LABRADOR FAQ - LICK AND LEASH

Labrador FAQ are 100 Frequently asked questions about Labradors

White Labrador — Image by Amy_Gillard from Pixabay

What are Labrador Retrievers?
Labrador Retrievers are dogs bred to retrieve game on hunts. Labradors are the most popular dogs in the USA.
Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train?
Yes but it depends on the trainer. Labradors are intelligent and bred to be working dogs, so they train easily.
But, if the trainer is an amateur or wants to train the Labrador for tasks that it is not bred to do (like attacking), training will fail.
Speak to a Labrador breeder near you who may be able to assist with training or who could refer you to a Labrador trainer near you.
Are Labrador Retrievers hypoallergenic?
Can f1 is a dog allergen (a protein that causes allergic reactions) and all dogs have it.
Research shows that no dog can be considered “hypoallergenic”. Hair and coat samples of dogs considered hypoallergenic showed higher allergens than did other breeds, but, these differences did not lead to higher levels of environmental exposure to dog allergens.
Allergens could also come from dust in carpets and other sources.
Are Labrador Retrievers good guard dogs?
No, Labradors were bred from assistance or service dogs (dogs that helped pull fishing nets in Newfoundland) and are still bred to be assistance dogs, not guard or attack dogs.
The nature of a Labrador is to be friendly towards people and other animals, so the chances are better that your Labrador will lick the intruder rather than bite him.
Are Labrador Retrievers good with cats?
Yes, unless they have been trained to be hostile to cats. Labradors are listed by the AKC as a breed that gets along with cats.
Are Labrador Retrievers aggressive?
No, not by nature.
Distinguish between personality and temperament: personality comes from the environment in response to temperament while temperament comes from genetic factors.
Are Labrador Retrievers good dogs?
Like most questions, the answer is “it depends”.
Labradors are good dogs for the purpose for which they were bred.
So, it depends on what type of dog you want. If you want an energetic, intelligent, working dog, then Labrador is the right dog for you.
Are Labrador Retrievers good for first-time owners?
Yes, the Labrador is considered one of the top 10 choices for first-time dog owners. It is mainly because Labradors are dogs with “mellow” personalities, energy and intelligence.
Are Labrador Retrievers smart?
Yes they are intelligent dogs
Can Labrador Retrievers swim?
Yes, Labrador Retrievers were bred from water retriever dogs and are still used as retrievers of hunted water birds
Can Labrador Retrievers be guard dogs?
No, Labradors are not good guard dogs because they don’t bark and are not aggressive towards people or other dogs.
Can Labrador Retrievers have blue eyes?
Yes but only when they are still puppies. Grown dogs with light eyes are not purebred Labradors.
Can Labrador Retrievers eat strawberries?
Yes. In nature, canines eat meat and fruits, depending on what is available and what their bodies need. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants and it strengthens the immune system.
What fruits can Labradors eat?
Labradors can eat fruits that all dogs can eat.
Labradors can eat blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, bananas, raspberries (in small quantities because it contains xylitol), cranberries, blackberries (in small quantities because it contains xylitol), apples (without seeds and core), cucumbers, oranges (small quantities as it can cause gastrointestinal upset), mango (without skin and pit), peaches (without pits), pears, pineapple.
What fruits can Labradors not eat?
Dogs should not eat include avocado (because of the high-fat content), tomatoes (which can cause stomach upset), cherries, grapes/raisins/currants, and wild berries.
Can Labrador Retrievers handle cold weather?
Yes, they can. Labradors have a double coat of hair. The bottom soft down hair is water-resistant and keeps the dog warm.
Can Labrador Retrievers fight?
No, Labradors are not fighting dogs because they have been bred to be working and assistance dogs that get along with other dogs and humans.
How Labrador Retrievers were bred
In the 1830s St. John’s Water Dog or Lesser Newfoundland dogs were imported into Britain from Newfoundland, Canada.
These dogs were bred with British hunting dogs to become the Labrador Retriever or just Labrador.
How big do Labrador Retrievers get?
Labrador males stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches high and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. Females stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
The average age a Labrador live is 10 – 12 years, but there are many reports of Labradors living over 15 years. The oldest Labrador we know of lived more than 29 years.
How much do Labrador Retrievers cost?
In 2022, pure-bred Labradors sold in the USA for between $800 and $1200.
How much do Labrador Retrievers shed?
