By: The Pet Times
Labradors are a breed of dog which makes great pets, due to
their loving, loyal and affectionate nature. Common types
include black/chocolate Labradors, and golden retrievers,
so-called because of their original duties of diving into the
waters off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, in the 17th CE,
to fetch the fishing nets from trawlers. They cost around
£300-£500 to buy, and can prove relatively cheap to look after,
living up to the age of 15 (human) years old. These pets become
very much a part of the family, and as each dog has its
individual tendencies and characteristics, they can prove very
difficult to replace. If they are from a good breed, veterinary
bills can often be low, as they are rarely sick. Male dogs
should be neutered, in order to prevent any scent marking, over
zealous sexual behaviour and fighting with other males. They are
very active and energetic dogs, and therefore need plenty of
exercise - ideally they should be taken for a walk twice a day,
as they can become irritable and sometimes destructive if left
to their own devices for too long. Labradors are not
particularly fussy eaters, and in fact experts recommend that
they are given the same types of fresh fruit, vegetables and
meats that humans consume, in order to provide the best
balanced diet. Many dog foods available commercially include a
large proportion of these ingredients, but the key thing to
look for when purchasing it is the word `fresh'. Dog foods that
contain too many waste products, artificial preservatives and
processed meats can lead to conditions such as obesity, which
can be hard to reverse, especially as the dog gets older. The
basic rule of thumb when devising a dog's diet is not to feed
them anything you wouldn't eat yourself. Their coats are
waterproof, and have a natural shine, which can be enhanced
through their diet. Grooming is also important in order to keep
their coats healthy and looking their best.
Labradors are highly intelligent creatures, who love to play
(especially in water due to their backgrounds in the fishing
industry), and are easily trained from a young age, which is
why so many are used as guide dogs and sniffer dogs. House
training is relatively straightforward, and the dogs can be
taught where to go to the toilet, and the general `house rules'
from a very young age. Elder dogs can also be trained, although
it is advisable to do so when they are puppies to ensure best
results. Due to their characteristics, Labradors often make
superb family pets, and are very child-friendly. As with
humans, they crave attention, and very much need to feel loved,
and part of the family environment. They are relatively quiet,
yet hugely enthusiastic and can provide the family with hours
of quality entertainment. They are non-aggressive, kind and
eager to please; they certainly aren't dull, and their
boundless energy means they will play for hours on end without
getting bored or disinterested. Labradors most certainly are a
breed where the phrase `man's best friend' could never be
truer.
About The Author: Article Alley is one of the UK's top article
sites, best for
http://www.articlea lley.com/ top_articles_ 1_54.html Pet
Articles. Please feel free to republish this article provided a
working hyperlink remains to our site
