Labrador Retriever

Character and behavior of a Labrador

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and even-tempered nature. They are social animals that love people and other dogs in equal measure. They are also extremely intelligent and full of energy.

Training and raising a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their willingness to learn and intelligence, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are eager to please their owners. However, Labradors tend to be somewhat stubborn if they are not sufficiently challenged mentally. Consistent but loving training is therefore essential. They love to fetch, and activities such as agility, flyball or dummy training are excellent ways to keep them physically and mentally challenged.

Is the Labrador Retriever a family dog

Yes, absolutely! Labradors are perfect family dogs. They are gentle, patient and get on well with children. Their playful and good-natured nature makes them ideal companions in an active family environment.

Do Labrador Retrievers get along with other dogs?

Labrador Retrievers are generally very well socialized and usually get along very well with other dogs. They are rarely aggressive and enjoy being together with other dogs, especially if they have been accustomed to it from an early age.

How big and heavy does a Labrador get?

A Labrador Retriever is a medium to large dog breed. The average size and weight vary depending on the sex:

Males:

• Shoulder height: 56-57 cm
• Weight: 29-36 kg

Bitches:

• Shoulder height: 54-56 cm
• Weight: 25-32 kg

Labrador Retrievers have a strong, muscular build and tend to be a little heavier if they don't get enough exercise or are fed too much.

Affection for people

A Labrador loves to be close to his humans and shows great affection. It is an affectionate dog that seeks a lot of closeness and loves to bring joy to its owners. Its loyal and friendly nature makes it ideal as a companion or therapy dog.

Labrador Retriever coat care and hygiene

The Labrador Retriever has a dense, water-repellent coat, which originally protected it from the cold when working in water. The coat is short but dense and needs to be brushed regularly to remove loose hair. Labradors shed relatively heavily, especially during the shedding season in spring and fall. A weekly brushing helps to keep the shedding under control and the coat clean. Apart from this, Labradors are low maintenance, but do need an occasional bath, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or in water.

What is the life expectancy of a Labrador Retriever?

A healthy Labrador has a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years. With the right care, sufficient exercise and a balanced diet, Labradors can lead a long and happy life.

What are common health problems of a Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retrievers are generally robust and healthy dogs, but as with all breeds, there are certain health problems that are more common.
Labradors are prone to certain genetic and breed-related health problems. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to painful joint conditions. Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are also common. Obesity is another common problem in this breed, as Labradors have a strong tendency to overeat. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are therefore important to avoid obesity and the associated health problems.

How expensive is a Labrador Retriever?

The cost of a Labrador Retriever in Switzerland can vary, depending on various factors such as the breeding line, the breeder and the health examinations or coat color. In general, you can expect the following price range:

• Breeder: A Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder usually costs between CHF 2,000 and CHF 4,000 in Switzerland. Breeders who concentrate on special breeding lines or working lines can also charge higher prices.

• Adoption: If you adopt a Labrador from a shelter, the costs are often significantly lower, usually between CHF 200 and CHF 500.

In addition to the purchase costs, you should also consider running costs such as food, insurance, veterinary costs and accessories.

Labrador dog insurance

Protect your pet from common health problems with Labrador dog insurance. Dog insurance for a Labrador is one of the best-selling pet insurance policies at Calingo. On average, dog insurance for a Labrador Retriever costs CHF 655.30, which is cheaper than the average for all dog breeds.
This is a good indicator that it is a fairly healthy breed, which is good news for Labrador owners.

You can take out Labrador dog insurance here.

‍