Labrador Retriever

Recently I bought a 40 days old Labrador puppy and named it Sweety. She is so cute and intelligent too.

As I was so curious about my Lab, I went through many sites which gave me an idea of what she likes and what she hates etc.
I thought of putting it in a nutshell here.
Before choosing a Labrador check the list of things you want from your dog.
If you would like to have your doggy the following characters then Lab is perfect

• Large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude towards life
• Easy-care hair coat
• Cheerful, tail-wagging nature
• Thrives on exercise and athletic activities
• Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
• Peaceful with other animals or pets
• Is eager to please and responsive to training

People who hates following things should drop the idea of getting a Lab

• Providing a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
• Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands in play



3 months old

• Shedding (seasonal and average) of hair 

4 months old

 

6 months old

6 months old

From my experience
Things that you can expect from your lab

• to be in high spirit always...fully energetic
• to be a good friendly companion and even though it plays with everyone, it has a sharp ear that when called by the owner it turns immediately to the owner without any hesitation.
• easily trainable and learns to do tricks.

And you can never expect following things from your Lab

• They dont bark like other pups or dogs do.. in a single word its not a gaurd dog. But if training is given it will do so(I was told by the buyer), but the sound will be too loud. (My Puppy sometimes barks and its loud and now its really too loud).
• Other dogs may bark if any stranger comes, but Labs runaway from strangers and within 5 minutes they are not treated as strangers.
• Though intelligent and easy to train its needs lots of patience as they are highly distracted by anything that flies or runs or any new sound they hear.

Characteristics of Labrador:

Labs are friendly, gentle and intelligent. They are watchdogs and not guard dogs, although some have been known to gaurd (if training is given for that). They are also people oriented dogs who enjoy spending time with their human companions. Labs can also be stubborn, so training requires patience and persistence. Active and athletic, Labs are happiest when they get plenty of vigorous exercise every day. Their love of exercise and hunting instincts may lead them to roam if not confined. In earlier days the original purpose of lab was retrieving fishing nets, so still they have webbed paws.
Labs are delightful, high-spirited, and energetic, and so requires a great deal of exercise. They enjoy family play sessions, securely leashed walks, swimming, and a safely fenced yard to run and romp freely. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

NOTE: Without human companionship and daily exercise, Labs often entertain themselves by developing destructive habits such as digging, chewing or Houdini-like escape attempts.

Height : Male : 22-24 inches ; Female : 21 - 23 inches

Weight : Male : 27-34 kg ; Female : 25 - 32 Kg

Diet : A 14 year study covering 48 dogs by food manufacturer Purina showed that Labradors fed to maintain a lean body shape outlived those fed freely by around two years, emphasizing the importance of not over-feeding. As for what they eat? and how much should be fed ? always follow the following points
They like to eat, so even if they are not hungry and food is provided they will finish it and still expect more :)
So always make sure to keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set.

Training:

Early socialization and basic obedience are recommended. Labrador is very strong and must be taught not to pull on their leash. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Labs needs fairness, firmness, consistency, reward, and respect. They excel in tracking, police work, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, guide for the blind, and as service dogs for the disabled.

Stages in Puppy Development - Cesar Millan

Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
To get more information about other breeds click here

Credits:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever