You may go and buy a Retriever if you watch video above

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium sized breed of dog with an interesting look that consists of a broad head and tan to dark brown or red coat that has a slight wave to it. They are beautiful dogs that really exhibit the athletic build that one looks for in a working breed.

In addition to this build, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an intelligent breed that thrives when it is out working. They are very affectionate to those they know but do not have the “love everyone” that so many other breeds has. Instead, they tend to be a bit more reserved and they also have a very strong will.

It is actually this strong will that really sets the Chesapeake Bay Retriever aside from other retrievers. They can be slow to learn, not because they are not intelligent, but because they are not a breed that will jump for anything. For this reason, they are not recommended for new or timid owners and they really need an owner that can be firm and patient at the same time.

Even still, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed that was made for retrieving on water and they have proven time and time again that they are perfect for retrieving waterfowl on any type of terrain.

Pro’s and con’s of owning an Irish Water Spaniel

If you are looking at the Chesapeake Bay Retriever because it gives you a Labrador Retriever with an unusual coat, then you should look for another breed because you would be farthest from the truth as you can be. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an energetic breed but they tend to be more reserved and have a very strong will. They are not eager to please but they have a confidence that endears them to many owners and trainers alike. While they have many positive qualities, they also have a few that make them a poor match with many owners. It is very important to really know this breed before you purchase one.

The Pro’s

There are many good points about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed and while they are considered more uncommon today, there was a time when this breed was a preferred pet for many sportsmen and hunters. Generally, this is an active breed that works hard in the field and truly shines in water.

• They are very friendly and loving and make excellent family dogs and are usually very good with children.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do very well in outdoor kennels and actually prefer to sleep outside.
• They have a steady temperament, although they are exuberant when young.
• While they are friendly, they are more reserved than many other retriever breeds.
• They can make excellent watchdogs since they tend to be suspicious of new people.
• They are easy to groom.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are very intelligent and will take to training quickly; however, they may not always listen since they are strong willed.

The Con’s

As with all dog breeds, there are a number of cons that should be taken into consideration before you purchase a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The breed has an active and bouncy personality that does not work for everyone.

• They are an active breed that requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, although, it is much better if they have closer to 60 minutes.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are average shedders.
• Although they are a retriever, they do not have the eager to please mentality of many retrievers. Instead, they can be very strong willed and need a confident owner and trainer.
• They have been known to have some territorial aggression towards other animals so it is very important to properly socialize this breed.
• They are very jumpy and tend to mature slower than other breeds.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be very mouthy and may chew objects or nip at hands.
• They can suffer from separation anxiety and will become destructive if they are bored.

Health Issues:

While the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a number of hereditary diseases that can affect them, they do not have as many as some breeds and are considered to be fairly hardy as a sporting breed.

However, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has had some instances of Exercise Induced Collapse where a dog’s muscles will refuse to work, thus causing a collapse in the dog. Studies are still being done on the issue and even a dog that has not been exercising can suffer from a collapse. It is important to be aware of this when you purchase a dog. It is also important to research your breeders and to make sure that they are only using dogs that have been properly screened for health problems. Some issues that are seen in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Gastric Torsion or Bloat

Height & Weight:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a strong and athletic breed of dog that should have smooth lines with a rump that is the same height or slightly higher than the shoulders. This is a breed that is used to the extremes of cold temperatures and this trait can be seen in the strength and substance of the dog. It should never be too large but it should have a medium build that gives the appearance of endurance.

The size of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is:

Males: 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm) tall and 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg).
Females: 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall and 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 22 kg).

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog. In the Weimaraner the withers are slightly higher than the back of the dog.

Grooming:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is actually a very easy dog to groom and they don’t need a lot of maintenance to keep them clean and tidy. While they are easy to groom, they are also average shedders so there will be periods when you have a lot of hair to remove.

When it comes to grooming, it is recommended that you brush them out once a week to remove any dead hairs or debris. Also, it is important to brush these dogs out after they have been in the field to make sure that no dirt or debris will cause mats in their fur.

With bathing, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever only needs to be bathed once or twice per year. Since this is a working breed that was designed to work in water, they have a weatherproofing oil in the hair and washing the dog will only strip this oil from their hair.

Nails should be kept trimmed and if there are any hairs between the toes, it should be trimmed as well. Also keep the dog’s ears clean and dry to avoid any ear infections.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

History:

If you are looking for a breed that has an interesting history, then you should look no farther than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. This breed was originated in the early 1800’s and they can actually trace their heritage back to a shipwreck in 1807.

As the history, which is well documented states, a ship that was bound for England from Newfoundland Canada was shipwrecked just off the coast of Maryland. Thankfully the cargo and crew were rescued and taken into the United States.

While this may seem like a strange place to start the history, what is of more important note to dog lovers is that on board the wrecked ship were two Newfoundland puppies, a male and female, that were bound for England.

The two dogs didn’t make it to England and were instead given to two men who were shown gratitude by the shipwrecked sailors for both of their hospitality. The two men, John Mercer and Dr. James Stuart, trained the dogs for retrieving waterfowl and were delighted to have two dogs that were exceptional at it.

In fact, the two dogs were so renowned for their retrieving abilities that any offspring the two produced were sought after by local sportsmen. While the foundation dogs were the two Newfoundland puppies off the shipwreck, whose names were Sailor, the reddish brown male, and Canton, the black female, many other dogs went into creating the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as we know it today.

Generally, many of the puppies that were purchased from Sailor and Canton were bred to many other dogs, including a non-descript retriever that was commonly used in the area. In addition, it is believed that the Flat Coated Retriever, Otter Hound and Curly-Coated Retriever were introduced into the pedigree and each one offered a trait to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Within only a few generations, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was created and by the mid-1800’s, many breeds were already breeding to form. Because of this, many sportsmen strived to keep the breed from being destroyed and in the late 1800’s, the Carroll Island Gun Club created a pedigree for the Chesapeake Bay Dog.

During the last twenty years of the 1800’s, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever had several different names but in 1890, the name was finally awarded to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the breed club was finally formed in the 1890’s.

While the breed became popular in the early and mid 1900’s, with the decline of bird populations and sportsmen, the breed began to see a bit of a decline in the number of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers that were being produced. Thankfully, they are once again on the rise in numbers but they still remain a fairly unfamiliar breed.

Still, the breed has a large following and recently there has been a concern of the breed splitting into two separate types; show and field lines. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever became the state dog of Maryland in 1964.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR

If you are interested in rehoming a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Hope You Enjoy This Video Overview Of The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium sized hunting dog that is known for their beautiful red coat that often brings to mind the coat of a Golden Retriever. In fact, many people often mistake these dogs for miniature Golden Retrievers but they are not like them in any way, except in appearance. In many of the dogs, a white tip on the end of their tail is also seen and is used in an interesting manner by the dog.

These are very hard working gundogs and while they can be very friendly to their own family members, they are usually reserved and distrustful of people they don’t know and they have a very strong prey drive, which makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a very active breed that requires a lot of exercise. They are used in a variety of ways in the field but have an interesting way of luring ducks, which is called Tolling.

This is a rare breed and while it may not have the personality of a lot of retrievers, there is little doubt that you can see some amazing things when you see a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in the field.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Flat Coated Retriever.

Like all breeds, there are a number of pros and cons involved with the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. While this is a very friendly breed that brings a unique dynamic to duck hunting and to the family, it is also not a breed that is suitable for everyone. They have a very strong prey drive and they also have a lot of energy.

The Pro’s

There are many good points about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and if you are looking for a smaller, very energetic gundog, then this is definitely the breed for you.

• They do well in a variety of dwellings and will even do well in apartments.

• They are very friendly dogs and usually do well with children of all ages.

• They look similar to the Golden Retriever, only smaller. It is important to note that this is not a miniature Golden Retriever. They have different personalities than the Golden Retriever and there is a distinct difference between them. If you want to upset a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeder, simply refer to their dogs as a Golden Retriever.

• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very hard working dogs.

• They usually do very well with other dogs.

• They are very good at being a guard dog and will alert bark.

• They have a very unique way of luring birds called Tolling, which is where they get their name from.

• They are a rare breed.

• They are considered to be moderate shedders.

The Con’s

As with all dog breeds, there are a number of cons that should be taken into consideration before you purchase a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The breed has an active personality that does not work for everyone.

• They are a working breed so they have lots of energy. Expect to exercise your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever about 30 to 60 minutes per day.

• Since the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a rare breed, there can be a long waiting list to purchase one.

• There is a small breeding pool for the breed and some diseases are beginning to occur in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

• They will need to be groomed on a weekly basis.

• This is not a clean dog. Yes they are easy to groom but the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever delights in rolling in puddles and jumping in mud. They will quickly put that mud into the house the moment they come in.

• They are not as friendly as other retrievers and tend to be a bit reserved with people.

• They need to be properly socialized to avoid any aggression, especially stranger aggression.

• The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a very strong prey drive. They are not recommended for homes with cats or other small animals. They will also chase squirrels and other animals in their yard if they are given the chance.

Health Issues:

When it comes to health, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a very hardy breed but there have been a number of diseases that have and are becoming a problem for the breed. This is due to the fact that there is a very limited number of dogs in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s breeding pool. It is very important that you make sure that all health checks have been done on the parents and that the breeder is using healthy breeding stock. This will help not only lower the risk of having an unhealthy gundog but will also ensure that the disorders that are occurring in the breed are prevented. If you doubt at any time that they are, look for a new breeder.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Deafness
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Auto-immune Hemolytic Anemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hydrocephalus
• Chondrodysplasia
• Cataracts
• Epilepsy
• Megaesophagus
• Addison’s Disease
• Collie Eye Anomaly

Height & Weight:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium sized dog that is used for retrieving. They are usually slightly longer than they are tall and they are a breed that is known for its well balanced and appearance of being a powerful athlete. While there is a range of acceptable height, the idea size for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 19 inches (48 cm) for a male and 18 inches (46 cm) for a female.

The size of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is:

Males: 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) tall and 45 to 51 pounds (21 to 23 kg)

Females: 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall and 37 to 43 pounds (17 to 20 kg)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming the medium coat of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, many people often feel that it will take a lot of time. In fact, it doesn’t take much time at all and a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can be brushed on a weekly basis to keep the tangles and mats from the hair.

In addition, you should always take the time to brush the coat whenever your dog comes in from the field since brambles and other debris can cause a lot of problems. Generally, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is considered to be a moderate shedder, except when they are blowing their coat.

The other grooming that should be done with this breed is to strip any mats out of the coat and to also keep the hair between the dog’s toes kept trim. Nails should also be kept trimmed and ears should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent ear infections.

With bathing, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever should only be bathed when it is absolutely necessary and could probably done once or twice a year.

Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

History:

The history of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not entirely clear. We do know that it originated in Little River, which is in Nova Scotia, Canada but we aren’t exactly sure how they came to be. It is believed that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in the early 1800’s but there has been some evidence that the dogs may have existed as far back as the 17th century.

In fact, the dog was recorded by a Nicholas Denys (1598-1688) who wrote of the small red dogs and their amazing retrieving ability but many people believe that these dogs were ancestors of the Nova Scotia Duck tolling Retriever as the dog is today.

Still, even with that murky history behind them, most enthusiasts believe that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can own their origins to James Allen who crossed a liver colored Flat Coated Retriever with a St. John’s dog. From those dogs, the puppies were bred to Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Setter and it is believed that the Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Collie were also introduced into the line.

Although it has a fairly long history, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has remained a rare breed and was not recognized by the CKC until 1945 and the AKC until 2003.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Watch Them all, or if you are short on time just skim through them, it will defently help in your training.

The Subtitles are in french but it makes no difference to the skill showed

Goldern retrivers Are Great Gun Dogs As Well As Surfing Partners

If you are looking for an excellent hunting dog that is a ray of sunshine as well, then you are probably going to luck out with the Golden Retriever. These dogs are friendly, devoted and gentle. They rarely exhibit any aggression and usually gets along with everyone; dogs, people, and even cats.
They are an ideal family dog since they are so dedicated to those in their family unit and they have a good deal of patience and they are very intelligent. This intelligence is what makes them such a good retriever to use in the field and is the reason behind their use as therapy and guide dogs, along with many other jobs.
The Golden Retriever is very easy to train and while they work hard, they tend to approach it in a playful manner. They often have a kind expression on their face and are considered one of the more beautiful gundogs with their distinctive coat in varying shades of gold.
While the Golden Retriever is not the dog for everyone, there is a certain humor in them that makes them a real joy to watch in the field.
Pro’s and con’s of owning a Pudelpointer

Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is one of the more popular dog breeds in North America. They are usually very gentle and happy and have many good traits that make them a wonderful addition to any home but there are also many traits that are a definite con for the breed. It is important that you understand the Golden Retriever completely before you purchase one and that you never purchase a Golden Retriever simply because it is a popular breed.

The Pro’s

Like all dog breed, there are a number of pros when you look at a Golden Retriever.

• They make excellent family dogs and do very well with children, although they may not be the best for young children since they can be very rowdy.
• They are very friendly and will usually accept everyone.
• Golden Retrievers are very athletic and enjoy being at work in the field.
• They do not have a lot of aggression problems and will usually do well in a home with multiple pets.
• While they do better in a home with a large yard, they can adapt to other living such as in apartments.
• They are usually very easy to train since they are eager to please.

The Con’s

Again, although the Golden Retriever is an excellent hunting and family dog, there are a number of cons that potential owners should take into consideration before they purchase a Golden Retriever puppy.

• Golden Retrievers have a large number of hereditary health issues. It is very important to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder to reduce the risk of these problems.
• They are very energetic and require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.
• They are regular shedders but there are periods in the year where they are heavy shedders.
• They require regular grooming, usually once to twice a week and daily during periods when they are “blowing” their coat.
• Golden Retrievers are extremely mouthy. They will chew different objects and may nip at hands.
• They can suffer from separation anxiety when they are left alone for long periods of time.
• They are usually very rowdy, especially when young and will jump up on children and adults alike. In addition, they mature very slowly so they will have the nature of a puppy even as adults.

Health Issues:

The Golden Retriever, like the Labrador Retriever, is a very popular dog and has experienced a lot of problems with backyard breeding and puppy mills. For this reason and other improper breeding practices, the health of the Golden Retriever has declined and there are a number of hereditary health issues that can arise. To reduce the risk of purchasing a Golden Retriever with health problems, it is important that you only purchase a Golden Retriever from a reputable breeder that does all of the health screens and only uses healthy dogs in their breeding program. Health issues that have been seen in the Golden Retriever are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Distchiasis
• Gastric Torsion
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Allergies
• Epilepsy
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Cardiomyopathy
• Osteosarcoma
• Entropion
• Cardiomyopathy
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis
• Trichiasis
• von Willebrand’s Disease

Height & Weight:

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, large sized dog that is very distinct with a symmetrical appearance that is powerful and graceful. They have a strong head and their body should be slightly longer than they are tall with a 12:11 ratio.

The size of the Golden Retriever is:

Males: 23 to 24 inches (58 to 61 cm) tall and 65 to 75 pounds (29 to 34 kg.)
Females: 21.5 to 22.5 inches (55 to 57 cm) tall and 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 kg.)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

Despite the fact that the Golden Retriever has a beautiful coat of medium to long feathered hair, they are actually quite easy to groom. The main point to consider with grooming is that it should be done on a regular basis to keep their coats healthy and free of mats.

Known as a regular shedder, there will be periods in the year when they are actually a heavy shedder. When they are blowing their undercoat, care should be taken to brush the Golden Retriever every day. At other times of the year, weekly or twice weekly brushings is enough to keep the coat free of debris.

If you are working your dog in the field, make sure that you brush out any brambles or other debris from the dog’s coat. Also pay close attention to the feet. Keep the nails trimmed and clip back any long hair from between the toes.

Since the Golden Retriever has a weather resistant undercoat, it is important to only bathe them occasionally. Once or twice a year should be enough but you should try to avoid doing it more than once a month. After a bath, make sure that the ears are clean and dry to prevent any ear infections from occurring.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

History:

As surprising as it may seem to others, the Golden Retriever is actually a fairly young breed and can trace its origins back to 1864 in Scotland and to one man by the name of Lord Tweedmouth.

During that time, Lord Tweedmouth decided that he wanted to produce a new breed of hunting dog. For this reason, he combined the Tweed Water Spaniel, which was similar in appearance and temperament to a Flat Coated Retriever but was actually yellow in color instead of black with several other dog breeds. These were the Irish setter, and the Flat Coated Retriever. Through these breedings, he was able to create a dog that was beautiful and an excellent working dog.

From these puppies, the Golden Retriever breed was born and Lord Tweedmouth and his family, specifically his nephew, Lord Ilchester, continued to produce more golden Retrievers and all of the golden Retrievers can trace their pedigree back to those dogs owned by the Lord Tweedmouth and his family.

Despite having created such a breathtaking dog, the breed did not gain any public interest until 1908 when it was entered into a Kennel Club Show as a Yellow Flat Coated Retriever. At this time, interest in the “Golden Retriever,” later coined by a man named Lord Harcourt, grew and the breed can attribute much of its advancement to a Mrs. Charlesworth who became an enthusiast for the breed.

By 1911, the Golden Retriever Club was established and by 1913, the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club of England.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

For more info on goldern retrievers try the Golden Retriever Club of America

Ron Loves Training Labrador Retrievers. He is now training Sam

Almost everyone has seen a Labrador Retriever or at the very least, has heard about the wonderful hunting dog that has made it into the hearts of millions and become a valued family pet.

The Labrador Retriever is the good natured dog of the hunting world. It is an intelligent breed that is eager to please and hard working and it excels at many different areas of training. Labrador Retrievers are still used as gun dogs and actively participate in hunting and retrieving sports and hobbies.

They have also shown that they are intelligent and just independent enough to work well as guide dogs, search and rescue and even drug and bomb detection. When they aren’t hard at work, they are enjoying life as a cherished family pet and their easy nature and even temper makes them an ideal pet for all families, even those with small children.

However, that easy nature can also be very excitable and the Labrador Retriever is known as being a large puppy throughout most of its life span. This means that training should be consistent and that you will need to repeatedly correct bad behaviors such as jumping on guests.

Still, even with their negative qualities, one look at a Labrador Retriever with their athletic build, warm eyes, happy nature, and dedication to their work leaves little doubt as to why this is the most popular dog breeds in America today.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States and has been since 1991. There are many traits that make these dogs a wonderful addition to any home but there are also many traits that are a definite con for the breed. It is important that you understand the Labrador Retriever completely before you purchase one and that you never purchase a Labrador Retriever simply because it is a popular breed.

The Pro’s

There are many pros that make a Labrador Retriever such a popular breed. They are hard working, eager to please and enjoy field work and sitting at home.

• They are eager to please, which can make training easier.
• They are very intelligent and can be trained to work in a number of fields such as guide dog, police work and search and rescue.
• They are very people friendly and make excellent family dogs, even in homes with small children.
• Labrador Retrievers generally do well with other pets, including other dogs.
• They can be easy to maintain. Generally, a Labrador Retriever only needs to be brushed once a week and only bathed once or twice a year.
• They have an even temper and are less likely to be aggressive or timid.

The Con’s

If you have ever read the book “Marley and Me” by John Grogan, then you are probably aware of the more negative behaviors that a Labrador Retriever can have.

• They are average to heavy shedders
• They require large amounts of exercise on a daily basis, usually requiring about 90 minutes each day.
• They are mouthy. This equates to a dog that may nip at hands, carrying objects away and chewing items around the house.
• If they are left alone for long periods of time they can suffer from separation anxiety. This can lead to barking problems and destructive behavior.
• Even a trained Labrador Retriever can become excited easily and begin jumping on guests when they greet them.
• They have been over bred. This means that many Labrador Retrievers suffer from behavior and temperament problems and they can also suffer from many health problems.
• They tend to eat everything and can quickly become overweight if their diet is not watched and they are not exercised properly.