Labradors are above-average shedders and shedding takes place all the time but increased shedding occurs at the beginning of Summer and in Autumn.
How tall are Labrador Retrievers?
Males 22.5 inches and females 21.5 inches.
How smart are Labrador Retrievers?
Labradors are intelligent dogs which would be a prerequisite for dogs that need to be trained and need to understand orders.
What do Labrador Retrievers eat?
Labradors will eat anything that they find tasty but they should preferably eat quality dog food and no raw meat.
What are Labrador Retrievers known for?
Thanks to their natural intelligence, Labradors are used as service and guide dogs, scenting dogs for the military and police, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs and hunting and performance dogs.
What do Labrador Retrievers look like?
Pure-bred Labradors are black, brown (chocolate) or gold (tan) without any differing colors in the coat except for a white patch on the chest.
What are Labrador Retrievers good for?
Labradors are good as working, companion and assistance dogs.
What do Labrador Retrievers like to do?
Labradors like to be busy because they are energetic. They are keen working dogs and like to please people.
When do Labrador Retrievers stop growing?
Between 12 and 18 months.
When do Labrador Retrievers shed?
At the beginning of Summer and in Autumn.
What is bad about Labrador Retrievers?
They tend to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia which eventually lead to arthritis and they are prone to obesity.
Objections against Labradors that they are too active and shed too much have more to do with people choosing the wrong dog for their lifestyle than weaknesses in the dog.
How to calm a Labrador Retriever
Exercise your dog every day, hide his treats around the house because sniffing is hard work, and teach your dog to perform tasks such as fetching your shoes.
Labradors are active dogs and will not calm down unless their energy is used.
Why you shouldn’t get a Labrador Retriever
If you are a couch potato who rarely leaves the house and who leads an inactive life, a Labrador will be the wrong dog for you.
How to buy a Labrador Retriever
Buy your Labrador only from a recognised breeder to ensure it will have the temperament you are looking for. A cross-breed will have behavioral features of the non-Labrador breed parent.
How to exercise Labrador Retriever
Exercise your dog by running, swimming, playing fetch and jogging with your dog.
Your Labrador will need anything from 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half of exercise every day.
Which Labrador colour is best?
In general black Labradors make good hunting dogs, yellow make good service and assistance dogs and chocolate Labs make good show dogs.
Which Labrador has the best temperament?
There is no “best temperament”. It depends on the needs of the owner.
Labrador owners say yellow Labs are the sweetest, black Labradors are best for hunting and chocolate Labs are wild and messy. It mostly depends on how well your Lab has been trained.
Which colour Labrador is best for a home?
What is your home like? White Labradors will fit in with a relaxed household, black Labradors will fit in with active, outdoor hunter families and chocolate Labs will fit in with families that can tolerate energetic and boisterous dogs. But, in general, any kind of Labrador makes a good dog for a home.
Labrador owners in the UK?
Labrador breeders in the UK
Which Labrador has the best temperament?
The Tan (Gold) Labrador is generally considered to be the most docile of the Labradors.
Black Labradors are considered better for hunting.
Chocolate Labradors are mostly used for showing.
Why Labrador Retrievers are the best dogs
Labradors are considered the best dogs because they are energetic and tolerant of kids, they like people and do not fight with other dogs or chase cats (unless they consider it a “fetch and retrieve” situation).
Why Labrador Retrievers are so popular
Labradors are popular because they are the most adaptive dogs that fit in with most circumstances.
Why are Labrador Retrievers always hungry?
Labradors are active dogs so they eat to get energy, but because they must be kept busy they tend to eat when they are bored or left alone.
Why were Labrador Retrievers bred?
Labradors were bred to be retriever dogs for hunters, especially water bird hunters.
Why do Labrador Retrievers shed so much?
Labradors shed continuously because they have a double coat of hair. A top coat of short, straight, hard hair and a bottom coat of soft down hair that keeps the dog warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.
Why are Labrador Retrievers so friendly?
Labradors are friendly dogs because they were bred to work with humans as retriever dogs.
Their temperament is in-bred to ensure that they can focus on retrieving hunted game without being distracted by outside influences.
Why are Labrador Retrievers good dogs?
Labrador Retrievers are good dogs because they are easy to live and work with. You don’t have to care about a Labrador fighting with other dogs or attacking family members or visitors.
Why do Labrador Retrievers love water?
