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Meet the Labrador Retriever !

Intelligent. Gentle. Always Ready for Fun.

Labrador Retrievers are the ultimate family dogs—known for their friendly temperament, trainability, and unmatched loyalty. From energetic playtimes to cuddle sessions on the couch, Labs are a perfect fit for homes with kids, active individuals, and first-time pet parents.

At a Glance

Size

Medium to Large

Shedding

Moderate to heavy
(seasonal)

Life Expectancy

11–13 years

Coat Type

Short, dense double coat

Temperament

Friendly, energetic,
eager to please

Weight

Male: 29–36 kg,
Female: 25–32 kg

Weather Tolerance

0°C to 32°C

Suitable For

Families, active individuals, service work

Labrador Nutrition

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Key Nutritional Needs

  • Lean Protein: Supports strong muscles and energy levels
  • Joint Support: Glucosamine and chondroitin help with bone strength and mobility
  • Omega Fatty Acids: Keep their coat shiny and skin healthy
  • Controlled Calories: Labs are prone to obesity—monitor food portions
  • High Fiber: Aids digestion and helps manage weight
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Feeding Guidelines

Age Daily Quantity Meals/Day Feeding Tips
Puppy (2–6 months) 3–4 cups food 3–4 Use large-breed puppy formula for controlled growth
Puppy (6–12 months) 4–5 cups food 2–3 Gradually reduce to adult feeding schedule
Adult (1–7 years) 4–6 cups food 2 Adjust portion sizes based on activity level
Senior (7+ years) 3–4 cups food 2 Switch to senior formulas with joint support and lower calories

Labrador Grooming

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Shedding & Brushing

  • Brush 2–3 times a week to manage loose hair
  • Use a de-shedding tool during seasonal shedding
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Bathing & Skin Care

  • Bathe every 6–8 weeks unless visibly dirty
  • Clean ears weekly—Labs are prone to ear infections due to floppy ears
  • Wipe paws after outdoor activities, especially in wet weather

Hygiene Must-Dos

  • Trim nails every 3–4 weeks
  • Brush teeth 2–3 times a week to prevent tartar buildup
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Training & Exercise

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Training Tips

  • Start young—basic commands and leash training
  • Use positive reinforcement: treats, toys, and affection
  • Crate training helps with housebreaking and builds routine
  • Socialize early to make them friendly around other pets and people
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Activities They Love

  • Fetch, tug-of-war, agility training
  • Swimming—Labs are natural water lovers
  • Scent games and tracking
  • Weather-resistant harnesses and collars for outdoor adventures

Puppy Care – Bringing a Lab Puppy Home

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Puppy Prep

  • Safe teething toys—they’ll chew on everything
  • Breed-specific puppy food with DHA for brain development
  • Comfortable crate and chew-proof bedding
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First Weeks at Home

  • Start toilet training with a fixed schedule
  • Introduce commands like “sit,” “no,” and name recall early
  • Supervised play to prevent furniture chewing or overexcitement

Labrador Lifestyle

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Daily Life Must-Haves

  • At least 1–2 hours of exercise daily: walks, jogs, fetch, swimming
  • Mental stimulation with puzzle toys or obedience training
  • Great hiking and outdoor companions—but always stay hydrated
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Comfort & Essentials

  • Durable chew toys—they’re powerful chewers
  • Weather-resistant feeders ideal for both indoor and outdoor feeding.
  • Cooling mats or elevated beds for summer months

Vet Care for Labrador Health

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Common Health Issues

  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
  • Obesity-related problems like diabetes or joint strain
  • Hypothyroidism and epilepsy in some cases
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)—an eye condition
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Preventive Vet Care

  • Regular vet visits to monitor weight, joints, and eyes
  • Vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and deworming as per schedule
  • Ask about joint supplements as your Lab grows older

Fun Trivia: Did You Know?

  • Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in the world for over three decades.
  • Labs were originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, to help fishermen retrieve nets.
  • Famous Labs include “Marley” from Marley & Me, and “Buddy” from the Air Bud movies.
  • They're often trained as guide dogs, therapy animals, and even detection dogs because of their intelligence and obedience.

FAQs

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