Styles of Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers have been characterized in two different types or styles. This Labrador has a large bone structure, big broad head and is shorter in height. The other style or type is the American Labrador. This type or style is considered to be taller, longer and leaner, with a smaller more pointed head. Here at Rustica Labrador we strive for the English look wit
h the large bone structure, a broad head but taller than the average English build. About the Labrador Breed
Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly temperament. Labrador Retrievers are very versatile and require very little maintenance. Labradors are used for many different works and hunting purposes. The labrador has been known to be used in law enforcement, search and rescue and at the same time a pet and companion to the families of their handlers. Many are used in the hunt field for birds, duck and deer. Since i can remember the Labrador Retriever has been the number one breed registered with the American Kennel Club or AKC, and continues to be the number one. I believe that is because of the versatility of the breed. Families looking for a dog to be active and energetic with children and at the same time loyal and loving, should look to the Labrador Retriever breed. Coat Coloring
Labrador Retrievers come in three colors. Yellow labrador retrievers, black labrador retrievers, and chocolate labrador retrievers. Within the "yellow" family there are various colors. One being the white labrador retriever, the others are crème and fox red. A fox red labrador retriever is one of the darkest in the "yellow" family. It is not a new color but a very old color. The yellow line being bred more and more over the years for the whitest of coloring has diminished the darker color in the "yellow" family. Labrador Retrievers are best known for their short double coat, with a soft undercoat that keeps them warm and a hard outer coat that repels water. The coat should be short, weather resistant and very easy to maintain. Labradors Retrievers have an otter type tail, thick at the base and tapers toward the end. Labrador Retrievers have wide heads with ears that hang about half-way down between top of head and bottom of jaw. Their eyes are kind and intelligent with an almond shape. A labs eyes are usually black or golden. Chocolate labradors have blue or green eyes at birth but turn golden as they mature. Some white and yellows have blue or green at birth and these labradors generally have pink or fleshy nose. As a Labrador Retriever breeder this is not a desirable trait but does not affect the character or temperament of your puppy. Labs are not only a wonderful family pet with great temperaments but they also are great for hunting and sporting dogs. Labrador Temperament
Labrador Retrievers, are kind, affectionate, devoted, obedient and very intelligent. They are always eager to please and love being near the family and their owners. They become fond of other pets in the home and love children. Labradors are very well known for their love and loyalty to their owners. They make wonderful guard dogs, but are rarely aggressive to people and other animals. When you first approach a Labrador retriever you might think they appear aggressive, but they soon show their true colors. Some Labradors or more energetic than the others, like Marley in the movie "Marley and Me". Marley had excessive energy. We strive for a low keyed, calm Labrador Retriever. One that has enough energy to hunt, or run and play, but when it’s time to go inside, will lay by the fireside or in your lap. That is what we characterize as a loveable lab. Training and Exercise
Labrador Retrievers are easily trained which makes the process of training fun rather than like work. So easily trained, in only a few minutes a day you can teach your Labrador just about anything you ask of him. Labradors love the outdoors and require a great deal of exercise. Without the exercise and play time they need, they tend to be more destructive in order to release the energy they might have. Labrador Retrievers need exercise and room to run so they do best on a farm or in a fenced yard area. However, they do well as house dogs, when they are allowed outdoor time and exercise. Labrador Retrievers are very versatile dogs. They can be trained to do all sorts of useful tasks from retrieving the newspaper to getting your shoes. They have been trained and used for drug dogs and police dogs and even to guiding the blind.
