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There are many FAQ's available for this group.  For a complete
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                            Labrador Retrievers
                                      
Authors

   Liza Lee Miller, lizalee@k9web.com
   Cindy Tittle Moore, cindy@k9web.com
   PO Box 4188, Irvine, CA 92616
   
   Originally written: August 1992
   Continually revised and updated. Updated: November 28, 2001
   
   Copyright © 1992-2001 by Liza Lee Miller and Cindy Tittle Moore. All
   rights reserved. You may download and print a copy of this file for
   your personal use. Further distribution must be with the explict
   permission of the authors, except as noted below.
   
   NOTE: Labrador Rescue organizations may freely give a copy with each
   dog they place. The only restriction is that the article must be
   complete and retain our names & copyright. Please let us know if you
   use this material for rescue adoptors and please give us any feedback
   you think would improve this article for this purpose.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table Of Contents

     * Characteristics and Temperament
     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * History
     * Standard
     * Recognized
     * Special Medical Problems
     * The Wind-Morgan Program
     * Resources
          + Books
          + Videos
          + Periodicals
          + Other Publications of Interest
          + Online Resources for Lab Owners
          + Breed Rescue Organizations
          + Breeders
          + Breed Clubs
          + Field and Hunting Clubs
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Characteristics and Temperament

   The main characteristics of Labradors are their coat, tail, head and
   temperament. They have a double coat: a soft, downy undercoat that
   keeps them dry and warm in cold water and a hard outer coat that helps
   them repel water. Their tail, described best as an otter tail, is
   thick at the base and tapers to a narrower point. It should not be
   carried over the back nor should it have a curl to it. It should,
   however, be at exactly coffee table height and always be ready to
   swipe one clean. Their head is clean cut and somewhat broad, with
   hanging ears. Their expression is alert and intelligent and conveys a
   kind, friendly temperament.
   
   Their best feature is their temperament. Labs are loving, people
   oriented dogs. They are happiest when they are with you. Labs are
   retrievers and will bring you things they find laying about your house
   or yard. They tend to be quite patient with children and wonderful
   family dogs. They are not guard dogs. They may bark protectively, but
   will generally not act more aggressively. Labs are wonderful people
   dogs, more likely to lick someone to death than hurt them. They tend
   to be stable, not easily upset by strange things or occurrences. They
   will take many things in stride.
   
   In the U.S., there are two distinct "lines" of Labradors: field lines
   and show lines. Field line Labradors have been bred with an emphasis
   on field or hunting ability, and show line Labradors have been bred
   with an emphasis on conformation and temperament. There is some
   dissension between the two groups, with field people claiming that
   show lines have lost much of their hunting and retrieving abilities,
   and show people claiming that field lines do not much look like
   Labradors any more and lack correct temperament. The truth is likely
   somewhere in between. Dogs from field lines will generally have a lot
   of drive, and will often exhibit more energy. Dogs from show lines
   might not be as fast, but most are capable hunters, though not
   necessarily field trial material. Either type can make a pleasant
   companion for a day out of doors.
   
   Labrador Retrievers are people- and action- oriented dogs, and can
   become bored if left to their own devices. Untrained, they can be
   unmanageable due to their size and enthusiasm. Unexercised, they will
   often turn to destruction or escape to alleviate boredom and excess
   energy. They require attention and love as much as food and water.
   Labradors are easy to train which makes obedience work a fun way to
   interact with your dog. Labradors also require plenty of exercise --
   this is especially true since most Labs love to eat! Ensuring they get
   proper exercise, training, and attention will give you a happy,
   healthy Labrador.
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Frequently Asked Questions

   What is the difference between a Labrador and a Retriever?
   
     Retrievers are a type of dog. They are, literally, dogs that
     retrieve and were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters both
     on land and in the water. There are six breeds recognized as
     Retrievers by the AKC. They are: Labrador Retrievers, Golden
     Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers,
     Curly Coated Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels. There are other
     breeds of Retrievers not currently recognized by the AKC, for
     example CKC's Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
     
   Labradors don't shed, do they?
   