They were bred from water dogs which were used to help haul fishing nets in Canada. Their love of water makes them ideal retriever dogs of hunted water birds.
Will Labrador Retrievers protect you?
Only if they feel threatened but keep in mind that Labradors were not bred to protect or attack but to work without giving thought to other animals or people.
If you want a dog that will guard you or protect you, then a Labrador is not the dog to choose.
Can Labrador Retrievers live outside?
Labradors can live outside. Their coat is designed to protect them from hot and cold temperatures. But, your Labrador may have a problem not being with you, so the main reason it won’t want to live outside is that it is dependent on being with people.
Are Labrador Retrievers dangerous?
No, they were not bred to be aggressive, but they may react and bite when startled.
Is a Labrador Retriever a mix?
Labrador Retrievers were bred from Canadia St. John’s water dogs crossed with British hunting dogs. They are now an acknowledged separate breed.
Is a Labrador Retriever a guard dog?
No, Labradors are working dogs which were not bred to be guard dogs.
Is Labrador a Retriever?
Yes, the Labrador is a retriever dog which was bred to retrieve hunted game, especially water birds.
Is a Labrador Retriever a purebred?
Yes.
Can Labrador Retrievers swim?
Yes, very good because they were bred from water dogs.
Labrador Retriever can’t get up
If your Labrador cannot get up, it may be because of being overweight, old age, an injury or joint degeneration. When that happens, take your dog to a Vet immediately.
Can Labrador Retrievers do agility?
Yes, they can. The American Labrador is more agile than the British because it is generally a leaner dog.
Labradors such as the chocolate Labrador which are used as show dogs may be less successful at agility than other Labradors.
Can Labrador Retrievers be aggressive?
Only if they feel threatened or are startled, but not by nature.
Labrador Retrievers for sale
Labradors can be bought from respectable breeders.
If you buy a Labrador from any other seller such as a pet shop, make sure your Labrador is pure-bred, or it may show a temperament for which you are not prepared.
Labrador Retrievers for adoption
You can find Labradors for adoption by Googling “labrador adoption centres near me” or “labrador rescue near me”.
There are Labrador adoption and rescue centre in most communities because there are always people who cannot or won’t keep their Labradors.
Labrador Retrievers for sale in my area
Here is a list of breeders in the US, UK and Australia.
Labrador Retrievers for sale in Ohio
Labrador breeders in Ohio.
Labrador Retrievers for sale in Michigan
Labrador breeders in Michigan.
Labrador Retrievers for sale in New Jersey
Labrador breeders in New Jersey.
Labrador breed issues
Labradors may suffer from:
Obesity
Hip Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans – soft joints
Eye Disease
Epilepsy – seizures
Allergies – environmental allergies
Bloat
Tumors
Exercise-Induced Diseases – cause a dog to collapse after too much exercise
Heart Disease
Labrador illnesses
Labradors experience the same bacterial and viral infections as other dogs such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.
Labrador health issues UK
Labradors in the UK suffer from:
arthritis
lipoma (fatty mass)
kennel cough
laceration
stiffness
papilloma
moist dermatitis
obesity
lameness
post-operative wound
ear infection
diarrhoea
Labrador Retrievers near me
There is a Labrador breeder near you.
Labrador dogs near me for sale
There is a Labrador breeder near you.
Labrador Retriever breeders near me
There are Labrador breeders near you.
Labrador Retriever training near me
Most breeders can assist in either training or refer you to a trainers.
Labrador Retriever club near me. Retriever clubs USA:
Labrador Club USA
National Labrador Retriever Club Inc
The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac
Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston
Huron River Labrador Retriever Club
Central California Labrador Retriever Club
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club
San Diego Labrador Retriever Club
Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California
Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club
Winnebago Labrador Retriever Club
Labrador Retriever club near me.
Retriever clubs UK:
The Labrador Retriever Club UK
The Yellow Labrador Club UK
The Labrador Club of Scotland UK
Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club UK
North West Labrador Retriever Club UK
Three Ridings Labrador Club UK
East Anglian Labrador Retriever Club UK
Cotswold & Wyvern Labrador Retriever Club UK
Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club UK
Labrador Retriever Club of Wales UK
Labrador Retriever Club of Northern Ireland UK
Kent Surrey & Sussex Labrador Retriever Club UK
West of England Labrador Retriever Club UK
Labrador Retriever club near me.
