GoodPooch Shines a Spotlight On Labrador Retrievers

One of the missions of GoodPooch is to present information about different dog breeds so potential dog owners can make an informed decision when choosing a dog for their family. One of the first breeds featured on GoodPooch was the Labrador Retriever, which claimed the top spot on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds in 2018.

“People love Labrador Retrievers,” said Steve Miller, owner of GoodPooch. “They are ideal family pets—demonstrating love and loyalty. They are friendly, outgoing dogs who are also great athletes—making them ideal for playtime or just chilling with the family.”

With an average lifespan of 12 years, Labrador Retrievers are medium-sized dogs. They weigh between 50 to 80 pounds and range from 21 to 25 inches tall. Labs come in three primary colors: yellow, chocolate, and black. The breed is athletic and requires regular exercise. They particularly love to swim, run, and hunt. If you choose to get a Lab, make sure you can provide daily walks and exercise.

Because Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity, it is essential to provide them with a high-protein diet that is rich with complex carbohydrates. “Regular exercise is important for Labrador Retrievers,” said Miller. “Just as important is feeding them the right type of food in the proper amounts. Consult with your veterinarian about a healthy weight for your Lab. Also, avoid overfeeding or giving your dog too many treats.”

Although Labs are generally healthy dogs, they do have their share of Labrador health problems. The most common issues include skin, eye, and ear issues. In addition, research has found that yellow and black Labs tend to live significantly longer than chocolate Labs.

Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to eye problems. Most veterinarians recommend testing lab puppies around 6 weeks old to see if they are predisposed to certain vision conditions, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA results in deterioration of the retina—resulting in tunnel vision or blindness. Cataracts are another common eye problem in Labs. Widely thought to be due to calcium build-up, these opaque bluish coverings on the eye can be removed by a vet.

For those who are getting a Lab puppy, be sure to check for a muscular condition known as Centronuclear Myopathy (CM)—an inherited muscle disease that can be debilitating. A DNA test can detect the presence of CM.

“Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs,” said Miller. “They are loyal, friendly, and love to join their families on almost any adventure. If you’re looking for a friendly dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, a Labrador Retriever is a great choice.”

GoodPooch was established to provide reputable and well-researched breed and health information to dog owners across the country. Although the bulk of the site’s content focuses on these topics, the site has a lighter side as well, including a place for dog owners to share cute dog photos. The site also offers regular giveaways designed to make dog ownership easier. Past giveaways included a BarkBox subscription, gift cards to Petco and PetSmart, and a GPS dog collar.