For those who want to become the owner of a large dog, a black labrador will be a good choice, according to experienced dog handlers. This breed is smart and friendly, loves children and is ideal for living in a family.
Material Content:
Description and history of the breed
The black Labrador Retriever is a moderately well-fed, large dog, the maximum height of the male at the withers is 57 cm, weight - 40 kg. He has a short smooth coat with a thick, waterproof undercoat. Build strong, downed, wide skull, deep and wide chest. Small ears fit snugly to the head, tail thick at the base, medium length.
The birthplace of the breed is the island of Newfoundland, discovered by Europeans in the 15th century. Dogs who knew how to swim perfectly, the locals used to hunt game. There were two varieties - with short and long hair. The ancestors of the breed were short-haired dogs, which began to be exported to England at the beginning of the 19th century. The Kennel Club officially recognized the Labrador breed in July 1903.
How to choose a black labrador puppy
Having decided to purchase a Labrador Retriever, it is advisable to learn about the breed as much as possible and get acquainted with the requirements of the standard. This will help you make the right choice and avoid many problems.
You can start your search by visiting exhibitions that show the best representatives of the breed. There you can meet potential parents of the future pet. To maintain the image, breeders regularly exhibit their wards.
It makes sense to buy a Labrador puppy in Russia only in well-known clubs and kennels that are part of the RKF structure. You can take an experienced dog handler with you, who understands the breed. Of great importance is the appearance and behavior of the bitch, the mother of the litter. Black Labrador puppies will genetically inherit parental manners and exterior. If you liked an adult dog, you can negotiate a purchase with the breeder.
It is useful to know that females are allowed for breeding no younger than one and a half years and no older than 8. The maximum number of litters that can be obtained from one animal is six, i.e. mating should be carried out no more than 1 time per year. The purebred Labrador has a pedigree recognized by international and Russian cynological federations. If one of these conditions is violated, it is better to refrain from buying.
When examining puppies pay attention to their behavior. Choose an active, healthy baby with good exterior data, which shows interest in the environment. When selling, the breeder must give a puppy card with recommendations for care and a veterinary book.
The purpose and nature of the dog
The character of the Labrador is kind and flexible, but in the absence of sufficient loads, the dog behaves hyperactively. The animal has strength, energy and endurance. To obtain the title of champion in exhibitions, the dog passes the working tests.
The main purpose of retrievers as hunting gun dogs has expanded significantly due to their exceptional intelligence and understanding. Labradors can be companions, guides, rescuers, assistants in the search for explosives and drugs.
Pet Care
Before the puppy gets into the house, they prepare a place for him away from drafts and radiators. In his corner, the baby should feel calm. They clean shoes, books, telephones and wires away from puppy teeth: the dog should have its own toys. A tooth change lasts up to about 6-8 months, so shoes that are left unattended can be eaten.
The first vaccination and deworming puppies are usually carried out in the nursery. After revaccination, the baby is placed in a 2-week quarantine, then you can go out for a walk. Vaccinations are done annually up to 8 years.
The black labrador does not need frequent bathing: he is washed before the exhibition and as necessary. Once a week they brush their teeth, examine and rub their ears, eyes. The dog must have a brush to comb the hair.
Starting from two months, the puppy is trained to the collar, then to the muzzle. These necessary items should not cause negative emotions. The retriever needs daily walks and exercise. Up to 10 months, the puppy must not be allowed to jump over obstacles: this can lead to injury to the limbs and spine.
Labrador Retriever Feeding
So that the retriever puppy does not have digestion problems, they continue to feed him at home just like in the nursery. Gradually, the dog can be transferred to the type of feeding that seems more useful and suitable.
There are three power schemes:
- Natural diet. They give raw meat frozen in the freezer, meat broths, cereals, cottage cheese, vegetables, greens. Difficulties can arise when compiling a full-fledged menu: sometimes a dog does not receive the nutrients it needs in the right amount. You should adhere to these rules: the daily diet should include 20 g of protein, 2 g of fat and 5 g of carbohydrates per 1 kg of animal body weight.
- Dry food and prepared wet canned food. High-quality feeds from well-known manufacturers - Purina Pro Plan, Solid Gold, Hills, Diamond, Eukanuba - greatly simplify the life of the dog owner. They contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals - proteins, fats and carbohydrates - in the right proportion. The manufacturer recommends the recommended amount of feed per day on the packaging. Labradors and wet canned dogs with different tastes are happy to eat.
- Mixed food. It is popular with many owners. Dogs are given high-quality dry food and natural products - kefir, raw meat, tripe, cottage cheese, fish. But do not interfere with dry and natural food in one meal.
The number of feeds depends on the age of the dog: small puppies eat 6 times, 3-month-olds - 4 times, adult dogs - 2 times a day. It is advisable to give food in a bowl of stainless steel, placed at the level of the shoulders of the animal using a special tripod stand. This will help maintain a beautiful posture. To maintain the health and longevity of the retriever, it is important to give food after a walk or training, and not before it begins. Do not forget about clean drinking water. It should be constantly poured into a dog bowl. Change water should be daily.
Parenting and training
Problems in raising a Labrador puppy do not arise due to a stable psyche. The dog is quick-witted and agile, easily trained in basic commands. Those owners who want their pet to win at exhibitions, help on the hunt, be a good companion, visit training sites. In addition to the OKD course, there are special programs for preparing labradors for rescue, search service and other activities.
Pros and cons of the breed
The labrador is hard to find flaws.
However, behavioral patterns may cause temporary discomfort:
- little puppies gnaw everything that falls into their teeth;
- adult dogs are prone to obesity, you need to strictly monitor the diet;
- retriever does not like loneliness, they can make a mess while sitting alone at home;
- requires spacious living space for maintenance.
Labrador is a hunting dog breed not for lazy people. The ideal host will be an active person who loves sports or hunting.
The benefits of purebred representatives of the breed are obvious to all owners. These are beautiful and strong dogs, they require minimal care, are very smart and obedient, have a good character. Labradors are loyal assistants to hunters, rescuers, and military. They love the family in which they live, deprived of aggression, infinitely devoted and patient.