Retriever clubs Canada:
British Columbia
Alberta
Alberta/Saskatchewan
Labrador Retriever Club of Manitoba
River City Labrador Enthusiasts
Labrador Retriever Club of Ontario
Labrador Owners Club, Ontario
Quebec
Nova Scotia
Atlantic Labrador Retriever Club
Labrador Retriever shop near me
Visit any pet shop but the best is to buy from a reputable breeder.
Labrador Retriever monthly cost
It is very difficult to calculate the cost of keeping a Labrador. Factors such as where you live, where you buy your dog food, and whether your dog has underlying health issues or the age of the dog, all have an influence on the cost of keeping your Labrador.
Estimations and calculations available online put the cost in 2022 at anything between $400 and $1200 per month. The wide difference between the two numbers illustrates how difficult it is to calculate exactly what your Labbie will cost you.
Labrador Retrievers to adopt near me
The easiest is to search online for Labrador adoption or rescue centres near you.
It is always easier and more cost-effective to adopt near your home.
Labrador Retrievers to rescue
The easiest is to search online for Labrador rescue centres near you.
Labrador Retrievers for sale Ontario
Labrador breeders Ontario, Canada
Labrador Retrievers for sale in Michigan
Find Labrador breeders in Michigan
Labrador Retrievers for sale in Ohio
Labrador breeders in Ohio
Labrador, not a Retriever?
Labradors originated in Canada and Retrievers, or Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland. Both are retriever dogs because they retrieve hunted game for their owners.
Can Labrador Retrievers be left alone?
Yes, they can but they tend to suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Eight hours is probably the limit, but it depends on the dog’s circumstances.
A dog that is rarely out of the presence of humans, will get separation anxiety much sooner.
In research, about 56% of Labradors showed signs of separation anxiety.
How to buy a Labrador Retriever
The best way to buy a Labrador Retriever is to find a reputable breeder near you. What to look for in a Labrador
Labrador Retrievers and cold weather
Labradors have no problem with cold weather because of their double coat. Keep in mind that they were bred from Canadian water dogs and Canadian water is not the warmest.
Labrador Retrievers and cats
Labradors get along with all animals. If a cat feels threatened by the playfulness of a new Labrador in the house it may lead to difficulties. But you can accept that the Labrador will not chase your cat in an effort to kill it.
Labrador Retrievers and friends
Labradors and Friends are a Labrador rescue non-profit in California, USA.
Labrador and Labrador Retrievers difference
Labradors originated in Canada and Retrievers, or Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland.
Labrador Retriever similar breeds
The Golden Retriever is probably the closest to the Labrador in temperament and appearance.
Labrador Retrievers vs other breeds
Labradors cannot really be compared to any other breed as they are very special assistance and working dogs.
Every breed was bred for a specific purpose and Labradors are the same. They were bred to live and work with humans.
Labrador Retrievers as service dogs
Labradors are excellent service dogs and many famous dogs are Labradors. They are selfless, loyal human companions.
Labrador Retriever Alabama
Find Alabama Labrador breeders here
Labrador Retriever breeders
Find Labrador breeders in many countries here
Labrador Retriever barking
Labradors are not naturally noisy barkers. When they do bark it is often because they are startled.
Do Labrador Retrievers bark at strangers?
Labradors are friendly toward strangers because they were bred to work with humans. They may attack or bite strangers if they or their human companions are threatened.
Labrador Retriever colors
Labrador coat colors are black, brown (chocolate) or gold (tan). Their eyes are brown.
Labrador Retriever characteristics
See About the Labrador for Labrador characteristics.
Labrador Retriever Chocolate
Chocolate Labradors are a more recent variation on the coat color.
They were recognised as Labradors in 1917 and became popular in the 1960s.
A chocolate Labrador is the rare result of two black-coated parents. Black Labradors carry the brown gene.
Labrador Retrievers diet
Labradors flourish on any good quality scientifically formulated dog food diets.
If you prepare your dog’s food at home, it should contain approximately 50 per cent animal protein, 30 per cent complex carbohydrates, and 20 per cent fruit and vegetables.
Labrador Retriever dog names
The most popular names for Labradors can vary from year to year and depend on what is important to Labrador Retriever owners and what is happening in their world. You can call your Labrador any name you want.
Are Labrador Retrievers friendly or dangerous?
Labradors are not aggressive or dangerous by nature because they were bred for other purposes. But a Labrador will attack if it feels threatened or to protect its human family members.