Health Issues:

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breed of dogs and actually rank Number One by the American Kennel Club and have done so for over 17 years. For this reason, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most over bred dog breeds that are available today. If you are interested in purchasing a Labrador Retriever, it is important that you find a reputable breeder that only breeds healthy dogs that have all clearances since Labrador Retrievers have a number of hereditary health issues.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans
• Cataracts:
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Epilepsy:
• Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Gastric Torsion (Also known as Bloat)
• Acute moist dermatitis
• Cold Tail
• Ear infections

Height & Weight:

Labrador Retrievers are an athletic breed that should give the appearance of a well-built and muscular dog. They are medium sized and their length should be roughly the same or slightly longer than their height from ground to withers. They should be the essence of a versatile dog. Sturdy and short coupled with the athletic grace of a working dog yet refined enough to win in conformation rings.

The size of the Labrador Retriever is:

Males: 22.5 to 23.5 inches (57 to 60 cm) tall and 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg.)
Females: 21.5 to 23 inches (54 to 59 cm) tall and 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg.)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom. They are considered to be average shedders, although there are times of the year when they are heavy shedders.

Generally, a Labrador Retriever only needs to be brushed once or twice a week to keep their coats healthy and free of dead hair. However, it may be beneficial to brush them on a daily basis, especially when they are shedding their coat.

Other grooming steps that should be done on a Labrador Retriever are cleaning their ears since they can be prone to ear infections. Make sure that the ears are free of debris and wax and that the ears are not red or inflamed. After your Labrador Retriever has been in the water, it is important to dry the ears to prevent ear infections. Nails should also be kept short and should be clipped about once a week.

Lastly, it is important to be aware of your Labrador Retriever’s anal glands. Many Labrador Retrievers can suffer from impacted anal glands so occasionally; you will need to clear them during a grooming session.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years, although up to 16 years is not unheard of.

History:

The Labrador Retriever was developed in Newfoundland, Canada and was first discovered by English Sportsmen in the early 1800’s, although the breed was seen as early as the 1700’s.

Although the Labrador Retriever was quickly identified as a viable and valuable hunting dog, its history is linked with fishermen and it was, in fact, used by the fishermen of Newfoundland to pull lost nets, fishing lines and even fish out of the cold Atlantic Ocean. When they weren’t hard at working helping their human counterpoint, Labrador Retrievers showed that they were the ideal family dog by interacting with the fishermen’s families whenever they weren’t working.

In 1814, the Labrador Retriever was finally mentioned in the “Instructions to Young Sportsmen” written by Colonel Hawker. Although he coined the dogs as Labradors, in actuality, they were the St. John’s Dog, which is the foundation breed of the Labrador Retriever. The breed was primarily black and had white on its muzzle and toes.

Shortly after the dogs were “discovered,” the St. John’s Dogs were quickly imported to England where some avid sportsmen began breeding the dogs to produce a versatile and hard working Retriever. It is actually the imported St. John’s Dogs that saved the breed from extinction and more specifically, three breeders; the third Earl of Malmesbury, the twelfth Duke of Home and the sixth Duke of Buccleuch, that ensured that the breed survived and became what it is today.

In Canada, the St. John’s Dog began to see decline under the high taxes that dog owners had to pay. For this reason, the original St. John’s Dog became extinct in 1981 when the last two dogs from the line passed away.

Still, the breed came close to extinction even in England but in the early 1900’s people began to see the wonderful qualities’ that the breed had to offer and efforts were re-established in securing the longevity of the Labrador Retriever.

Although the Labrador Retriever and St. John’s Dog were primarily black, yellow and chocolate were both seen in the foundation breed but many of the miscolored puppies were culled from the litters. The first chocolate Labrador Retriever was not born until 1932 in the United States and 1892 in England. The first yellow Labrador Retriever was born in 1929 in the United States and 1899 in England and since then, the colors have been accepted by kennel clubs around the world.

