| BREED FOCUS - Labrador Retriever | | | | Grooming |
| History | | | | With their short coats, they will only require a |
| Labradors originated from the coast of | | | | minimal amount of time spent on grooming. |
| Newfoundland in the 17 th Century. They were | | | | Exercise |
| trained by fishermen, to collect the nets from the | | | | Labradors love to be outside; they appreciate long |
| icy waters and for this reason, were bought to | | | | walks where they can run off lead. But do |
| Poole Harbour in the UK in the 19 th Century. | | | | beware; because of their love for water, it is |
| With such an attractive dog, the fishermen were | | | | likely that they will become oblivious to your |
| often offered money for them and they very | | | | shouts of "NO", as they head for the nearest |
| soon were found to be extremely effective as | | | | muddy water hole, to wallow like a hippo! Care |
| gun dogs. | | | | should be taken around large expanses of water, |
| The Earl of Malmesbury was a huge fan and | | | | as they will swim and swim! |
| began breeding these dogs, and named them " | | | | Health Problems |
| Labradors" | | | | When you purchase a Labrador puppy, you must |
| Appearance | | | | check that the breeder screens for hereditary |
| Labradors are extremely attractive dogs, with | | | | problems, especially Hip and Elbow dysplasia. You |
| kind faces and gentle eyes. They are strongly built | | | | should also be aware that progressive retinal |
| and broad through their chest and rib cage. | | | | atrophy and epilepsy are also hereditary problems. |
| According to the Kennel Club, Labradors should | | | | Henry's story |
| stand at approximately 55-56 cm tall for females | | | | Henry is a 7 year old typical Labrador who lives |
| and 56-57 cm tall for males. | | | | with Kim and Leon, and their 4 year old son, Max. |
| Labradors have a short, dense coat which has a | | | | Henry is extremely patient with Max, who has |
| waterproof undercoat. They come in 3 solid | | | | been known to use Henry as a step up to the |
| colours; yellow, black and chocolate. Yellow | | | | settee and often follows Henry around, grabbing |
| Labradors can range in colour from a light cream | | | | him and stroking him and generally giving him no |
| to red fox. | | | | time to himself!! Henry sometimes sneaks into |
| Temperament | | | | Max's bedroom at night and falls asleep in there - |
| Labradors make one of the best family pets, | | | | maybe he wants to keep an eye on his buddy. |
| being friendly, kind patient and very forgiving. | | | | Henry loves his walks with a passion, but will head |
| They will bond with children and adults alike and | | | | straight for any patch of water or muddy hole, |
| just love to be a part of the family. They are not | | | | and will lie down in it so that his perfect, pale |
| a good guard dog, and will welcome strangers like | | | | yellow coat turns muddy brown - whatever the |
| old family friends. They like other dogs and are | | | | weather!! |
| good with other animals too. | | | | |