Cases, where Labradors are blamed for attacking or hurting people, are often the result of cross-bred dogs, where the dog is inadequately trained, where the dog is provoked or where it defends its pack or a pack member against a perceived threat.
Labradors are the most popular dogs, so a greater number of dogs may also lead to a greater number of biting incidents.
Labrador Retrievers English vs American
English Labradors are better known as show dogs while American Labradors are more commonly associated with hunting.
American Labradors are more agile and more active than British Labradors.
Labrador Retriever eye problems
There is a low percentage occurrence of hereditary cataracts in Labradors. In general, Labradors suffer from the same ailments in old age as other dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever energy level
Labradors are bred to be working dogs which would require high energy levels. Although they may seem inactive when you see Labradors walking with humans, much of the energy goes into brain activity. Labradors, especially assistance dogs, will need lots of energy to keep their brains active.
Working as hunting retriever dogs require lots of physical activity which by necessity needs energy. Labradors can’t be effective assistance or retriever dogs unless they have high energy levels. This can be observed in their keenness to play and work.
Labrador Retriever exercise
Labradors need lots of exercise because they are working dogs. That is why they are not suggested as pets for inactive people. They need lots of activity and play to get rid of their energy, or they will become overweight, unhealthy and frustrated, which usually leads to furniture or toy chewing.
Labrador Retriever ears
Labradors have floppy ears which fold over the ear cavity, presumably to help protect the ear canal from water when the dog retrieves water birds.
Labrador ears do not experience significantly more problems than the ears of other “floppy ear” breeds.
These “folding” ears can be a haven for bacteria that cause inflammation of the outer ear canal. But not much more than in other dogs. These bacteria have also been found in the ears of healthy Labradors (pdf) and are not life-threatening. It seems to increase in the summer months.
Labrador retrievers for sale in Ohio
Labrador Retrievers Florida
Labrador Retrievers Georgia
Labrador Retriever growth chart
There is no perfect prescribed weight for Labradors at the different stages of growth. Just as in humans, it depends on the individual animal.
Growth charts are estimations of the ideal weight but following these estimations as if they are fixed requirements may lead to malnutrition of your dog. We know, for instance, that litter size has an effect on puppy weight and size.
The American Kennel Club does not prescribe an exact weight or size as can be seen in their breed standards for Labradors: “A Labrador Retriever should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds and stand about 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall as a mature male.”
Labrador Retriever German Shepherd mix
The German Sheprador or Labrashepherd is a mix of Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd and as with most cross-breeds, it is difficult to predict what temperament dog will result.
People who cross-breed often expect the result to be 50% of the one and 50% of the other, which is not necessarily the result. No pure-breed supporter will easily support cross-breeding.
Labrador Retriever Golden
The Golden Retriever is not a Labrador and the Golden Labrador is not a Golden Retriever but a tan Labrador. Golden Labrador Retriever is a misnomer of Labrador and Golden Retriever.
Labrador Retriever grooming
Labradors don’t need extra grooming but their double coat and continuous shedding require constant brushing. Brushing during their shedding periods will reduce the hairs on your carpets and furniture. They can be washed with good dog shampoo and brushed well.
Labrador Retriever guard dog
The Labrador is not bred to be a guard dog and it should not be expected of your Labrador to be a guard dog.
Labrador Retriever gifts
If you are into buying gifts for your pets, anything that requires searching and fetching is a good gift for a Labrador.
Labrador Retriever gestation period
The Labrador gestation period is 9 weeks or 63 days.
Labrador Retriever health issues
Ear disorders
Elbow dysplasia
Lumps and bumps
Arthritis
Labrador Retrievers history
The Labrador Retriever was bred from the Newfoundland Water Dog of Canada and English hunting dogs.
Labrador Retrievers hunting
Labradors are hunting dogs bred especially to retrieve hunted game and water birds.
Labrador Retriever Husky mix
The Labsky is a cross between a Labrador and the Siberian Husky.
Labrador Retriever Jack Russell Terrier mix
Labrador Retriever Jack Russell Terrier mix is known as a Jackador.
Labrador Retriever long hair
Labradors do not have long hair. Long hair Retrievers are Golden Retrievers that are not Labradors.
Labrador Retriever litter size
Labrador Retriever litter size varies between 5 and 10 puppies per litter.
Labrador Retriever large dogs
Labrador Retrievers are classified as large dogs.
