Yellow Labradors

INTRODUCTION – Yellow Labradors

In respect to the most popular breed of dog for dog owners, the Labrador has always been the favorite. According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), the Labrador has been the most popular breed of dog registered for the past eighteen years. Because of their wonderful, loving qualities, the Labrador has been used extensively in servicing disabled individuals, as well as a reliable rescue dog.

DESCRIPTION – Yellow Labradors

The yellow Labrador is a type of Labrador with a recessive gene for yellow fur coloration. Although the most common color of Labradors is black, there are two other, less common colors, chocolate and yellow. There is also a rare coloration that is said to be a variation of chocolate (according to the AKC) which is Silver/Gray. Yellow Labradors have short, pale yellow fur, though their color can include some darker yellow, red, or “liver” colored pigmentation.

TEMPERAMENT –  Yellow Labradors

The Yellow Labrador has all of the favored temperament characteristics shared by the Labrador breed. They are wonderful companions, with an unparalleled sense of loyalty. They’re friendly with children, which is one of the reasons that they’re such a popular dog for families. As their name suggests, they are excellent retrievers, but are also able to exercise restraint in this respect – A Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without it breaking. They do have an oral fixation, and it is extremely important, especially in early training, to give Labradors plenty of chew toys to occupy their attention.

Because they’re able to easily learn both simple and complicated commands, they make excellent seeing eye dogs, as well as service dogs for the disabled. After the twin towers in New York City collapsed on 9/11/02, many Labradors assisted in rescuing people (and some pets) from the debris. There are many articles dedicated to the Labrador’s bravery and invaluable assistance as a rescue dog.

WEIGHT/HEIGHT – Yellow Labradors

Yellow Labradors are a medium to large breed, typically being sleek and muscular. The general height of a Labrador ranges from 21 to 24 inches, depending on the gender and breeding characteristics. The average weight is from 55-75 pounds, though on rare occasions some dogs can weigh 100 pounds or more.

HEALTH PROBLEMS – Yellow Labradors

As with most purebred dogs, Yellow Labradors do have a few breed specific health problems. The most common problems in Labradors involve the joints – more specifically, the hip, elbow and knee joints. These problems can be severe, though not as debilitating as the hip problems inherited by other breeds (such as German Shepherds). The scientific term for this condition is “dysplasia”, which is a disease in the cartilage connecting certain joints. This term can also refer to developmental abnormalities in the joints which become apparent when a Labrador is several years old. Yellow Labradors can also develop some serious eye conditions, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (gradual loss of eyesight), and retinal dysplasia (a non-progressive condition that negatively affects eyesight).

LIVING CONDITIONS – Yellow Labradors

Yellow Labradors are very active, and prefer to have an adequate amount of space to play. Since they are very loving, social dogs, playtime is of special importance. Ideally, a Labrador should have a designated outdoor space where they can move freely. It is also essential to feed a Labrador only in moderate rations, to prevent them from becoming overweight or having digestive problems.

EXERCISE

As with any pet, exercise is important for Yellow Labradors. Since they’re very energetic and active, it’s important to exercise a Labrador on a regular basis. An ideal exercise routine would involve a brisk 20-30 minute walk on a daily basis. This is important for pet owners as well, and can be a good bonding experience between owner and pet.

LIFE EXPECTANCY – Yellow Labradors

Though the average life expectancy of Yellow Labradors is from 12-13 years, it is possible for them to live much longer with good lifestyle habits and attentive medical care. This is because the average lifespan of a dog is the “median age”, the age at which half of the dogs of a certain breed have died, while half remain alive. The Labrador median age is average in comparison to other breeds, though much higher than the life expectancy of some other dogs (Bulldogs, Bloodhounds and Great Danes only have a median age of 6-7 years). There is a report of a Yellow Labrador in Britain living to the age of 29, though this claim is as of yet unconfirmed.

GROOMING – Yellow Labradors

The Yellow Labrador’s fur consists of two layers: a soft, dense under-layer, and a coarse, slightly oily outer layer. Their coat is water resistant, and in a healthy Labrador should be sleek and shiny. Labradors do shed, though they only fall under the “moderate shedding” category. It is important to groom a Labrador once per week, as this will help keep shedding to a minimum. Labradors should only be bathed manually on rare occasions, since this will strip some of the natural oils from their fur. The paws should have occasional attention as well, because the nails often need manual trimming. In general, frequently grooming a Labrador can also promote positive relationship building between an owner and pet.

ORIGIN – Yellow Labradors

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, a cross breed of Newfoundland dogs and the small water dogs that populated the area. The Labrador was eventually brought to England in the 1800’s. The Labrador that we know today evolved from the “St. John’s Waterdog”, a breed that was used extensively for hunting and game retrieval. It is said that in England, the dogs would retrieve fish that had fallen off of the hooks of fishermen, as well as assist in dragging nets from fishing boats to the shore (hence the reason why they were first referred to as “Waterdogs”).

These dogs were excellent for hunting, and were eventually brought to America. The first “official” registration of a Labrador in America was in 1917. Their special skills in game retrieval for hunters greatly assisted their ascent in popularity, as they began to out-rank the previously popular hunting dogs; the Springer Spaniel and the Chesapeake Retriever.