All About AKC Lab Puppies
Are you thinking about adopting a Labrador retriever? If you are, you’re among lots of other people around the world. There’s a good reason that the Labrador is one of the most popular pets in the US and in many other locations. These friendly, loving, obedient animals are the perfect choice for hunters as well as for active families. But getting AKC lab puppies isn’t as simple as it first looks. Let’s take a look at what you need to know and what to avoid.
You want the healthiest, happiest pet you can find, even if you’re not going to be formally showing your dog. Breeders which are AKC registered can help you be sure you’re getting an animal that won’t have any genetic personality or health problems, and has been taken good care of. But you’ll need to do a little sifting to find the right breeder. Also, beware of places offering AKC lab puppies that won’t show you the parents’ registration and health records – they might not be the real thing.
Too many people ignore common sense when they decide to buy a puppy. They end up getting the one that’s the cutest, or the one their kids like best. But there’s more to adopting AKC lab puppies than just loving the dog. You need to make sure you do your homework beforehand, make sure that you’re the right kind of household for a Labrador, and be certain that the puppy you get is right for you.
Be willing to talk to breeders and ask lots of questions. A good breeder will know that there’s no such thing as a stupid question, and will be happy to answer your questions. Check out a few local dog shows in your area to start meeting breeders and their animals. You can also get in touch with the AKC club in your area to find out who they recommend for people wanting to adopt AKC lab puppies.
Don’t bargain shop for your dog. Even if conformation to show standards isn’t important to you, you should make sure you pay enough to get a good quality puppy. “Bargain AKC puppies” are often being bred by puppy mills that neglect the health and genetics of their breeding animals. That leads to problems down the road. If you can’t afford AKC lab puppies, adopt from your local humane shelter, rather than from a cheap breeder.
A puppy from a real AKC registered parent will be healthy and in good condition. The breeder should let you meet the puppy’s parents and other relatives, and be willing to show you around. Steer clear of breeders who are unwilling to answer questions, won’t show you their facilities, or seem impatient and in a hurry to get you to leave. Your Labrador retriever puppy should be the friend that stays with you for a lifetime.
All About English Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are a very popular dog in the United States and the UK. But there are a few differences between the most common kinds. English Labrador retrievers look and act a little different from the American type. Both are great dogs, and can produce show quality animals, however. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two interesting dogs.
Both kinds of lab have a solid coat (sometimes with a few white hairs) and come in yellow, chocolate, and black in all kinds of shades. However, there are differences between them, too. English Labrador retrievers have shorter bodies compared to American labs, a heavier build, and a more docile temperament. These animals are very blocky for labs, while the American type is more likely to have a tall body type. While no Labrador retriever should ever be lanky, like a Doberman or Weimeraner, these are less solidly built dogs.
English Labrador retrievers are also called show, bench, and conformation type Labradors. American Labrador retrievers might also be called field or working dogs. Both types of animals are found in the UK and in the US, so the names “English Labrador retriever” and “American Labrador retriever” are somewhat misleading. They only refer to the original stock that developed the line – Labradors have been bred in England for nearly two hundred years now.
There are different standards for each type among registration agencies. The AKC holds that field or American type labs still have to conform to standard lab standards, and that overly long noses and legs, thin heads, or very slight frames are not considered a good conformation.
It’s important to remember that most agencies don’t differentiate formally between the types. No one has standardized a way to tell an English Labrador retriever from an American one, or a particular way of judging them. The two kinds just come from different breeding lines originally. There’s a third line that’s not common in the Northern Hemisphere – the Australian line of Labrador retriever. These dogs are often, but not always, built more like the English Labrador retriever than the American type.
So, which is better? It all depends on what you want. English Labrador retrievers are a more placid dog that’s been bred as a pet or show dog for a longer period of time. American labs have spent more of their existence being bred as working dogs, and have a few more traits that make them good for this use. They’re also more energetic. Both types are friendly, active pets that make great family or work dogs. It’s all a matter of what shape and personality you prefer. Meet a few labs, and see how you feel.
Your Guide to Training a Labrador
If you have a new Labrador puppy, or are thinking about getting one, training is going to be an important issue. Many people believe that training a Labrador is difficult, and it can be, but only if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you understand the basic characteristics of this very interesting dog breed, and you make sure to follow a few basic rules, training a Labrador is simple. Let’s take a look at how you can do it.