     Actually, they do. Labradors have what is called a double coat.
     This means that they have a soft, downy undercoat and a harder
     guard coat. These two types of coat help keep the dog warm and dry
     while swimming in cold waters when retrieving ducks. Generally
     Labradors will shed their coat twice a year. This is called
     "blowing" their coat. They are moderate shedders, not enthusiastic
     ones such as Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherd Dogs. There will
     be a certain amount of hair loss throughout the year, especially in
     more temperate climates. This varies individually; some Labradors
     shed less than others, especially if they happen to have an
     incorrect coat.
     
   How much grooming do they need?
   
     Labs need to be brushed on a regular basis (about once a week) to
     keep them clean. This will also help keep the shedding under
     control. A "slicker" type brush, which you can buy at any pet
     store, works nicely. Labs, like all dogs, need to have their
     toenails clipped regularly. You can get a canine nail clipper at
     any pet store and your vet can demonstrate to you the best way to
     clip their nails. Labs do not need to be bathed frequently. The
     Labrador coat does not need constant attention. A true bath, which
     includes shampooing the coat, is only necessary if the dog smells
     bad. Generally, if a dog is merely dusty or muddy, you can rinse
     them off with plain water or wait until they are dry and brush the
     dirt out to restore them to cleanliness. Shampooing them too often
     is not a good idea as shampoo tends to strip the natural oils out
     of their coats. A properly oily coat repels dirt and sheds water
     easily.
     
     In general, Labrador coats are low-maintenance.
     
   Are Labradors hyper?
   
     A Labrador with correct temperament is never hyperactive.
     Individual dogs can be. With the steady increase of popularity of
     the breed in recent years, more and more Labradors are being bred
     by people who have less regard for temperament than established
     breeders. Some people claim that field line Labradors are hyper and
     show lines are mellow. Others claim that field line Labradors are
     mellow and show lines are hyper! In reality, it appears that
     "backyard bred" Labradors have by far the worst temperaments. If
     you don't breed for good temperaments, you won't get them except by
     accident. ("Backyard breeders" refers to people with little or no
     knowledge of breeding dogs doing so mostly for the money or because
     it seems the thing to do, or even by accident. A better term is
     "disreputable breeders." There are plenty of small-scale, or hobby,
     breeders with wonderful reputations for producing sound, good
     tempered, well-balanced dogs.)
     
     The best advice for finding a Labrador with the right temperament
     is to thoroughly investigate the breeders you are considering. Ask
     to see their other dogs--this should give you an idea of the energy
     level you can expect from their puppies. Ask for the names of other
     people who have previously purchased dogs from them -- and then
     contact these people and ask them whether they'd recommend this
     breeder or not. Labradors with poor temperaments are often the
     result of thoughtless breeding and will not appear in dogs from
     either show lines or field lines that have been conscientiously
     bred.
     
     However, Labradors are active dogs especially in puppyhood. And
     Labradors often do not fully mature until around 3 years of age!
     This means you will have a dog that is mentally a puppy (with a
     puppy's energy) until this age regardless of its physical size!
     Often a Lab puppy is labelled hyperactive when it is simply a
     normal, exuberant and bouncy puppy. If you are prepared to deal
     with this period of time in their lives, you will not have
     problems. It is the people caught unprepared who then label their
     puppy hyperactive and incorrigible and dump it.
     
     We would like to stress that such dogs, untrained and unexercised,
     WILL be a huge problem for their owners, becoming destructive,
     unmanageable, and in many cases escape artists. Once under proper
     discipline (which does NOT mean beating the dog!), most of these
     Labs will shape up into good pets.
     
   What is "butt-tucking"?
   
     "Butt-tucking" (not limited to Labs) is when your pup suddenly
     starts running in circles at top speed with his rear tucked under
     him. Most Labradors do this. It does not indicate a problem with
     your Lab, either with its temperament or its joints. However, you
     will want to keep a sharp eye out that you are not injured during
     this free-for-all!
     
   Labradors are popular, aren't they?
   