Labrador Retriever Rescue Ohio
Greater Dayton Labrador Retriever Rescue Mission
Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue
Cincinnati Lab Rescue
Labrador Retriever Rescue PA
Brookline Lab Rescue, Pennsylvania
South-West Pennsylvania Retriever Rescue Organization
Lab Rescue (multiple areas)
Jax’s Labrador Retriever Rescue
Labrador Retriever Rescue Ontario
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno
Labrador Retrievers San Diego
Labrador Retrievers South Carolina
Labrador Retrievers Saskatchewan
Labrador Retrievers SC
Labrador Retrievers temperament
Labrador Retrievers have great temperaments and are excellent working and family dogs.
Labrador Retrievers Texas
Labrador Retrievers Tampa Florida
Labrador Retrievers training
Most breeders provide training for Labradors but there will be a dog training school near you.
Labradors thrive with training because they are intelligent working dogs that like to be kept busy.
Labrador retrievers up for adoption
Labrador rescue centres usually have dogs available for adoption.
Labrador Retrievers Utah
Labrador Retrievers upstate NY
Labrador Breeders UK
Labrador Retriever uses
Labradors have multiple “uses”. Because of their intelligence, keenness to please and ability to work hard they are used as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, bomb and drug detection dogs, and in therapy work.
Labrador Retrievers Virginia
Labrador Retrievers Vermont
Labrador Retrievers Vancouver Island
Labrador Retrievers Victoria
Labrador Retrievers VA
Labrador Retrievers Washington State
Labrador Retrievers weight
Males: 65 – 80 lbs
Females: 55 – 70 lbs
Labrador Retrievers Wisconsin breeders
White Labrador Retrievers
White Labradors are yellow Labs without pigment.
The American Kennel Club classifies white labs as yellow labs. White labs have pigmented (black) noses and dark eyes which stand out against their white fur. Their fur has touches of cream or yellow, especially around the ears.
There is no natural reason for Labradors to have blue eyes unless it occurs in Labrador puppies who lose it after 4 months.
According to their breed standard, black and yellow Labradors ought to have brown eyes and chocolate Labs brown or hazel eyes.
Labrador Retriever x Japanese Spitz
Is it okay to breed a pure Labrador male to a small Japanese Spitz Mox breed female? Japanese Spitz dogs are dogs of between 11 to 20 pounds. Labradors are between 55 and 80 lbs. A Spitz bitch will probably not be able to give birth to Labrador-size puppies without risk to her life and health.
Labrador Retriever years to human years
The popular belief that 1 human year equals 7 dog years is not correct. That is because dogs do not age at a fixed ratio to humans and that in turn has to do with DNA methylation and the epigenetic process.
The epigenetic process occurs non-linear in dogs and linear in humans. What it means is that the ageing process in dogs does not occur in a straight line like in humans.
Let’s see what that means in ordinary language:
The equivalent of a one-year-old dog (or cat) is a 10 – 15-year-old human. A one-year-old dog generally has reached full growth and sexual maturity.
The second dog year is equal to 3 – 8 human years in terms of physical and mental maturity.
Every dog year after that is equal to about 4 or 5 human years.
Dog years are not calculated on the human concept of calendar years but on the life stage reached. We might say human stages are reflected as calendar years to make it comprehensible and to have a common measurement.
Just as human development is reflected in numbers of years so we can understand it, so is dog development reflected in human years for us humans to understand the dog’s age.
Labrador Retriever yeast ear infection
Yeast that dissolves in fat (lipophilic yeast) is part of the bacteria that occur naturally on the skins of warm-blooded animals including humans. They occur on the oily parts of the skin. German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, English bulldogs, Shar Pei, Chow Chow and Labrador Retrievers are mostly affected.
When there is an abnormal build-up of yeast in the ear it leads to a yeast ear infection. It causes an irritating itch in the ear and your Lab will scratch incessantly scratch the affected ear.
Yeast infections may indicate allergies and your dog should be examined by a Vet if the infection occurs repeatedly. Need to know more?
Labrador Retriever zoomies (FRAP)
Frenetic Random Activity Periods (zoomies, crumbling or midnight crazies) are bursts of energy release where the dog (or cat) runs around energetically without stopping. The cause of these bursts or fits of energy is unknown and it has no negative health effects on the dog.
Labrador Retriever züchter
You may often see the search term “Labrador Retriever züchter” on Google. “Züchter” is just the German for “breeder”.

Read about the great Labrador