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Over the past few years, Labrador retriever puppies have become one of the most popular dog breeds in America. In fact, Labradors have been the number one registered breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for both 2008 and 2009. It is regarded as a breed that is equally comfortable with the roles of tireless hunting companion and affectionate family pet.

Interestingly, Labradors originated in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Its breed can be traced back to the early nineteenth century when Newfoundlands were bred with small water dogs. The resultant breed was called the St. John’s Water dog, and became the forerunner to the Labrador. It was soon discovered that these dogs excelled as hunting dogs. Hunters came to welcome the dogs’ retrieving instinct, swimming ability and speed.

Prospective owners have their choice of three recognized colors of <a href=”http://www.soggyacres.com/our-dogs/labrador-retriever-puppies”>Labrador puppies</a> – yellow, black, and chocolate. Often, you’ll find some extent of white markings on the dog. Puppies grow quickly and often reach their full size by the time they are seven months old. Dogs can weigh up to eighty pounds and stand twenty-four inches high from the withers. Bitches can reach seventy pounds and stand twenty-three inches high.

Lab puppies are active and exuberant, but open to training. Their rambunctious playfulness around other dogs and people can be taxing to the owner. Therefore, early training, before the dog becomes too big and muscular to easily handle, is highly recommended. Leash training and teaching the dog to sit so as not to jump up on people should be the first two priorities. Taking the dog to a beginning obedience class as a puppy will more than pay for itself down the road.

Whatever training method is employed it should engage the entire family. All family members should communicate a consistent message to the puppy. For example, if father and daughter allow the dog up on the coach, and mother and son do not, the dog will become confused, if not sneaky. Labs are willing and able to learn. Firm but gentle training will result in a disciplined dog that has strong and loving ties to each member of the family.

Lab puppies are fast to grow and love to eat. However, the fast rate of growth can lead to hip dysplasia. Therefore, they should be fed a relatively low protein dog food (food that has less than twenty-five percent protein) and whose recipe is specifically designed for large-breed dogs. This will help to avoid joint problems if the puppy does grow too fast. As Labs age, some may have a propensity to become obese. Careful attention to a controlled diet and adequate exercise should be strongly considered.

As mentioned, Labradors are good learners. Moreover, they enjoy pleasing their masters. As such, Labradors are not only just first-rate hunting companions and family dogs, but are also used as guide dogs for the blind, search-and-rescue dogs, and narcotics detectors for various law enforcement agencies.

Any family bringing into their home a Labrador retriever puppy will essentially be adding another member to the family circle. With proper doses of affection, care, and training, this new addition will reward its owners with unlimited loyalty and love.

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