     Yes. Since 1991, they have been the top registered dog with the
     AKC. At the end of 1997, the U.S. President got a chocolate
     Labrador. This means that there are a lot of people out there
     breeding Labradors hoping to make a few quick bucks (as opposed to
     improving the breed). You need to be very careful about where you
     get your Labrador. Disreputable breeders are the primary source for
     hyper, ill-behaved and ill-favored Labradors. With a bit of
     research and care, you can find good puppies. The average price for
     a properly bred Labrador puppy is about 400-600 dollars, more for a
     show- or field trial- quality puppy. If you are asked to pay
     substantially more or less for a puppy without good reason given,
     be wary.
     
   I'm confused -- which kind of Labrador will make a better hunter, a
   show-line or field-line Labrador?
   
     Most Labradors, show and field bred, make great hunters. Your own
     level of expertise in picking out likely puppies and training them
     is probably as important as the pedigree of the dog. You should
     consider what kind of hunting you do, how much experience you have,
     and discuss all of this with the breeders you consult.
     
     If you are specifically interested in field trials, you are advised
     to look for good field trial kennels. (Just as, if you are
     interested in showing in conformation, you should look for good
     breed ring kennels.) This split is unfortunate, but it does occur
     since both field trials and conformation trials are essentially
     highly specialized sports. Very few breeders have the resources to
     compete seriously in both venues.
     
     No matter which lines you are interested in, you should try to find
     the puppies that are well balanced with correct structure and
     conformation as the base. Whether you are interested in pet, show,
     hunting, etc., will determine the other characteristics that you
     want. But an unsound dog does not make a good show dog, hunter,
     obedience dog, nor pet!
     
   Do they make good guard dogs?
   
     Labradors are not reliable guards. Some can be protective and most
     will probably bark if they hear or see something they don't like --
     particularly if it is near their yard. If your main purpose in
     getting a dog is to have a guard dog, a Labrador is not a good
     choice, but if you want an "alarm" barker, most Labradors are fine.
     
   What kind of work can Labradors do?
   
     Besides hunting, doing field trials, and being terrific pets? Quite
     a bit. Many Labradors are used as Service and Therapy dogs, for
     example. Still others do very well in Search and Rescue work, as
     well as making excellent Bomb, Narcotic, and Arson dogs. Their
     nose, disposition, and trainability make them particularly suitable
     for these types of activities and the breed has a distinguished
     history in these endeavors.
     
     Interestingly, in comparison to other breeds, such as Goldens,
     there are relatively few Labradors in obedience competition. No one
     is quite certain why, although of course several theories have been
     advanced, from Labradors are a little too "disobedient" (a
     necessary ability in Service work -- to disobey an unsafe command),
     to most people with Labradors being involved in other activities
     such as Hunt Tests.
     
   How are they with children?
   
     As a breed, Labradors tend to be good with children. However, as
     with any dog, it is not a good idea to let puppies and children
     play unattended. Both puppies and children tend to be unaware of
     their own size and strength and could accidentally injure one
     another. Labradors aren't likely to intentionally hurt anyone, but
     could knock a child over when they thought they were playing. By
     the same measure, children can inadvertently hurt a puppy if they
     aren't supervised. As a parent of a young child and the owner of a
     young Lab puppy, realize that you will have to spend time teaching
     both the child and the puppy how to behave around one another.
     
     Note that a Labrador that is not well trained nor properly
     exercised is much more of an accidental hazard to children than one
     who is kept firmly under control.
     
   Do Labradors like to swim?
   
     Labradors love to swim. In general, they take to swimming quite
     naturally. But don't be alarmed if your little pup is unsure about
     swimming the first time--they have to learn about swimming just
     like anything else. Never throw a young puppy into the water! If
     you have an adult dog around that enjoys swimming, the pup will
     probably follow it in happily. You could also wade in yourself and
     have the pup follow. Be aware though that pups have sharp nails
     which can be painful if they try to climb up on you in the water.
     The pup's first introduction to the water should be at a spot where
     there is a gradual entry, rather than a sharp drop off, and there
     should be no current at all. Let the pup explore the water at his
     own pace; if he just wants to splash and wade for now, let him. As
     he gains confidence, he will go in deeper.
     
