The dog is a domesticated mammal of the Canidae family. It is inhabited on all continents, there are about 40 million dogs and about 800 breeds (which is more than any other species of animals), just in Europe and North America there are more than 150 milion. Development from a wild gray wolf to a cuddly (or cute) pet lasted as one moment in evolution, from 12,000 to 14,000 years, largely because of its ability to adapt to man and the new human environment.

Labrador retriver characteristics:
– An ideal family friend, tolerant of small children;
– Suitable for dressage, smart, good nature;
– A strong, active and playful water lover.

Country of origin: Canada
Dated: 19th century
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Nature: Cheerful, fun and loyal companion. He is kind to children and other animals.
Care: The hair is grateful for maintenance. It requires a lot of movement and enjoys swimming.

The Labrador Retriever originates from the St. John’s region in Newfoundland (an island in Canada). It was then known as the „little water dog“, to distinguish it from the „big water dog“ – Newfoundlander. He came to Europe with fishmongers, appearing for the first time in the port of Poole in Dorset (England), where the local population bred hunting dogs.

The Labrador is one of several species of retriever – a species of bird. It is considered the most popular breed of dog in the world. It is used in many spheres of life: as a pet, therapy dog, guide for the blind, in the army and police – to find explosives and narcotics, in hunting – to fetch birds (even in extremely cold conditions it jumps into the water), in search of truffles, etc.

They are very sociable, gentle, smart, loyal, strong, active and dogs of extremely good and gentle nature, excellent swimmers. They are especially tolerant and very careful with children and other pets, which makes them ideal dogs for families with small children. He is clever, learns quickly and easily, with a minimum of work, exceptional results are achieved. He is extremely active and loves play, water and fetching. How gentle and careful he is, he can carry a live egg in his mouth without breaking it. It easily adapts to various conditions, travel and driving. The Labrador is a friendly dog, he does not like to be left alone and he will try to show it to his family in any way.

Health: Generally healthy dog, with a characteristic possible disease – dysplasia of the hips and elbows, which is hereditary. The only way to control this disease is to prevent the reproduction of diseased individuals. Serious breeders and breed lovers have X-rays of these joints, for the recording of which licenses are issued, and the reading of the images is a commission. The results are entered in the pedigree, and all this is verified by the Kennel Club. In addition to this, as for all breeds, there is a set of genetic diseases. Serious kennels should have the results of tests for genetic diseases, because these diseases are also hereditary.

Genetic diseases of Labrador retriver are: EIC (Exercise – induced collapse), SD2 (Sceletal Dysplasia 2), PRA-PRCD (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), CNM (Centronuclear myopathy), HNPK (Hereditary nasal parakeratosis), DM SOD1 exon2 (Dog Degenerative Myelopathy), OSD (Oculoskeletal Dysplasia).

Body features of Labrador retriever:
– The head is with a broad skull, strong jaws, the nose is large, and the nostrils are wide. Well-meaning and clever facial expressions;
– The eyes are medium in size, brown or hazel color, sweet and a little sad;
– The ears are set low and quite behind, falling towards the head;
– The body is of harmonious proportions, strong build, with a strong and deep chest;
– The neck is of regular lines, strong, properly set on the ridge;
– The coat is short and thick, pretty hard, and the undercoat soft and waterproof. The coat may be: black, yellow, brown as chocolate, gray or reddish as fox;
– The tail is covered with thick hair, without feathers. The tail wears and waves in the direction of the back, it is wide at the root (like an otter’s tail), and it gradually tapers towards the top;
– Ideal height at the withers: males 56 – 57 cm, females 54 – 56 cm;
– Ideal weight: males 29 – 36 kg, females 25 – 32 kg.