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| By Dirk Vorderstraße (Amola vom Frohlinder Berg) |
The Labrador Retriever is America's favorite dog breed for 25 years and running and with good reason! Friendly, gentle and easy to train the labrador is eager to please and a loving family companion.
A member of the Sporting Group, Labradors are considered gun dogs. These athletic and powerfully built dogs are designed for endurance; they are capable of retrieving waterfowl or upland game hours on end. Bred originally to haul nets and retrieve fish in heavy cold seas, the labrador has its origins working in close cooperation with man. That collaborative spirit is evident in their ability to learn quickly, just ten minutes a day of training, can earn you a devoted, obedient gun dog.
The hallmarks of their appearance include: a sturdy frame, athletic and not cloddish; dense, short, waterproof coat; the "otter" tail; a broad back skull with moderate stop and "kind" eyes that express intelligence and friendliness.
Finding a Reputable Labrador Breeder
The AKC parent club for the Labrador Retriever, The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC), hosts a list of breeder members in good standing. Click here for a contact list of breeders by state.
If you are interested in finding a rescue or assisting in rescue work, the LRC has resources to connect you with organizations in your area. Click here to find a rescue organization in your area.
What is the cost of a Labrador Retriever Puppy: For a purebred Labrador, you can expect to pay between $1000.00 and $1500.00. Top breeders' puppies will start at $1500.00, and go up from there. Sometimes a show prospect does not turn out exactly as the breeder had hoped, which can give you an opportunity to get a very high quality young dog at a little bit of a discount. Usually these dogs have been well socialized in the expectation of a show career.
For tips on finding and interviewing a reputable breeder, this page offers a list of questions and reasonable expectations for both parties in the puppy purchase transaction. Eight Tips to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder.
Recommended Reading on Labrador Retrievers: Breed Info & Puppy Training
Geared towards the die-hard enthusiast, the Official Book of the Labrador Retriever goes into great detail of the development of the breed, influential kennels in the breeds development and in depth understanding of the standard. Readers will learn not only how to "judge" a lab, but also techniques on showing labs. Readers gain an in depth understanding of the working certificates and titles available to competitive Labs as well as history of some of the great National winners, who just might be in your new puppy's pedigree.
Focused on positive reinforcement, this book is filled with training tips and advice specific to the retriever. The authors, John and Amy Dahl, have over 30 years of retriever training experience between them. They have won numerous field-trials, five State Gun Dog Championships as well as other informal competitions, handled six dogs to their Field Championships and trained others who were owner-handled to their titles, including two Cheapeakes and two Dual Champions. They are regular and popular contributors to The Retriever Journal magazine.
Packed with advice from breeders in both the UK and USA, both long time lab owners and those new to the breed will find valuable information in this book. Easy to read, even your kids will enjoy learning more about their new companion with this resource.
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With
Recommended by breeders and the LRC, this book lays out the stages of puppy development and how your training should correspond with each new phase of development. Based on positive reinforcement and attention redirection, owners learn how to raise a safe and obedient puppy.Unique Name Ideas for Labradors By Color and Sex
50 Unique Names for Female Black labs from Magic, Mythology, Fashion and the Artist's Palette.
