DOG BREEDS
All You Need to Know about Labrador Retrievers: History, Behaviour, and Veterinary Insights
Labradors are one of the most beloved dog breeds, but how much do you really know about them? Read this article by India’s top experts to know more about Labs and how we can raise them better.
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Labrador or the Labrador Retriever is the most popular pet dog breed in the world. With their infectious and boundless enthusiasm and magnetic charm, Labradors have effortlessly nestled their way into the hearts and homes of millions of pet parents across India. Even if you don’t have a Lab dog at home, there is a very high chance you would have bumped into them at some point in your life. You may have seen them walking gleefully on the road beside their humans or working passionately alongside their policemen buddies to sniff out contraband at check posts, or perhaps even helping school teachers in the classroom, showcasing valuable life lessons to kids- the versatile Labrador has managed to sneak into nearly all aspects of human life.
In India especially, the Labrador has always been regarded as the perfect family dog. They are so popular in fact that people have started to colloquially refer them to by several quintessentially desi names like the lebra dog or just lebra. Of course, none of these are accurate and let this article be our sincere attempt to correct that.
But back to the topic. Where did the Labrador Retriever originally come from? What are the lab’s physical characteristics and behavioural traits we should know about? Are they prone to any medical conditions? What can we, as pet parents, do to ensure they live a happy life as family members in our homes? Let’s find out.
In India especially, the Labrador has always been regarded as the perfect family dog. They are so popular in fact that people have started to colloquially refer them to by several quintessentially desi names like the lebra dog or just lebra. Of course, none of these are accurate and let this article be our sincere attempt to correct that.
But back to the topic. Where did the Labrador Retriever originally come from? What are the lab’s physical characteristics and behavioural traits we should know about? Are they prone to any medical conditions? What can we, as pet parents, do to ensure they live a happy life as family members in our homes? Let’s find out.
History of the Labrador
Labradors belong to the Sporting Breed Group of Dogs- dogs that were bred to perform a very specific function. They were originally bred as working dogs in Newfoundland, Canada and primarily helped fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish, hence earning their nickname- the Fisherman’s Dogs.
They arrived in England around the 1800s where some smaller varieties of the original Labrador were bred with native hunting dogs, creating the modern Lab dog we know today. The hunters then bred them to retrieve their hunt, both on land (mostly birds such as fowls) as well as water (fishes and ducks), and this is when it is believed that they earned their official name – The Labrador Retriever.
They arrived in England around the 1800s where some smaller varieties of the original Labrador were bred with native hunting dogs, creating the modern Lab dog we know today. The hunters then bred them to retrieve their hunt, both on land (mostly birds such as fowls) as well as water (fishes and ducks), and this is when it is believed that they earned their official name – The Labrador Retriever.
Physical Characteristics of the Labrador
Labradors are well-built, medium-sized dogs. As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), the average weight of an adult lab dog ranges between 25-36 kgs for males and 25-32kgs for females, while the height ranges between 21.5 to 24.5 inches for both. The Labrador is characterized by a broad head with kind, expressive eyes and goofy, floppy ears that hang close to their head.
Labs are renowned for their special double coat, which makes them waterproof. Their coat is thick and soft, which protects their skin from wetness and cold temperatures. Again, as per the AKC, it is known that labs come in three colours: black, yellow (also known as fawn) and chocolate, with the chocolate lab being the rarest variety.
The Labrador Retriever are officially categorized under the Sporting Dogs/Gun Dogs Breed group by the AKC. There are two types of Labradors in the world today- the American/Working Labrador (tall and lanky) and English/Show Labradors (short and stocky).
Labs are renowned for their special double coat, which makes them waterproof. Their coat is thick and soft, which protects their skin from wetness and cold temperatures. Again, as per the AKC, it is known that labs come in three colours: black, yellow (also known as fawn) and chocolate, with the chocolate lab being the rarest variety.
The Labrador Retriever are officially categorized under the Sporting Dogs/Gun Dogs Breed group by the AKC. There are two types of Labradors in the world today- the American/Working Labrador (tall and lanky) and English/Show Labradors (short and stocky).
Labrador Retrievers can have three coat colours: Chocolate, Fawn and Black. Pic courtesy of AKC.
Behaviour Traits of the Labrador
Most of the behavioural traits that we see in our Labradors today come from the way they were bred and trained. For instance, given that for centuries, the main job assigned to the Lab dog was to retrieve delicate prey, they tend to still be a little mouthier today. Our labs are still instinctually excellent at retrieving and with the right training, will happily fetch items for you at home, as well.
Since they worked so closely with their hunters, Labs formed a deep bond with their humans, and are known for their highly sociable and people-pleasing nature, even today. They would travel long distances with their hunting parties and are thus blessed with high stamina and drive. They are also known to have a good recall, as it was crucial for the hunters to have them come back when called, no matter how far they would be in the fields.
Since they worked so closely with their hunters, Labs formed a deep bond with their humans, and are known for their highly sociable and people-pleasing nature, even today. They would travel long distances with their hunting parties and are thus blessed with high stamina and drive. They are also known to have a good recall, as it was crucial for the hunters to have them come back when called, no matter how far they would be in the fields.