The Labrador Retriever was accepted by the 1917 and the United States Labrador Retriever Club was formed in 1931.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

For more infomation on Labrador Retrievers click here

Don’t believe me. Watch the short video below and tell me if you Patrick of shadow Mountian Labs Nr Washington, is on to something with his Lab Superdogs.

Or do you think it is just like most other releases from the press its a load of ********

Please place a comment and let me know

A flat Coated Retriever Resting With A Lab

If you are looking for an dog breed than can be both the ideal hunting companion and the perfect family pet, then you may have found everything you are looking for in the Flat Coated Retriever.

Originally developed from the St. John’s Dog, Water Spaniels, Setters and Labrador Retrievers, this breed has become a favorite for many sportsmen (or women) that is looking for a breed to work with in the field.

They are easy to train and have a happy approach to the world around them. They are often referred to as the “Peter Pan” of the dog world and they will happily approach their work with the exuberance of a puppy, even into their senior years.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Flat Coated Retriever.

The Flat Coated Retriever is an active breed that is full of life, spirit and has a good natured temperament. They are the quintessential puppy that enjoys playing around at home as much as they enjoy working in the field. While this breed is energetic and has been ranked as an ideal field dog, it is not for everyone. They have a variety of pros and cons and it is important to weigh each one before you choose whether a Flat Coated Retriever is the right breed for you.

The Pro’s

There are many good points about the Flat Coated Retriever breed and at one time they were the preferred breed for field work and conformation. If you are looking for an energetic gundog that enjoys his work and remains the eternal puppy, then this is definitely the breed for you.

• They are intelligent and easy to train if you use positive reinforcement.
• They get along with other pets and do well in multi-dog homes.
• They are great with kids, although they are better suited for older children since they can knock down younger children with their antics.
• They generally love people and are very friendly.
• They work well as retrieving dogs and can work on both sparse and thick foliage and in water.
• They are a versatile breed and do well as both hunting dogs and pets
• They are sweet tempered and can be very funny.

The Con’s

As with all dog breeds, there are a number of cons that should be taken into consideration before you purchase a Flat Coated Retriever. The breed has a number of serious health issues, listed in the section below, and they have an active and bouncy personality that does not work for everyone.

• They are average to heavy shedders
• Although they are known for their eager to please personality, some Flat Coated Retrievers can be very stubborn.
• They have high energy levels, which make them unsuitable for apartment living.
• They require large amounts of exercise on a daily basis, usually requiring about 90 minutes each day.
• Flat Coated Retrievers are very sensitive and while this can be a wonderful quality in some ways, it can also be difficult when it comes to training and other areas. They are more likely to shut down and refuse to train if any type of training is used except positive reinforcement.
• They are the “Peter Pan” of the dog world and you can expect to have a happy, bouncy and exuberant puppy until your dog reaches old age.
• If they are left alone for long periods of time they can suffer from separation anxiety. This can lead to barking problems and destructive behavior.
• They are mouthy. This equates to a dog that may nip at hands, carrying objects away and chewing items around the house.
• They are prone to Coprophagy, which is eating their own feces.

Health Issues:

Flat Coated Retrievers can have a number of hereditary health issues so it is important to research the breeder that you are purchasing a puppy from. Make sure that all health checks have been done on the parents and that the breeder is using healthy breeding stock. If you doubt at any time that they are, look for a new breeder.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans
• Epilepsy
• Many types of cancers and tumors:
o Fibrosarcoma
o Osteosarcoma
o Hemangiosarcoma
o Malignant Histiocytosis
o Adenocarcinoma
o Lymphosarcoma
o Mast Cell Tumors
o Melanoma
• Hypothyroidism
• Patellar Luxation
• Gastric Torsion (also known as Bloat)

Height & Weight:

The Flat Coated Retriever is a medium sized dog that should be the epitome of an athletic breed. It should be slightly longer than it is tall and the lines of the body should be clean. It is important that this breed does not carry excessive weight and that it has a lean and well conditioned appearance.

