever you may take this dog, you can only expect excellence, obedience, and high intellect; so whether in hunting, dog shows or simple play times, this dog is an absolute winner and is without a doubt terrific!

There are three standard coat colors for Labrador Retriever namely yellow, chocolate and black; other imperfections, mottles, or even combinations of the three standard colors are considered for penalizing by the kennel clubs. The fluff is very short and fairly dense and this makes it a little less soft to the touch; there is also an inner coat and outer coat that helps protect them from weather and water. Because of the composition of their coat, the Labs are able to withstand extreme cold conditions, are able to swim through freezing waters, and protect themselves against any conditions of the ground.

Labs make excellent playmates with children for they are inherently playful, gentle, friendly, and naturally affectionate and kind. As a house dog, they make reliable watch dogs but not as guard dogs as they are equally sociable to strangers and other dogs or animals. As a hunting buddy, they are what a retriever is supposed to be; fast, intelligent, agile, has a good nose for retrieving the game, and an absolutely great swimmer.

Today, however, because of the discovered trainable skills and excellent temperament of the Labs, they are taken from the four walls of the house and transferred to do a much important and socially meaningful task; these tasks go way past the popular obedience competitions and hunting expeditions. Outside the home, the Labs are equally efficient in police work, narcotics detection, and guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, and carting.

Just like any other pets as well, Labrador Retrievers are grouped in show line and field line. Show line Labs are generally heavier and more affable wherein the field line Labs are somewhat more energetic and have the tendency to become high strung if not given a rigorous activity regularly. The Labrador Retrievers are gentle and obedient dogs and they will reach their best potential if their human owner treats them with firmness and with leadership.

• Your Pet May Need Dog Pain Relief by Derrick Bob Dog discomfort alleviation is an incredibly well-liked subject among dog owners because there's a huge amount of debate on this issue. The very first thing to remember is that dogs express discomfort differently, so you have to be in a position to adequately diagnose your dog before......
• Best Dog Food - Warning About Important Information You Need To Know by Rudy Steven Feeding your dog can be filled with stress. Many dog owners take a zealous approach to how they feed their dog and can be very judgmental of other dog owners when the issue of a dog's food comes up. The reality is that what you feed your......
• American Eskimo Dog: The All White and All American Dog Breed by Alfred Mason The American Eskimo Dog, also called as Eskie, is a Spitz type of dog that developed in the United States. It is of Nordic line and is very popular to this day as a sled dog, pulling heavy baggage through snow or ice. This breed is very......
• Puggle Dogs - Important Information by Donald Russo Pugs are fun and cute dogs that generally add a lot of love to a household. They are easy to care for, but present a few challenges due to their spirited nature. General Appearance and Description The pug is often called the cutest of all dogs, and......

• Bringing Back Train Travel To The U.S. Dear EarthTalk: If train travel is so much less polluting than driving or flying, why are passenger rail options in the U.S. so limited compared to Europe? And is anything being done to shift more travelers over to American rail lines from cars and planes? I take Amtrak cross-country as......
• Money Saving Tips: 75 Ways to Survive Recession Regardless of how economists refer to this economy, recession or no recession, people are hurting, financially. Unemployment, flat wages and rising costs for food and gas have many hurting. Check out these great money saving tips to help your family survive these tough times. Here are a few money saving......
• More Hunting Terms Blind Planter - This is a name for the person that places the bird or the bumper at a designated spot for the purpose of a blind retrieve. Blink - This describes the situation when the dog locates the bumper or the bird during the retrieve but does not actually......
• The Different Categories of Dog Training [/caption]For many of us, the phrase "dog training" is typically associated with images of dogs jumping through hoops, shaking on command, or responding to bellowed-out German words. But this kind of "dog obedience" only represents part of the world of dog training, and doesn't really present an accurate picture of......

Written by Troy Richardson using tags: animals, black labrador, Dogs, family, Home, labrador, labrador breeders, labrador puppies, labrador puppies for sale, labrador retriever, Pets, yellow labrador