American Kennel Club - Meet the Lab

Advocating for the purebred dog as a family companion, advancing canine health and well-being, working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership, the American Kennel Club:

Sponsors more than 22,000 sanctioned events annually including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, lure coursing, earthdog, herding, field trial, hunt test, and coonhound events

Features a 10-step Canine Good Citizen program that rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community

Has reunited more than 400,000 lost pets with their owners through the AKC Companion Animal Recovery - visit www.akccar.org

Created and supports the AKC Canine Health Foundation, which funds research projects using the more than $22 million the AKC has donated since 1995 - visit www.akcchf.org

Joins animal lovers through education, outreach and grant-making via the AKC Humane Fund - visit www.akchumanefund.org

Were more than champion dogs. Were the dogs champion.

www.akc.org

I f there is one thing Labrador Retrievers do best, its retrieving. Labs love to fetch stuff and carry somethinganythingin their mouths. Youll be amazed at the Labs obsession with retrieving. If hes not carrying a bird, then sticks and socks will do. You can usually tell if a person owns a Lab by the number of sticks and branches piled up at his back door! So dont blame your Labrador when you cant find your shoes or the remote. He cant help it; that need to retrieve is in your dogs DNA.

Its in the Genes

What does it mean that retrieving is in a Labs genes? In the early 1800s, an Earl in Newfoundland, Canada, bred a specific type of dog with long legs and short hair who was good at running and swimming. These qualities, in addition to a fun-loving and energetic personality, are perfect for retrieving.

Chewing goes hand-in-hand with retrieving, and Lab puppies are miniature chewing machines that often leave telltale marks on furniture and woodwork like handrails and baseboards. How can you stop your Lab from chewing? Provide lots of colorful chew toys and teach your Lab pup what he may and may not chew. You must closely watch your Labrador to train him not to chew, or you will end up with an adult Lab that continues to destroy your home!

The Lab is super friendly and will not be happy unless he can hang out with you. He loves being part of an active family that includes the dog in everyday activities. He enjoys fun outdoor games, which are the best way for him to channel his energy and enthusiasm. And Labradors are just as comfortable in the water as they are on land. Swimming is their favorite sport (after retrieving, of course).

A Labrador Retriever needs exercise, so take him on one or two long walks every day and spend some quality time with him. Exercise and time with you will keep your Lab from getting bored or lazy, which usually leads to your Lab destroying things!

Lab puppies are very energetic, so be careful when youre playing with and training your pup. Take lots of breaks, especially if you see your puppy getting too excited!

The Lab is an easy keeper. His short coat requires little grooming and upkeep. But Labs shed twice a year and drop a little hair all year long. Youll find Lab hair on the floor, your clothes, the furnitureeverywhere. Be prepared to vacuum regularly, but your best pal is worth the 15 minutes of vacuuming a week, right? Of course, he is!

Although the Lab excels in lots of doggy activities and competitions, he is known to want to do things his way. Labrador Retrievers are as strong-willed as they are eager to please, so there can be challenges in training. The best time to teach your Lab good doggy manners is when hes a puppy before he gets too big to handle!

Before you start calling Labrador breeders or rescue groups, your family should decide how a dog will fit into your lives and the kinds of activities you want to do with him. If you want your dog to hunt and retrieve, look for a Labrador from field-bred parents. If you want to try to win blue ribbons at American Kennel Club dog shows with your Lab, then look for breeders who show their dogs and breed the ones that win awards. If you just want a fun and energetic pet, look for a healthy combination of energy and loyalty.

Mr. Popularity

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in the United States for the past twenty years, according to the American Kennel Club. Thats one popular dog! To register your Lab with the AKC, fill out the Dog Registration Application you received when you bought your puppy and simply mail it to the AKC in North Carolina or register online at www.akc.org.

Labs are high-energy dogs. If you get one, be prepared to spend a lot of outdoor time with him.

The Need to Retrieve

Your Lab wants to do the one thing he does bestretrieve! Try playing Frisbee at a local dog park or go to the beach and have your Lab play catch with his favorite tennis ball. And while youre enjoying the sun and surf, give your Lab a chance to roll in the sand and swim in the ocean. Your dog will love you for it! Always check the local ordinances regarding whether dogs are permitted on the beach or in the park before going.

Did You Know ?

The movie Marley & Me required the casting of twenty-five different Labrador Retrievers to portray the naughty yellow Lab at different ages. Most of the dogs were used to film the puppy scenes.

You Must Commit, Too!

Getting a dog is exciting, but its also a huge responsibility. Thats why its important to educate yourself on all that is involved in being a good pet owner. As a part of the Canine Good Citizen Test, the AKC has a Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, which states:

I will be responsible for my dogs health needs.

I will provide routine veterinary care, including check-ups and vaccines.

I will offer adequate nutrition through proper diet and clean water at all times.

I will give daily exercise and regularly bathe and groom.