How to Select a Labrador Retriever

Originally from Newfoundland, this very popular dog was bred to jump into the water and haul fishermen's nets ashore. Today, besides being good family pets, Labs are hunting dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, guide dogs and police dogs, used for detecting drugs and bombs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Toys
• Dog Treats
• Nail Clippers For Dogs

1. Choose a Lab if you want a friendly, loyal and affectionate companion. They're not good watchdogs but will bark if there's a reason.

2. Try a Labrador if you're looking for a good family dog. They're excellent with children.

3. Feel confident in adopting a Lab if you have other pets; they get along well with everyone.

4. Anticipate your adult Lab weighing 60 to 70 lbs. and standing about 23 inches at the shoulder.

5. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a good-quality dog.

6. Consider adopting a Lab from a rescue group. Most of these dogs are already housebroken and finished with the chewing stage. There's usually nothing wrong with the dog; the owners didn't research the breed and later discovered that they and the dog were incompatible.

7. Remember that Labs tend to be somewhat stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them.

8. Note that Labs are enthusiastic puppies and are sometimes mistakenly thought to be hyperactive. The main reason people give up their Labs is that they're too active.

9. Be prepared to spend a fruitful 10 to 12 years with your Lab, as this is the average life expectancy of a Labrador retriever.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising your dog.

• Provide your Lab with a secure yard. Keep the dog indoors or out. Labs are moderately active and will be happy in a yard or a house.

• Labs come in black, chocolate and yellow. There's no such thing as a golden Labrador - it's a yellow Lab. Some yellows, incidentally, are closer to red than gold.

• These dogs love to swim. Keep a towel handy!

• Avoid buying a "rare silver Labrador" or any other rare coloring. Silver Labs are usually light-colored chocolate Labs or a Lab/weimaraner cross. Don't buy from a person who sells these supposedly rare colors, since a responsible breeder wouldn't get involved in such a scam.