1. Labrador Retrievers Are America’s Favorite Breed
First, on our list of incredible labrador retriever facts, let’s talk about favoritism. Labrador retrievers rank number one on tons of canine registries in the United States. It’s hard to narrow down one specific reason labs are so well-loved. However, it’s easy to say that these are a versatile breed. Labs make lovely hunting dogs, family pets, and companions. They can also be a fun source of entertainment since they’re always willing to play! Families with young children in the house will love how labs and kids play together. The bond between a lab and a child can be inseparable.
2. They Have Incredible Memories
While humans might forget where they put the keys, a labrador remembers everything! They have incredible memories, which makes sense because they were bred for their ability to remember. This trait is beneficial when they’re on the hunt. Every bird that falls the labrador can keep track of. Their highly tuned memories give labs the advantage of remembering training skills faster than other breeds. A lab can remember countless commands if they have regular brush-up sessions. Labradors remember training better if they play after each session; it’s called post-training playfulness.
3. There Are 3 Labrador Colors
Hunting labrador retrievers come in 3 colors– yellow, chocolate, and black. The number of black labs in a litter usually outnumbers the yellow ones. Alternatively, there are usually more yellow labs than there are chocolate ones. Some color phases of the yellow lab can make them appear to be red, but it’s rare. In comparison, if you think you’re looking at a white lab, it’s a yellow lab in disguise. A yellow lab with an exceptionally light coat may look all white, even though they aren’t. Finally, there are also silver labradors, but they don’t qualify as being a pure bred lab.
4. Labradors Have Webbed Feet
When you think of webbed feet, you probably think of a duck. However, labrador retrievers have webbing between their toes too! The entire physical structure of a labrador is designed to be in the water. The webbing between their toes helps labradors swim quickly and efficiently. They have a water-repellent coat, and their tail works as the perfect rudder. Not only are they good at swimming, but labs love the water! If you let them, your labrador would spend hours swimming back and forth. However, it’s best to give them breaks. Experts recommend giving your lab a break after 30 minutes of swimming. If you notice they’re getting worn out, you might need to give them a break sooner.
5. They’re One of the Smartest Breeds
If a labrador ever outsmarts you, don’t feel bad. They rank fourth on the canine intelligence testing scale. Their brilliant nature can get them into trouble sometimes. If left to their own devices, a lab could easily spend their day hiding your socks and finding all the bits of trash you didn’t know existed! Wearing them out is one of the best ways to keep a creative labrador out of trouble. Especially when they’re puppies, labs require a lot of exercises. Their favorite games include fetch, tug of war, and frisbee!
6. Labradors Are Bad Guard Dogs
Next on our list of incredible retriever facts, most labs aren’t good attack dogs. Labs are protective of their owners. However, they have a kind and friendly temperament. They’re so kind that they make pretty horrible guard dogs. While they might bark and fuss if something isn’t right, they’re not likely to attack. Alternatively, their kind demeanor makes them the perfect choice for hunters and show ring competitors. Labs are comfortable and happy to be around other animals, especially dogs.
7. They’re Active Members of the Community
There are tons of different ways that labrador retrievers serve society. Some labs work as search and rescue dogs, while others specialize in bomb detection. There are also labrador retrievers who are therapy dogs, guide dogs, drug and arson detection dogs, and assistance dogs. Their keen senses and ease of trainability make them the perfect fit for all sorts of jobs.
8. Labrador Retrievers Can Weigh Over 100 Pounds
Labrador sizes range quite a bit. A labrador retriever can be anywhere from 50 lb to 100 lbs or more! Males tend to weigh more than females. An adult male labrador will usually weigh somewhere between 65 to 80 lb. Alternatively, a fully grown female labrador usually weighs 55 and 70 lb. They also have a decent height. Male labs tend to have a height of between 22.5 inches to 24 inches. Female labs have a height between 21.5 inches and 23.5 inches. Overall, labradors are strongly built and are bred to be athletic.
9. English Fishers Were the First Labrador Owners
The first labrador retriever was registered with the Kennel Club in 1903. However, the first labrador registered with the American Kennel Club in the United States wasn’t until the 1920s. The origin of the labrador retrievers starts in the British Isles. Historians believe that English anglers developed the labrador when working on the waters off Newfoundland. The eager-to-please labs helped make a long day of fishing go by quickly! The labradors would help retrieve fish caught in nets and even the nets themselves.
10. Labrador Retrievers Don’t Hunt Independently
Last, on our list of incredible labrador retriever facts, labs don’t naturally hunt. Certain dog breeds, like pointing breeds and hounds, can hunt semi-independently from their handlers. However, a labrador relies on its person. Even if a lab wants to retrieve a downed waterfowl or game bird, it won’t do so until the sportsman tells them to. This is due to labradors tight historical and genetic bonds with humans. If you’ve ever felt the warmth of a devoted lab against your leg, you understand what we’re talking about. The labrador lean is just one of the many signs that the bond between labs and humans is complete and lifelong. What else is there to learn about labs and other dog breeds? Try taking a dog-themed quiz to learn more and to test your dog knowledge!
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