Black Labradors: Description, Character, Content and List of Names

The black labrador is a very beautiful and spectacular dog, among all the retrievers he stands out for his rich color. In addition to the original and attractive appearance, these dogs are very obedient, sociable. Black representatives of labradors are less common than white ones, therefore they attract more attention to themselves and their owner. Simple care, a friendly character, a beautiful exterior - all this makes the black Labrador demanded and loved among dog breeders.

The black labrador has the following appearance characteristics, according to the standard:

• adult dog grows from 54 to 57 cm in height;
• body weight varies from 25 to 40 kg, depending on whether it is a male or female;
• the color is tar black, the chest may be white;
• other varieties of suits are unacceptable for a black labrador: variegation, spotting and tan marks are rejected;
• the coat is thick, harsh, short, with dense undercoat, long-haired representatives are rejected;
• the tail is not too small, thickened at the base, tapering towards the tip, all covered with wool, should not bend to the sides;
• the body looks strong, powerful.

Among the advantages of the breed, the following is noted:

• not capricious in leaving and keeping;
• the character is calm, peaceful, friendly;
• the nervous system is strong;
• do not belong to "pustolokami"
• do not show aggression, get along well with children, animals;
• the size of the dogs is large, but they are perfectly kept in a city apartment;
• great companions.

Among the minuses note:

• a puppy can chew on a lot of things, but this nuance is eliminated by training and attention to the dog;
• not suitable for protection;
• too gullible;
• prone to allergies.

Black Labradors are the most balanced and calm of all the representatives of this variety. They are stable from an emotional point of view, but they are very active, energetic. They like to run through puddles, lie in foliage. This may cause some inconvenience.

Attachment to the owners of this breed is deep and sincere, they willingly go on a trip and love to frolic. The breed’s activity is quite high, in addition, the Labrador will require attention - it’s hard for him to be alone. In the case of separation from the owners, they are very homesick; it is so difficult for them to adapt to such a situation that they may refuse to eat. They treat children very well, love to play.

Despite the fact that the dog is non-aggressive in nature, if necessary, it will defend the owners or children. The friendliness of the Labrador is amazing. This breed grows up quite slowly, they become mature dogs only by the age of three, and before this age they are just teenage puppies. Even having matured, they remain curious, cheerful. A huge advantage of the breed is a balanced nervous system, psyche. It is not easy to get such a dog out of your head, and it is impossible to bring to a bite or attack.

Labradors love water and swim great, diving. They are well trained, as they are distinguished by obedience and like to please the owners.

There are several varieties that stand out inside the Labrador breed. Most of all, English and American Labradors are different.

• English. The hull is set lower, in addition, the dog is stronger in appearance. The paws are thickened, shortish, the head is very powerful, the chest is wide. They are calm, good-natured, they serve the owner with pleasure. The hunting skill is not lost. Dogs are vigilant, swim well, are passionate. The British grow up somewhat faster, are well trained, their socialization is easier.
• American. This direction is represented by leaner dogs, they are higher, their legs are longer, the skeleton is much lighter. Sports skills are better developed, they are more efficient, active, dynamic. They are more aggressive. Stubborn and self-confident, so education is more difficult than the British

Labradors are not divided by type of wool. Longhair puppies are rejected. Any waviness of the coat is considered a defect; it should be straight and short, slightly elongated on the tail. That is, Labradors according to the standard are smooth-haired. However, representatives of elongated hair are found in the breed group. This is a retriever, they are often mistakenly ranked as a variety of Labradors.

Black representatives of the breed are not difficult to care for wool, it is not easily soiled, frequent bathing and cleaning are not required. Black Labradors are less likely to tolerate heat and walks in direct sunlight. It is better to choose groves, forests, parks, shade for walking. Most often they are played with them in the evening, when the heat subsides. Panting is a good reason to take the dog home, give her a drink and cool. Regular hygiene, however, is very important, regardless of suit.

• Water treatments. The animal is washed as necessary, otherwise the natural protective layer of the coat and skin will be disturbed. Use only special shampoos and products. Be sure to get a terry towel for your pet, the water should be at a pleasant temperature. Since the dog is an excellent swimmer, these events should be organized for him in the summer, in open waters.
• Claw Care. This necessary procedure is vaccinated to a puppy from an early age. Use a clipper once or twice a month.
• Combing out. If the animal sheds, it is necessary to comb it daily, in other periods - at least 2 times a week.
• Dental care. They are cleaned with a special brush and tool. Regularly give your pet bones with fluoride.
• Eye, ear care. Auricles are examined regularly; a couple of times a month they are cleaned of sulfur. Eyes are treated twice a week with a special care product.
• Antiparasitic treatment - by season, annually.
• Vaccination. According to the schedule, general or individual, carried out without fail. Once a year - examination by a veterinarian.

Labrador maintenance is not too troublesome, but requires some knowledge. Even before the puppy appears in the house, you need to make sure that there are no things in sight that he can spoil or swallow: wires, antennas, small objects. It is better to cover smooth floors with rubber or other rugs. Prepare everything the dog needs in advance: bowls, toys, combs, collar, leash, sleeper.