     Another important caveat is that dogs should not be allowed
     unattended access to a swimming pool unless you know that they know
     how to get out. Dogs often cannot easily pull themselves out of the
     pool and even strong swimmers will tire if they can't find an easy
     way out of the water. And if you do let your Lab in your swimming
     pool, check that filter often! Dogs shed much more than people do.
     
   Are there golden Labs? What is the difference between golden and
   yellow Labs?
   
     Labradors come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow.
     Yellow Labradors are often mistakenly called "golden Labradors."
     The term yellow refers to a range of color from nearly white to
     gold to fox-red. The Golden Retriever is a separate breed from the
     Labrador, although there are similarities. Sometimes the term is
     used informally to refer to a Labrador / Golden Retriever mix.
     
   Are there any other colors of Labradors?
   
     No. Black, chocolate, and yellow are the only correct colors. While
     mis-marked purebred Labradors are possible, be wary of those
     selling "rare" Labradors of other colors at exorbitant prices.
     There are yellow Labradors that are so pale they appear white, but
     they are still considered to be yellow and will usually have some
     color, even if it is only on the ear tips. These lighter yellows
     not unusual nor rare and should not command a significant price
     hike. The same goes for "fox red" Labradors. Variations in the
     color of yellow Labradors are not penalized, but treated the same
     as any other yellow Labrador; however the lighter shades tend to
     predominate in the ring at this time.
     
     "Silver" Labradors are purely a scam and are either crosses with
     Weimaraners or very light chocolates. An actual silver Labrador
     (possibly a dilute chocolate) would be treated as a mismarked dog
     and not command a high price. To our knowledge, "blue" Labradors
     (dilute blacks) have never been offered, but if they were, the same
     caveats as the silver Labs would apply. It's possible the silver
     Labs are actually dilute blacks; no one has done any test breeding
     to verify and the owners of the silver kennels are remarkably
     secretive about their dogs. However, based on a comparison with
     Doberman Pinschers, it seems reasonable to speculate that silvers
     are dilute chocolates ("fawns" in Dobermans).
     
   Can you get yellow Labradors from black ones? And vice versa? What
   about chocolates?
   
     Yes, you can get yellows from blacks and blacks from yellows.
     Similarly, you can get chocolates from blacks or yellows and
     vice-versa. It all depends on what color genes the parents carry.
     The only absolutes are that if both parents are yellow, the
     resulting puppies are always yellow, never black or chocolate; if
     both parents are chocolate, you can get yellow or chocolate puppies
     but never black ones.
     
   Are there differences between Labs of different colors?
   
     Aside from the color itself, there are no differences. Many people
     feel that black Labs are better hunters, yellow dogs are lazier,
     and chocolate dogs are hardheaded and stubborn. None of this is
     true. The reason is pure genetics. Coat color in normally colored
     Labs is determined by two genes unrelated to anything else about
     the dog. It is perfectly possible to get all three colors in the
     same litter, therefore the notion that there is a color based
     difference in temperament and/or ability is absurd.
     
   Alright, so what is the nitty gritty on coat color inheritance?
   
     Two sets of genes, not one, control a Lab's coloration. One set of
     genes controls whether the Lab will be dark (either black or
     chocolate) or light (yellow). Dark is dominant over light. Thus a
     Lab whose genotype is EE (homozygous dominant) or Ee (heterozygous)
     will be dark; only Labs that are ee (homozygous recessive) can be
     light.
     
     The second set of genes only come into play if the Lab is dark
     (either EE or Ee). This set controls whether the Lab is black (the
     dominant trait) or chocolate (the recessive trait). Thus, a dark
     dog (ie. EE/Ee) that is BB (homozygous dominant) or Bb
     (heterozygous) will be black, while the only way a dog can be
     chocolate is for it to be dark (EE/Ee) AND bb (homozygous
     recessive).
     