Training Tips for Labrador Parents
Though their current official role in our society has changed to companion dogs, Labs still retain much of the instincts of the high-functioning, retrieving Labradors from centuries ago. This means that this high-energy dog that was used to being afoot and hunting for long hours now has to channel his energy in some other ways to adjust to living in our modern and comparatively sedentary lifestyle.
As pet parents, we must help our Labradors adjust to their modern, urban environment as best as we can. Here are some important training tips to keep in mind:
As pet parents, we must help our Labradors adjust to their modern, urban environment as best as we can. Here are some important training tips to keep in mind:
- Daily routine: While caring for a Labrador, giving them a structured daily routine is important. Besides their meal and walk times, this routine should outline play and rest times, as well. Switching off and settling down does not come easily to Labs, so they will need your help in getting that much-needed rest. Besides, spending a few hours by themselves or with a mental enrichment toy can also help prevent separation-related issues. Now, before you bring out your paper and pen to set a routine for your Lab, be mindful of your own daily routine and ensure that you set realistic expectations that you can fulfil for years to come.
- Impulse control: A Labrador’s fun-loving and boisterous nature, paired with their general lack of fear, means that they can lack a sense of boundaries, whether it’s around food or other animals. Teaching our Labrador Retrievers, the skill of practising impulse control can be a crucial and potentially life-saving endeavour. This skill can be imbibed through obedience training as well as daily impulse control rituals.
- Enrichment activities: Now that you have read about the Labrador Retriever’s fascinating history and the difference between their current and traditional lifestyles, imagine how frustrating it must be for them to live in our urban homes. A lot of “problem behaviours” such as excessive jumping or destructive chewing that we see today are actually just natural coping mechanisms that help them deal with frustration and boredom. Enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, agility, decompression walks, etc. provide our dogs with desirable outlets to channel their natural instincts without tearing our sofas apart.
- Give them a job: Labradors, with their drive to work as well as their people-pleasing nature, are well-suited for a variety of dog jobs today. Their people-loving nature helps them excel as service dogs-assisting individuals with disabilities as well as emotional therapy dogs. Their powerful noses and strong work ethic also make them exemplary candidates for search and rescue operations or as sniffer dogs for law enforcement and customs. These jobs, however, require a lot of time and effort- from both the dog and the pet parent. If you do not have the time, you can harness their retriever instincts and train them to fetch you objects from around the house- whether it is water from the fridge or your keys-your Labrador would be more than happy to be working.
Crafting a cool daily routine & nailing obedience training are your gateway to enjoying your Lab's puppy days!
Health Concerns for Labradors
Labradors have been bred to be wonderful companions, but the price we pay for the selective breeding of our dogs is in their susceptibility to several genetic health concerns. Not all Labradors will experience these health issues, but they are more predisposed to them compared to other breeds. Here are some of the health conditions pet parents should be mindful of:
- Obesity: Labrador retrievers have an endless appetite, and the concept of “enough food” remains an elusive, ever-distant horizon for them. The unfortunate task of ensuring that they are eating a sufficient, species-appropriate and well-balanced (this means no roti, sweets, or table scraps) diet falls on us. Additionally, a lab needs at least an hour of exercise, in addition to walks to stay in shape.
- Joint problems: Labradors have a genetic predisposition to developing Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. This happens when the joints don’t develop properly, resulting in arthritis. It is ideal to screen all Labradors above four months of age for Hip Dysplasia to detect it at the earliest and to manage the condition better.
- Bloat or GDV: Bloat is when the stomach fills up with gas, which further causes the stomach to twist, trapping the gas further. Lab dogs are more prone to this condition as they tend to inhale their food, quite quickly. Playing or intense physical activity immediately after a meal can also cause Bloat. To avoid this condition, avoid feeding very large meals to your dogs and ensure that they eat slowly and don’t play or run around after meals.
- Cancer: Any dog can get cancer, however, Labradors are more likely to get certain types of cancers such as lymphoma (blood cancer), Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the spleen/heart), Mast cell tumours and melanoma (skin cancer), Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Catching these tumours early can increase the chances of your dog’s treatment being successful. Two things that can go a long way are regular lump and bump checks while grooming your dog and scheduling annual check-ups & routine blood work, especially if you have a senior Labrador.
Is your Lab underweight, ideal, or overweight?
Better pet parenting starts with understanding your dog and where they are coming from. Now that you know your Labrador’s origins and behavioural traits, health issues that affect them, and more, you can care for them better and improve your relationship with them. Remember, even if it gets frustrating sometimes, there’s always a reason why your dogs behave the way they do. Learning more about them will help you find the root cause of the issues and deal with them, effectively.
Always remember, you are not alone in this journey, and it is OK to ask for help from time to time. After all, it takes a Pack to raise a Pet :)
Happy Pet Parenting!
Always remember, you are not alone in this journey, and it is OK to ask for help from time to time. After all, it takes a Pack to raise a Pet :)
Happy Pet Parenting!
Thank you to veterinarian Dr Tanaya Pai and canine behaviourist Shivani Kuthe for their input on this article.
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