Today there is a huge variety of dog breeds. Each of them has its own distinctive features: both positive and negative. Among all the existing varieties of four-legged pets, a breed such as Labrador is especially prominent.
It is believed that this animal coexists well in the family, it is positively tuned. In addition, veterinarians and experienced dog breeders highlight such positive character traits of the Labrador as fidelity and devotion, goodwill, etc. And one of the most popular colors of such a dog is a fawn (or straw) color.
What features are inherent in an animal of this breed? What are the characteristics of the pet? In what conditions is it necessary to maintain a four-legged friend? What nickname for him to choose? You will find answers to these and some other questions in our article.
Origin history
Of particular interest, not only from a research, but also from a philistine point of view, is the history of the origin and origin of the breed. Scientists believe that the ancestors who gave birth to Labradors were Newfoundlands. The exact date of the appearance of the variety is unknown, but it is believed to have occurred in the years 1700-1800. It is believed that the Labrador breed got its name thanks to the Earl of Malmesbury, who named the dogs in honor of the island.
Labrador was officially recognized in 1903 in Britain., and in 1917 the variety was also recognized in the United States of America.
To date, the described breed is quite widespread.
Labradors are turned on not only in houses and apartments, but also used for law enforcement and social purposes.
Features
The fawn color Labrador Retriever is an animal that is highly regarded throughout the world. Of course, this applies only to purebred representatives of this species. So, in order to maintain the purity of the breed, The International Kennel Federation has adopted certain standards for adult dogs and puppies of the Labrador breed. Only those animals that fully comply with these indicators are considered true labradors.
First of all, the standards relate to the anatomical structure of the animal. So, traditionally the dog should have a rather large head. Moreover, it should have an unusual shape: its outlines are wedge-shaped, and the muzzle is oblong.
Not only the shape of the animal’s head, but also its individual elements must comply with the standards. It is believed that the cheeks should not be drooping, on the contrary, they should be tightened, the nose should be straight and even, slightly tapering towards the end. Labrador’s teeth are even, and the bite must be correct. Widely set eyes usually have a brown tint. Ears are shaped like a triangle.
The body structure of the Labrador has distinctive features. The dog has a straight back, lower back and neck are quite strong and strong, and the chest is very wide. The tail is thick and has a horizontal orientation.
The hair of the animal is quite dense, it is endowed with an undercoat. There are several popular coat colors: cream, fawn, and even black.
An interesting fact: despite the fact that today, fawn color is one of the most popular among dogs of this breed, for a long time this color was considered a marriage, and only black animals were “priced”. However, today the situation has changed: some breeders are specifically engaged in breeding Labradors of this particular color.
Character
If you are considering buying a Labrador, then you should carefully familiarize yourself with its typical behavioral patterns, as well as character traits.
So, experts note that the animal has a very good-natured disposition, quickly and easily makes contact. Moreover, Labradors can interact even with young children, which is usually not a character trait of dogs having such large sizes. Animals are non-aggressive and not forgotten.
Also, the owners of Labradors note a pronounced loyalty and devotion to the dog in relation to its owner.
The use of Labradors as service dogs is explained by the fact that animals have remarkable intellectual abilities, they are quite smart and quick-witted. In addition, a distinctive feature of Labradors is a great scent. Four-legged pets also show hunting abilities and can serve as guides for the blind.
It is worth understanding the fact that a Labrador is a breed of dog that requires increased and constant attention. She does not tolerate long loneliness and prolonged absence of the owner. Therefore, if you decide to get a dog of this breed, make sure that you can give it the proper amount of attention and care. Otherwise, it is better to look at other varieties.
Content
In order to maintain the health of the animal and maximize its life, you should follow some rules for its care and maintenance. Generally speaking, Labradors are quite unpretentious and persistent animals, however, you should still follow simple instructions. Remember that not only a small Labrador aged 3.4 or 5 months, but also adult dogs require your attention.
Mandatory care procedures include bathing in the first place. It must be carried out regularly, but do not abuse the water procedures. Before placing the Labrador in the water, check its temperature.
The temperature indicator should be approximately +40 degrees Celsius - it will be the most comfortable for the animal.
The bathing procedure itself should take place in several stages. So, first of all, you should moisten the dog’s wool from the bucket. This must be done very carefully so that the liquid does not get into the ears and eyes of the animal. The washing procedure itself should be started from the sides, back and tail, and it is recommended to wash your hair last. It is important to take into account the fact that for bathing a labrador you can not use detergents intended for humans. For these purposes, you should purchase a special shampoo for dogs in a zoological store.
In addition to periodic bathing, smaller and more frequent hygiene procedures should be carried out. These primarily include claw care.
The claws of the Labrador should be trimmed very carefully so as not to touch the flesh of the animal or its blood vessels.
Daily mandatory procedures include brushing your teeth. It is also worth doing only toothpaste specially designed for animals. You can clean the oral cavity with a toothbrush or gauze.
Do not neglect the cleansing of the eyes and ears. This can be done with cotton swabs and discs dipped in warm water. If you notice too intense pollution on the ears, then a cotton swab is previously recommended to moisten in vegetable oil.
Also included in the category of grooming is regular combing of the dog. Especially often and actively this should be done during molting.
Do not forget to play with the dog and pay attention to it. Only in this way will she become your true friend.
Breeding
Breeding labradors is a rather difficult task, which few can do. However, if you still decide to engage in dog breeding, then you should clearly adhere to the recommendations and instructions of specialists.
To begin with, you should remember that only purebred individuals can be used as a parental pair. Only in this case you will receive a real and valuable Labrador, and not a cross. The age of the female and male should be no less than 2 years. Only at this age, animals show genetic flaws, so do not rush. Otherwise, the litter may be sick and unsuitable.
Breeding can be done naturally through mating every other day or by artificial insemination.
List of nicknames
If you still decide to have a Labrador in your house, then you should think about how you will name your pet. Of course, in this sense there are no restrictions - the whole thing is only in your imagination.
In general, when choosing a name should be based on the nature of the animal. It is also not recommended to choose too long nicknames or unpronounceable names, as this will cause discomfort not only to you, but also to your pet. You should also consider the unusual color of your pet.
You can call a girl the following names:
- Star;
- Arrow;
- Ayma;
- Vanilla
- Jasin;
- Spark;
- Weasel;
- Charmi;
- Yuna
- Florence;
- Maya, etc.
For boys, such nicknames are suitable:
- Wind;
- Henry;
- Hunter
- Zeus;
- Lord
- Spark;
- Biddy;
- Yakhont;
- Nitro
- Pilot, etc.
The above list is not closed. At your request, for your four-legged friend, you can choose one of these names or independently come up with a unique and exclusive nickname. One way or another, make sure that it is melodious and pleasant to you and your family members.
See how to watch Labradors in the video below.