Originating from Newfoundland, the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. Labradors are one of three colors; yellow, chocolate or black. The Labrador is a versatile breed, and known for being a great hunting dog. Labradors are intelligent, obedient and good tempered and because of this they are often used as guide dogs for the blind. Labradors are also known as a working breed and for their work with law enforcement and narcotics detection. Labradors are good in the field; they are also used during search and rescue.
Labradors are also show dogs and held to very high standards. Labradors are a large breed, with males weighing between 65-80 pounds and the females 55-70 pounds. The Labrador breed has won Best of Show on many occasions. Show dogs and working dogs are trained differently and have a slightly different build, with the working dog being more muscular. The fur, coat and web feet of a Labrador make them good in the water also. The Lab being an athletic breed is now competing in Splash Dog or Dock Jumping events and doing very well.
The Labradors are intelligent and trainable at a young age. They are energetic and require lots of exercise, so they do not become destructive. Labs are very enthusiastic, but not aggressive, which make them great for young children and even a great companion for the elderly. The Labrador is a well rounded dog, loyal and affectionate, which makes an excellent pet for the active family.
Hip dysplasia is the best know joint defect of dogs. It is a deformation of the hip socket that occurs more often in large dogs, but is also prevalent in dogs with long backs. It can be diagnosed via x-ray. It is considered an inherited defect, dog breeds prone to dysplasia should not be bred before they have been tested.
Knees can also have issues. Small dogs can have luxating patella where the knee slips out of place. Large dogs can tear their cruciate ligament. A slipped knee cap can show up when the dog reaches one year of age. It can be mild to severe. If it is mild, the knee cap can be slid back in place. If it is severe, it can require surgery. This problem is also believed to be inherited.
Hip dysplasia and knee cap problems are issues that affect the rear legs of a dog. Front legs have their own set of issues.
Elbow dysplasia occurs when the elbow bone does not meat the leg bone or ulna correctly. The result is a loose piece of bone in the elbow that causes arthritis. This can be corrected with surgery. Osteochondrosis also know as OCD is often caused by growth spurts. The bone ulcerates causing small fragments of cartilage to break off the ball joint at the shoulder. The fragments float freely in the joint fluid causing pain. If sever enough, OCD can be cured with surgery.
When possible, prevention is the best cure for bone problems in dogs. Dogs that carry too much weight are more prone to joint problems. It pays to keep your dog in good health just the same as it pays to keep yourself in good health.
