Labs

History
Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland and Quebec. Their closest relative is the Newfoundland. To get the Labrador Retriever they bred the Newfoundland and the English Retriever. Labs were then used to go retrieve the game that was shot down. King George VI was the patron of the Labrador Retriever Club. Since the 1800s Labs have remained the most ideal hunting companion.

Physical Description
Labrador Retrievers are strongly built and solid. Labs' eyes are usually brown or hazel. Their coat is short and dense without curl and is weatherproof. Their coat can be either wholly black, yellow, or brown. Sometimes they have a small white patch of fur on their chest. When fully grown Labrador Retrievers are between 21-23 inches tall. Adult Labs weigh between 55-70 pounds. Their feet are round and compact.

Feeding Requirements
Labrador Retriever puppies need plenty of nutrients for healthy growing. Until they are twelve weeks of age, they should be fed four times daily. Then, up to six months they can be fed three times a day. Two meals will then be sufficient through one year. At one year they can be fed once or twice a day. Pups should be fed growth diets until they are mature, usually between twelve and eighteen months. When a puppy is on their growth diet be especially careful not to overfeed them. This can lead to serious problems on the future. When buying dog food, try to avoid buying based on price, company advertisement, or total protein content. Buy based on recommendation of their vet, wholesome ingredients, and maintenance requirements.

Health
Nursing provides puppies with a colostrum, a milk that helps protect them from infection for their first few months of life. This milk helps the pup's health later in life. They should be started on a regimen to control worms by the time they are three weeks old. Between the time your pup is six to eight weeks old, they should start being weaned from their mother. Also, between six and eight weeks, your pup should have their first visit to the vet. At that time they will receive most of their vaccinations. Your puppy will most likely receive their last vaccination around sixteen weeks of age. At six months you can have your puppy spayed or neutered. After that visit they should visit the vet yearly for a check up and booster vaccinations. When your Labrador Retriever gets to be about seven years old, the vet may want to start checking them for genetic problems.

Training
It is important that your dog be trained when they are still young. Housebreaking is one of the most important skills that your dog should master. Using rewards when teaching helps to get your pups attention. Labs should be taught how to walk on a leash very well so that when they get bigger you will still be able to handle them. A few commands your lab should know are sit, down, heel, and stay. Puppies usually have short attention spans and should be taught in short intervals a few times per week. Before a meal is the best time to train your dog.

Accommodations
Even if your Labrador Retriever is living outside, they will probably spend some time inside. A dog bed will be needed if your Lab will be living indoors. This bed should be comfortable and placed in a good spot. If your lab will be living outdoors, they will need a dog house. This house will be used as a warm and dry place to go when the weather gets bad. Be sure to keep the dog bed or dog house clean and sanitary.