Size

In terms of size, the physical characteristics of female and male Labrador Retrievers differ significantly. A female Labrador Retriever is 55-60 cm tall, and a male Labrador Retriever is 57-62 cm tall. As for other physical characteristics, the length of female and male Labrador Retrievers ranges from 91-107 centimeters.

Weight

Labrador Retriever weight is determined by genetics, diet, and health. However, an adult male Labrador Retriever generally weighs between 29-36 kilograms. In the case of a female Labrador retriever, this figure spans around 25-29 kilograms.

Lifespan

The life expectancy of a Labrador Retriever ranges from 10 to 14 years and is equivalent to about 66-88 years of human life. But, don’t forget that these indications are conditional and the life expectancy of your beloved family member depends on a healthy lifestyle and harmonious living environment.

Fur

Labrador Retrievers are adorned with a double coat of fur. The straight, short, and dense fur characteristic of the species perfectly protects them in any weather conditions. Regardless of its length, Labrador’s fur requires regular grooming. Routine brushing gives the fur a healthy look and significantly reduces the intensity of its shedding.

You have probably already heard that Labradors enjoy the status of beloved members of the family. With this in mind, you should remember that their loving nature extends to all members of the household, but still, Labradors show special affection when interacting with children. This fact further strengthens their reputation as reliable family members.

It’s hard to ignore the intellectual abilities of the Labrador Retriever. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new environments allows these unique companion animals to adapt to a variety of distinct roles.

Labradors are also famous for their sociable nature. Not only do they show a friendly attitude towards family members, but they also don’t refuse to interact with other pets, and even shy people are delighted to have fun with them. Labrador Retrievers are also distinguished by their characteristic high level of energy. Swimming, jogging, and walking are just a small list of activities that these beloved companions love to enjoy with their family members.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common pathologies among the deformations of the musculoskeletal system. Hip dysplasia is the result of a developmental disorder of connective tissue and its weakness. As usual, this condition is caused by the underdevelopment of the hip joint and its elements.

To prevent hip dysplasia and reduce stress on the joints, it’s vital to keep your companion animal’s weight within the expected range. Ensure a balanced diet and try to avoid excessive physical activity. Choose a competent veterinarian who will regularly screen the thigh to reduce the risk of disease development and, if a problem is detected, will properly guide the treatment process.

Heart Diseases

Like other large breeds, Labrador Retrievers may be prone to heart disease. Regular exercise is critical to maintaining cardiovascular health, improving circulation, and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s advisable to pay special attention to nutrition. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can work to reduce the risk of developing heart disease in important members of our family. To effectively monitor heart health, schedule regular veterinary examinations and pay special attention to this process as your beloved companion gets older.

Hereditary Myopathy

Myopathy is a muscle disease that develops as a result of improper functioning of muscle tissues. Myopathy causes muscle weakness in companion animals. Since the casualties of myopathy are varied, a targeted cure for this issue may require drug treatment, physical therapy, massage, or surgery.

High-quality dog food, which contains an adequate amount of protein, will significantly contribute to the development of muscles and their strength. Adding vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin D, and B to the diet will also have a positive effect on the muscle health of your important family member. However, be sure to consult a nutritionist before adding any type of vitamin to your companion animal’s diet.

Before acquiring a new family member, studying their genetic history is a characteristic of competent parents. For this reason, we recommend choosing a breeder who tests companion animals for genetic disorders before mating.

Eye Problems

Because of their tendency for eye problems, regular vet checks of your Labrador’s eyes are vital to early detection and management of the problem. To prevent eye concerns, feed your important family members foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It’s also important to keep your companion animal away from harmful environmental factors such as strong sunlight and winds. If you notice any symptoms related to eye discomfort, contact your veterinarian immediately. Regular veterinary consultations and a balanced diet guarantee the health of your precious companion.

Because Labrador Retrievers tend to gain weight, a balanced and portion-controlled diet is critical to ensuring their health and general well-being. Choose healthy balanced foods and divide them over several portions throughout the day. Also, make sure your Labrador always has access to fresh water, as proper hydration contributes to the reasonable functioning of the digestive system and has a positive effect on overall health.

To avoid health problems, plan your beloved companion’s diet based on factors such as age, activity level, and metabolic rate. For instance, puppies, adult companion animals, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. Also, the more active the dog is, the more calories it needs. Therefore, a consultation with a veterinarian and regular medical check-ups to monitor your Labrador’s weight, overall health, and nutritional needs are essential.

Large dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers and Labradors, have specific nutritional requirements. For instance, calcium and phosphorus are necessary components for the proper development of their bones. Taking these minerals in a controlled dose will prevent orthopedic problems. Foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids will especially help to a sharp improvement in health.

An important member of your family may be experiencing discomfort caused by a food allergy. To prevent this problem, watch out for a list of early symptoms such as itchy skin and gastrointestinal problems. If you think your companion animal is suffering from a food-induced allergy, be sure to consult your nutritionist to adjust the diet. As a competent parent, remember that certain foods such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, and grapes can be toxic to your loyal friend, so make sure these foods are kept out of their reach.

Those who are interested in the history of the Labrador Retriever breed should begin their journey back in time from the 16th-century island of Newfoundland (now a Canadian province). It was exactly on this island that the history of Labradors as fishing dogs began. By this time, Labradors could swim perfectly and perform water-related tasks with utmost precision.

In the 19th century, Newfoundland fishing dogs made their way to England and quickly won the hearts of British sportsmen. Thanks to Labrador’s association with the Labrador Sea, Newfoundland fishing dogs were renamed Labrador Retrievers in Britain.

Due to the variety of qualities and intelligence characteristic of the breed, in 1917 the popularity of the Labrador Retriever increased on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. From this period, Labradors are considered not only as beloved hunting pals but as important members of the family and loyal companions of people with disabilities.