     So now, the possibilities for black dogs are EEBB, EEBb, EeBB, or
     EeBb. The possibilities for a yellow dog are eeBB, eeBb, or eebb.
     And the possibilities for a chocolate dog are EEbb or Eebb.
     Remember that puppies will get one E/e from the dam and one from
     the sire, as well as one B/b from the dam and one from the sire to
     make up their complete "code". If you had two parents that were
     both EeBb (black in appearance), you can get all three colors in
     the resulting litter! Furthermore, when you realize that a pair of
     yellows can only give their puppies the ee combination, you
     understand why two yellows only produce yellows. In a similar
     fashion, two chocolates can only bequeath bb to their puppies, so
     two chocolates can never produce a black puppy.
     
     The eebb is an interesting case, as this is a yellow dog with
     chocolate pigmentation on its nose and eyerims. A dog that is bb
     always has this pigmentation. Under the current standard, a yellow
     with chocolate pigmentation is disqualified.
     
     If the Lab is mismarked, for example Black and Tan, or brindled,
     there are other allelles present in that dog's makeup. If you are
     interested in a further discussion of these genes, do look up
     Clarence C. Little's classic book, The Inheritance of Coat Color in
     Dogs.
     
     Traditionally, the way to determine a dog's genetic background for
     color is to examine the whelping box: a dog that produces yellows
     and/or chocolate carries those genes. And dogs carry what their
     parents have; a black with one yellow or chocolate parent must
     carry the yellow or chocolate gene. But for those who really want
     to know for certain can now make use of a simple cheek swab test to
     determine their dog's genotype. VetGen (1-800-483-8436) has such a
     test for $85.
     
   What is a Dudley?
   
     This is a yellow Labrador with chocolate pigmentation (eebb). It
     can also refer to a Lab with absolutely no pigmentation on the nose
     or eyerims (all pink in color), but in actuality, this is extremely
     rare, and probably a genetic abnormality. Please be aware that,
     while this trait is considered undesirable, it does not indicate
     some sort of genetic abnormality. There is no known correlation
     between Dudley noses and poor health.
     
   But I see some Labradors with a pinkish nose.
   
     Yes, this happens with many breeds, actually. It is called "winter
     nose" or "snow nose." Many yellow Labs will have dark noses in the
     summer that fade somewhat in the winter and repeat the cycle the
     next year. It is not understood why this happens. You can see it in
     many northern breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes as well. This is
     not considered a fault in any of these breeds and is not penalized.
     To differentiate between Labs with faded noses and Dudleys, check
     the eyerims and gum tissue of the dogs. A Dudley will have only
     light pink or tan skin; the other dogs will have black pigment in
     these areas.
     
   Do they jump fences? Are they good escape artists?
   
     They are not renowned for this as a breed, although individual
     Labradors can be clever at escaping. Some can be good at opening
     doors and latches. A six-foot fence properly grounded will keep a
     Labrador from jumping, although many Labradors will never jump a
     four-foot fence perimeter. Because they can chew a lot, take care
     that your enclosure cannot be chewed through. They can also be good
     climbers, so check for possible footholds the dog could use to haul
     himself up (for example, check if a doghouse provides a platform
     from which to jump a fence).
     
     A Lab that is bored and/or underexercised may turn into an excape
     artist par exellence.
     
   Do they bark a lot?
   
     Bored Labradors can, but excessive barking is not generally typical
     of the breed. Labradors often give a warning bark in response to an
     unusual event that they feel needs your attention, such as "Hey, a
     car pulled into the driveway!"
     
   Will a male or female Labrador make a better pet?
   
     Both sexes make good pets. In general, male Labradors are more
     dependent and females are somewhat independent. For example, if you
     are at home working on your computer, your male Labrador will
     probably sleep right under your feet while your female will
     probably sleep in the other room and just come in and check on you
     periodically.
     
     For most people, a male Labrador will probably make the best pet!
     
   Where should I get my dog?
   
     You have to first decide if you are getting a puppy or an adult
     Lab. If you choose to get an adult dog, you could get one from the
     pound, from a Labrador Rescue organization, or from a breeder who
     is looking for a home for an adult Labrador. There is more about
     Rescue organizations at the end of this file. If you decide to get
     a puppy, you should do some research and find a reputable breeder
     you trust.
     
