Chocolate Labrador Retriever - five months old.

The Labrador Retriever is a medium sized dog, weighing somewhere between 50 and 100 pounds,
with females weighing in on the smaller side. Their height at the shoulders should be from 20-22
inches to about 24-26 inches. Some are large-boned, strongly built, square looking dogs, while
others are lighter-boned, longer-bodied with a more athletic appearance. The Labrador Retriever's
head can be somewhat long and narrow, with a light stop; or blocky and square with a well-defined
stop; or anywhere in between. Their ears hang moderately close to the head, rather far back, and
are set low. Their eyes are brown, yellow, or black. It is the tail that distinguishes the Labrador
Retriever. It is very thick at the base, tapering to the tip, gently rounded, reaching about to the
top of the hock. It is described as an "otter tail." However, many AKC Labrador Retrievers have a
long narrow tail which may be set high or low, may be carried straight off the back or slightly
curled. Coat colors vary from yellow (pale cream to a much darker yellow/fox red), chocolate,
and black. White hairs may appear as a spot or blaze on the chest, on the muzzle (older dogs),
or on the feet. Other than that, they are a solid-colored dog. Labs have a double coat, but
sometimes the undercoat is slight or missing. Their coat is hard, close, short, straight, and
dense without feathering. Sometimes there is a slight wave to the coat along the back. These
beautiful dogs require very little grooming but love a good brushing daily. They shed their
coats twice a year. Flea control is important, as they may have allergic reactions to fleas. Labs
in good health do not smell. Frequent bathing can result in a variety of problems since it
removes the natural oils from their coat. Their ears need to be kept clean and toenails should
be cut regularly. Labradors are used extensively as assistance and therapy dogs--working with
the physically disabled, guiding the blind, pulling wheelchairs, and visiting convalescent centers;
for detecting drugs, arson, and bombs; and as hunting companions and family pets. They will
bark an alarm at home but are NOT guard or attack dogs. Labrador Retrievers are happy-go-lucky,
active, and friendly dogs.

Photo by Michael Weinberg Photography of Scranton and Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.


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