Information on a Lab Puppy
The Labrador retriever, according to the American Kennel Club, is the most popular dog in America for the 19th consecutive year, as of April 2010. There is good reason for this; the Lab is generally healthy, requires minimal grooming and features an affable, gentle nature. With quality care, your Lab puppy can live up to 15 years and will grow to weigh 60 to 80 pounds.
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Selection
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As a breed, Labs are generally healthy, but are prone to some genetic diseases, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy. Some Labs are also affected by a heart condition known as tricuspid valve dysplasia. Chances of any of these affecting your Lab puppy can be minimized by carefully screening the breeders. When deciding on a puppy, ask to see the parents and siblings, as well as certification that the pup's eyes and hips are healthy. Quality breeders that care about their pups will be pleased to oblige you on this.
Diet
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Because of Labs' predisposition to hip dysplasia, they require a dog food specially made for large-breed puppies. Lab puppies can grow too fast on regular dog food, increasing the likelihood of dysplasia. Dog Channel.com advises not to allow food your Lab puppy to graze. Instead, frequent, small feedings are recommended to help keep the Lab puppy from gaining weight too rapidly. Labs are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening disorder that causes the stomach to twist, often resulting in death. Preventing the Lab puppy from eating fast can help to prevent bloat. Moisten the puppy's dry food a short time before serving. This makes the food chewier, causing the puppy to slow down when eating.
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Temperament
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Lab puppies are gregarious, energetic bundles of activity. They love children and will play endlessly with them. They are highly intelligent dogs that love to please. Training should begin in early puppyhood. It is easy for the rambunctious Lab to take on a dominant disposition if he isn't taught his proper place from the beginning.
Appearance
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Lab puppies come in black, yellow and chocolate color varieties. Lab puppies weigh about a pound at birth. During his first eight weeks of life, your Lab pup will gain up to two pounds per week. His soft hair will develop a coarser top coat as he matures; the tail will take on a hook-like appearance. Your Lab puppy's feet will appear too large for his body, and you will often observe him tripping over them.
Care
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Lab puppies have a great deal of energy to burn. If they aren't allowed enough exercise, their pent-up energy can lead to destruction. Introduce him to swimming, and accompany him on daily walks and runs. Always keep your Lab puppy on a leash if near any traffic. Labs have a prey-seeking instinct that kicks in while they are quite young. They will likely chase rabbits, cats or even tires on cars. A Lab's eyes and ears need cleaned and dried thoroughly after outside adventures to prevent infections. The coat's grooming requirements are minimal; brushing it weekly to remove shedding hair will suffice.
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References
- Photo Credit black labrador, tired puppy image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com