   How do I choose a puppy?
   
     You need to do some homework before you start talking to breeders
     and certainly before you look at any puppies. You need to make some
     decisions about what sex and color you'd like. What you plan to do
     with the dog. What kind of temperament you'd like. Once you have
     some answers to those questions, you should discuss your concerns
     and ideas with breeders. After you have found a breeder you like,
     then allow the breeder to help you select your puppy. Most breeders
     have a pretty good idea of what the puppies' personalities are like
     and will guide you to a good choice.
     
   What health problems are Labradors prone to?
   
     Hip and elbow dysplasia can be a problem, so be sure to look for
     breeders that certify their dogs through OFA or Wind-Morgan.
     Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia are both problems
     in this breed, so dogs being bred must be examined yearly by an
     veterinary ophthalmologist. Labradors are prone to mild skin
     allergies in some regions of the US, notably Southern California.
     Ear infections are always a potential problem with hanging ears.
     You can minimize the potential for health problems by choosing the
     breeder of your puppy carefully.
     
   What is this I hear about the lawsuit with the AKC?
   
     Over the past five years or so, the national breed club for
     Labrador Retrievers (the LRC) has been trying to revise the
     standard for the breed. Many bench, or show, people objected to the
     revisions being made. The AKC took the unprecedented step, because
     of the amount of controversy on the subject, of returning the first
     submitted revision in 1993. The LRC resubmitted the revised
     standard, still over the objections of the bench community, and the
     standard took effect April 1, 1994. As the new standard included
     disqualifications for height, some breeders are now unable to show
     their dogs, and six of them put together a lawsuit based on the
     Sherman Anti-Trust Act, claiming that the LRC rewrote the standard
     to admit their dogs to the ring while excluding the objecting
     breeders' dogs.
     
     It is important to remember that a large part of the controversy
     revolves around the fact that the LRC has a limited membership --
     the most popular AKC breed in the US has a national breed club
     composed of 700 members, down from 900 several years ago. Most of
     these members are oriented toward field trials. Many show oriented
     fanciers greatly resented the lack of involvement allowed them
     throughout the revision process. On the other side of the issue,
     the LRC and the AKC have stated that they do not feel the standard
     provides any hardship to Labrador breeders and have asked that the
     suit be dismissed due to lack of merit. There is a good deal of
     acrimony on both sides that has contributed to the overall issue.
     
     At the moment the lawsuit against the LRC and the AKC is still
     pending.
     
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   The Labrador Retriever was developed in England in the mid 1800s by a
   handful of private kennels dedicated to developing and refining the
   perfect gundog. That many such kennels were pursuing their own vision
   of such a dog is the reason behind the variety of today's retriever
   breeds.
   
  Early ancestors
  
   It's fairly clear that there were no indigenous dogs in Newfoundland
   when the first fishing companies arrived. If the native Americans of
   the time had any, the explorers never observed them. Thus it's quite
   likely that the St. Johns dogs themselves come from old English Water
   Dogge breeds, insofar as fishermen were the primary people on
   Newfoundland for centuries. There is also some speculation that the
   old St. Hubert's dog might have been brought over as well --
   illustrations of the breed show a black, drop-eared dog with a certain
   resemblance to the Labrador. But it is unknown if the fishermen going
   to Newfoundland would have had hound dogs used for game rather than
   water dogs.
   
   We can only speculate what happened, but we do know that the cod
   fishermen sent out from Britain practiced "shore fishing." Small
   dories were used for the actual fishing, and they worked in teams of
   four -- two in the boat and two on the shore to prepare and cure the
   fish. They would have needed a small dog to get in and out of the
   boat, with a short water repellent coat so as not to bring all the
   water into to the boats with them. They would have bred for a strong
   retrieving instinct to help retrieve fish and swimming lines, and a
   high degree of endurance to work long hours. If the runs were heavy,
   the fishermen were reputed to go for as long as twenty hours to haul
   the fish in.
   
   The dog developed for this early work could be found in several

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