First, realize that your lab wants to please you. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to follow your instructions, it’s not because your puppy wants to disobey. Labs are dogs that love being part of an active family, thrive on attention, and live for a kind word. If training a Labrador is going badly, it’s probably because your dog is too confused to understand what you’d like done.
These dogs are very intelligent, gentle, and outgoing. However, they can get over enthusiastic. They can also grow to be pretty big, making it extremely important to teach them boundaries when they’re small. Sure, that lovable puppy isn’t big enough to do any damage, but now’s the time when your pet is learning. How much of a problem will you have with training a Labrador when your pet weighs sixty pounds and has already learned that it’s okay to sit on your lap? Start early, be firm, and stay consistent.
Remember to keep your lab occupied, too. Training a Labrador that’s distracted, lonely, or wants attention can be a lot harder than it needs to be. These smart dogs are easily attached to you, and can get lonely or bored if you don’t have the time for them. They make such great hunting dogs because they want nothing more than to be by your side, being active and helping you do things.
If you don’t spend much time at home, don’t play with your dog, and are too busy to be attentive, you’ll have a dog that will be hard to train. Your pet might even be destructive, because it’s the only way to get your attention. These dogs are often going through separation anxiety or other stresses. They don’t want to be bad, but they do want you to pay attention to them. Correct the problem, and you’ll probably see the bad behavior go away.
Don’t be harsh when training a Labrador. That sensitive temperament means that yanking on the leash, yelling at your dog, or hitting your pet are all a bad idea. They’ll teach your dog to be afraid of you, not help with training. Instead, you need to show your pet that a behavior is bad with a firm no and eye contact. Then, you have to help your pet learn the right behavior. After all, it’s pretty confusing if you’re only ever told what you’re doing wrong. When your dog does well, use lots of praise as a reward. You’ll soon find that training a Labrador isn’t as hard as you thought!
What Should You Know About Adopting a Black Labrador Dog?
Black labs are among the most popular dogs in the United States, as well as around the world. The black Labrador dog is a great swimmer, an athletic companion, and a friendly family pet. These animals are also often used as working dogs by police and other enforcement authorities. They’re a popular assistance dog for people with disabilities, too.
Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland in Canada. This breed is descended from the St. John’s water dog, also the ancestor of the dog we now call the Newfoundland. Labrador retrievers were used to help pull in nets from the water. These original dogs were black – yellow and chocolate labs developed later. The black Labrador dog was written about as early as 1814, and was common in England by 1870.
Black Labrador dogs are fairly large. Males weigh as much as ninety pounds, with females as much as seventy. There are some labs that weigh even more, but they’re considered faulty by AKC standards. There are two main lines of labs – conformation and field. The conformation dogs are stockier and shorter. They’re also calmer. Field labs are bred to be lighter and taller, and are more likely to still be working dogs. These animals have longer noses and narrower faces, and can be less placid than their cousins.
If you decide to adopt a black Labrador dog, you’ll need to know a few things. For instance, a black lab will shed at least twice a year, and some will shed all year long! This may mean a lot of combing. The coat is relatively waterproof, and can seem greasy. There’s even hair between the toes, which helps these dogs with swimming.
You’ll also need to offer these dogs plenty of attention. A black Labrador dog doesn’t want to be ignored – he or she wants to feel like part of the family. That means that you’ll be dealing with a lovable, attentive dog who wants you to feel the same way. These dogs are intelligent, so if you find them to be a nuisance, they’ll figure it out pretty quickly. Eager to please, these dogs love energetic play and lots of interaction with their owners.
A black Labrador dog needs plenty of regular exercise. Most will need at least a half to a full hour daily – half and hour in the morning and half in the evening is a great way to split this up. Make sure you vary the exercise, offering walks, games of fetch, obedience training and more. This keeps your pet from getting bored. A bored lab can turn out to be pretty destructive.
Remember to think about future health problems, as well as your new pet’s current needs. Just like other breeds, black Labrador dogs have a few diseases they’re genetically prone to. Preventative care can keep your pet from getting hip dysplasia and other major health problems. Of course, you can also decrease the chance of these issues by making sure that you choose a responsible breeder. Any puppy you adopt should have parents with no health problems, and should get a checkup immediately after you take it home.
