English Labrador Puppies… Everything You Need To Know
Did you know that Labrador retrievers have been the most popular breed of dog in the United States for almost thirty years? This breed has been popular for a long time, due to its lovable nature. In addition, Labrador puppies are known for their great temperaments and have a reputation for making a wonderful family dog.
History Of The English Labrador
Before you learn all about English Labradors, it can help to first understand the differences between the English and American Labradors. American Labs are labradors that have been bred from working lines, such as gun dogs, whereas English Labs tend to be bred from show bloodlines. However, despite the different bloodlines, the two dogs are, in fact, the same breed.
The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1903 and by the American Kennel Club in 1917, which shows you how long these dogs have been around.
Breed Origin
Labradors were first around in the 1830s and were first bred in Newfoundland, Canada, and England. Originally, they were bred to be water dogs, gun dogs, and hunting dogs. Labradors accompanied hunters and were used to retrieve animals that had been shot. Thanks to their loyal, loving nature, they quickly became popular dogs for families and were registered by Kennel Clubs around the world.
Today, these dogs are used as companion dogs for families but are still popular for working dogs and service dogs. In addition, you often see Labradors working as guide dogs and therapy dogs. Their friendly personalities, which make them so popular as dogs for families with children, also make them ideal for this kind of work.
Characteristics Of The English Labrador Puppies
Labrador puppies are known for being incredibly cute. Most puppies from the breed are usually born in litter sizes of between six and twelve. Depending on the line, you can usually expect to pay between $600 and $6,000 for a puppy, although prices can vary by breeder. You can expect your puppy to be ready for you to bring home to the family when they are around eight weeks of age.
This breed is very popular, so you should not find it too difficult to find a breeder near to you. However, this popularity of the breed also means that are plenty of irresponsible breeders and puppy mills breeding for labradors. Make sure you do plenty of research first and look at a few breeders before you decide to buy, to make sure you are buying from a reputable, responsible breeder. Puppies from good breeders will be healthier and have a better temperament. They may be more expensive, but you’ll save on vet bills, stress, and heartache in the future.
Appearance
English Labradors are considered to be a medium to large-sized dog breeds. American Labradors tend to be larger than the English Labradors, although English Labs often have a stockier build than the American version. Most labs stand between 21.5 and 22.5 inches high and can weigh between 60 and 80lbs. The males are usually heavier than the females.
The English Lab tends to be athletic in look, with a larger head and medium-sized, folded ears. In addition, they have a medium-length, thick tail, which would have originally been used to help to propel the Labs used as water dogs through the water, almost like a rudder.
Coat
English Labs have a single coat, which is short, stiff, and dense. This coat comes from its origins as working dogs and is weather resistant. They do shed quite a lot, which unfortunately means that they are not the ideal breed choice for those with allergies or those who don’t want to clean up dog hair. Regular grooming can help to keep the shedding under control.
Color
There are three common coat colors for the English Labrador. You will usually see them in yellow, black, or chocolate. All of these coat colors have been accepted by the American Kennel Club in the breed standard. English Labradors should be one solid color and never bi or tri-colored.
Temperament
Labradors have long had a reputation for being one of the most gentle and least aggressive breeds of dogs. The puppies are friendly, with a very sweet nature, which has made them very popular, especially for families. In addition, labs tend to be very adaptable and sociable, which adds to their popularity. Their good nature makes Labs an excellent option if you have children. They play with children and will be very loyal to your family. Many Labradors have even been known to be pretty fearless and come to the rescue of their owners.
This breed is a very active dog, so that they will be best suited to a more active family. However, they tend to love people and get on well with other animals who might also live in the home, making them a good option if you have other pets or young children. English Labs need to be trained and socialized, as all dogs do, but they are an intelligent breed, so this is not too difficult to do.
They do need to be given lots of love and attention, but English Labs are an excellent job to keep in your home if you can give them this. They can be an ideal option for first-time dog owners, even if you have no real experience with dogs. Their temperament makes them an excellent choice for your first dog.
Lifespan
English Labradors have an average life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years.
Known Health Issues
English Labradors are known for generally being healthy dogs, so they shouldn’t cause you too much stress or expense in dealing with their health. Unfortunately, however, the breed can suffer from two main health problems. The first more common issue is elbow dysplasia. This happens as a result of abnormal development in their hip or elbow joints. This can result in pain, discomfort, lameness, and a change in gait. Depending on how severe this condition is, it can usually be managed with medication and therapy. However, in some cases, surgery is an option.
The other more common health problem that Labs can suffer from is patella luxation. This is when the dog’s kneecaps move out of the normal location, and the knee can no longer extend. It can be successfully treated with surgery.
The most common cause of death in English Labs are cancer, cardiac issues, and old age. They can also suffer from epilepsy, which can be treated with medication.
To spot any health issues before they become untreatable, make sure you keep an eye on your dog and schedule regular vet checkups.
Remember to always buy from a reputable labrador breeder to greatly reduce the likelihood that your dog will struggle with any health conditions. A trustworthy breeder will do thorough health checks on both parents and will not breed from a dog if there is any chance that they will pass on any severe issues to their puppies.
Daily Life
What is it like to live with an English Labrador in your home? English Labradors tend to be a very easy breed to take care of, which is why they are often recommended as a good first dog for owners.
Food And Diet
English Labradors love to eat, and they should be given a healthy diet. They are known to eat just about anything, so make sure you keep any foods they shouldn’t have well out of reach. The breed can be prone to obesity, so you should be careful not to give them too many treats, watch how much you feed them, and be sure to give them enough exercise to keep their weight in a healthy range.
Your English Labrador should be given dry dog kibble once they have reached 8 or 9 months old. When they are younger puppies, they should be given four meals a day, which you can then reduce to two meals a day once they have reached adulthood. Most Labradors weigh around 60lbs. Labs of this weight should be given 4 or 5 cups of good quality dog food every day. Make sure you always check the back of your chosen dog food packet so you know exactly how much you should be feeding your Labrador.
Like many medium to large breeds, Labs can be prone to bloat due to their love of food. Make sure you know what the symptoms of this are, as it can be fatal. To prevent them from bloating, make sure your dog is not allowed to eat too fast. You can do things like putting their food into a puzzle feeder to help them to slow down their eating.
Smoky Mtn Labradors has nearly 4 decades of professional experience with English labradors and strives to provide its customers with the best labrador puppies in the nation. You can learn more about how to reserve one for yourself here.