When you bring the puppy, Be careful and affectionate in the early days. Let him lick his hands, caress. In the first month of adaptation, he will need all your warmth and love, do not scold or beat the dog. Usually puppies are taken already after 1-2 months, at this age the care of them lies with the breeder.

It is very important to learn not to vent a bad mood on a dog. From the first days, take care of raising the baby, be consistent, but calm. A puppy should not be left alone for long. He can ruin a lot of things, in addition, he will be very bored. From two months old, the puppy is taught to walk, provided that vaccinations are done. First time walks should not exceed a quarter of an hour. At 3-4 months, the puppy will already begin to walk, not only for the sake of bowel movement, but also for the sake of the walk itself, physical activity.

Socialization begins introduce the pet to other thoroughbred dogs, walk in places where there are people. New irritants should appear in the puppy's life gradually. By 5-6 months, the dog will already have mastered the “walk” command if you pronounce it daily before walking.

Labradors can be quite hostile to the idea of ​​walking on a leash, so from the first days the puppy is trained to leash and collar. At 5-6 months the dog should already feel calm on a leash, not twitch too often. During your walks, fasten the commands “to me”, “fu”. These are the main things that a puppy needs to learn by 7-8 months. In a year, a systematic trainer knows almost all the major teams during systematic training.

After you have obtained complete obedience from the dog, you can proceed to training. It is very important to bring up a Labrador without emotions, do not get angry, do not beat him. Demanding, consistent and calm are the main allies of the owner. Use praise, encouragement.

It is very important that all family members adhere to uniform rules regarding the puppy. If one person forbids something, and another permits, the result will be disastrous. In addition, an adult dog will not do only what he was forbidden at the age of a puppy. Do not wait until he grows up, it does not work with dogs.

Labradors can be fed with both ready-made dry feeds and natural products. The owner himself chooses which type is more convenient for him, but breeders recommend using dry feed, as they contain the required amount of all the necessary nutrients, vitamins. This is a balanced diet that is very convenient to use.

Labradors eat excellent dry feed mixtures, their advantages are obvious:

• no need to cook;
• proportions are balanced;
• already have a vitamin and mineral complex;
• matched by breed, weight, age, type of activity;
• can be used by amateurs.

If you decide to feed the Labrador with natural products, you need to take care of vitamin supplements. For 1 kg of dog weight, 30 g of protein food is needed. The rest of the diet consists of fruits, vegetables and cereals - not more than 20% of the total.

Consider which products you can safely give Labrador:

• lean meat, pitted: beef, veal, chicken, turkey;
• dairy products, cottage cheese, cheese;
• cleaned sea fish;
• fruits, minced vegetables: pumpkin, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini;
• bone-type flour;
• vegetable fat;
• cereals: wheat, rice, buckwheat;
• offal;
• occasionally raw eggs;
• greens, vitamins.

The following products are prohibited:

• bones, especially tubular;
• flour, sweet, pastries;
• pasta;
• potatoes;
• grapes;
• pepper, salt, spices.

Black color is dominant, so it is quite easy to achieve it when breeding, if the parents of this suit. The main thing is to organize the knitting correctly. The optimal age of males for the first event is 18 months, females - 24 months. The estrus occurs in a cyclic manner, approximately once every 6-10 months. There are external signs that determine that the dog is ready for mating:

• restlessness and disobedience;
• excessive sniffing of various objects on a walk;
• estrus, excretion, attraction of males for a walk.

However, conception itself occurs with the following symptoms:

• the discharge becomes colorless;
• if you put your hand on the body of the female, the dog takes a pose for mating;
• the male becomes uncontrollable on a walk if the female smells.

Prepare the animal for mating as follows:

• to be examined by a doctor;
• take tests;
• carry out antiparasitic prophylaxis.

Overfeeding is excluded on the day of breeding dogs, 3 hours before the event it is better not to feed at all. Provides quality walking, claws are cut. The meeting is best organized in a territory familiar to the dog.

Pregnancy will become apparent no sooner than after 3 weeks: the waist will be heard, the stomach will swell, toxicosis may appear. Females carry puppies from 62 to 64 days, if permission does not occur on day 66, consult a doctor. The first birth, in principle, is best carried out under the supervision of a specialist. In general, labradors give birth easily, with the exception of the first time and the period of old age. The process takes about 5-6 hours. If something went wrong during childbirth, call a doctor immediately.

The amount of litter is different, it all depends on heredity, on average 5-6 babies are born, for the first time, maybe there will be one or two.

After the female has resolved, you need to provide her with proper nutrition for lactation. She needs at least 4200 calories per day. Make the menu with the following requirements:

• 30% - protein;
• 30% are fats;
• 1-2% of cellulose, calcium, phosphorus;
• Vitamin A is mandatory.

Regardless of the gender of the puppy you acquire, he needs to be given a beautiful name. Black labradors are often called the nickname Koni, it is considered fashionable, but you should not forget about the individuality of the dog. Nicknames should suit the animal, so proceed from the personal preferences and characteristics of the pet. Girls and boys are often referred to by color:

• Black
• Hades;
• Boomer;
• Moor;
• Woland;
• Noir;
• Onyx and so on.

Girls are called:

• Shadow;
• Bagheera;
• Blackley
• Panther.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.