The size of a Flat Coated Retriever is:

Males: 23 to 24.5 inches (58 to 62 cm) tall
Females: 22 to 23.5 inches (56 to 60 cm) tall

Both Males and Females range in weight from 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 31.8 kg).

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

Despite the beautiful coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever, they are actually very easy to maintain. Generally, all they need is weekly brushing to remove any dead hair or burrs from their coat. The Flat Coated Retriever is an average shedder and there are periods in the year when they are considered to be heavy shedders.

In addition to grooming the coat, it is important to trim the hair on your dog’s feet and the tip of the tail but you should make sure that the coat looks as natural as possible. This can keep the burrs and other debris from becoming embedded between your dog’s toes and twisted into his tail.

Ears are a very important area for grooming since the breed can suffer from chronic ear infections and you should take extra care at keeping them dry and clean. Wash the ears with a damp cloth on a regular basis and also make sure that you dry them after your dog has been in the water.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

History:

Developed in England during the late 17th Century, the Flat Coated Retriever can accredit its development to S.E. Shirley who also founded the Kennel Club of England.

While it is not clear what dog’s S.E. Shirley used to create the breed, it is believed that he used St. John’s Dogs, the foundation breed for the Labrador Retriever, and combined them with Water Spaniels. In addition, he may have introduced Scotch Collies into the breed. During the breed’s development, it is believed that Setters were introduced into the lines but this was not done by S.E. Shirley.

In the end, the result was an exceptional gundog that became popular with a number of sportsmen in England; however, the occurrence of two world wars saw a significant decrease in the number of Flat Coated Retrievers alive and the breed came close to extinction.

To keep the breed viable, many breeds crossed Flat Coated Retrievers with the Labrador Retriever and through their efforts; the breed was saved from extinction.

Although S.E. Shirley is credited with developing the breed, it was actually H. Reginald Cooke who had a strong influence over the Flat Coated Retrievers that we see today.

The Flat Coated Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1915 and it has been gaining popularity as a wonderful hunting dog since the 1960’s.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

For More Infomation On Flat Coated Retrievers You Can Go To The FLAT COATED RETRIEVER SOCIETY’S WEBSITE

The Labrador Retriever Is The Most Popular Gundog Throughout The World, But Is It The Best?

If you want a good all round gun dog then a Labrador Retriever could be your number one choice, Indeed Ron Mann the guy who taught me how to train my cocker spaniel Charlie, said in his opinion the Labrador Retriever made the best all round gun dog. Ron knows his stuff he has trained 100’s of bird dogs over the last 30 years.

Like all breeds of gun dogs Lab’s have good and bad points, Here are some of the Pro’s and Con’s of training and owning a Labrador Retriever.

The Pro’s
• Of all the hunting dog breeds the Labrador is the strongest swimmer, which makes him excellent at duck hunting. The breed was originally bred and trained to jump off fishing boats to bring the fishing nets to shore. Most Labs have webbed feet that aid in swimming

• They are affectionate and patient dogs. They are known for being good natured, loyal, intelligent, and friendly. They are also great as a family pet as they are great with children.

• Talents include tracking, retrieving, hunting, police work, They also do excellent work as guide dogs for the blind and the disabled. Other activities they are used for are sledding, competitive obedience, and search and rescue.

The Con’s

• There is not much not to love about Labradors, maybe the only problem is their love of food. You need to moderate food intake, Labs are big eaters, and may Quickly Become Overweight (TAKE TO NUTRITION PAGE OR IF NOT DONE SALES PAGE FOR CLICKBANK PROD) if given the wrong diet.

• Another problem is they need regular exercise. They love long walks and also like to swim whatever the weather, so if you have a lake in your local park it will love a swim a few times a week. Plus plenty of exercise.

• The Labrador Retriever may become nervous and destructive if their human owner does not act as “pack leader” or if they do not receive enough exercise, it is best if you at least have a large yard to own one of these great hunting dogs.

There may seem a lot to worry about here but most Lab’s turn into wonderful gundogs and/or family pets. More things you may want to know about the Labrador are below:

Height and Weight

Adult males are usually between 22-24 inches tall and weigh around 60-75 pounds.
Adult females are usually between 21-23 inches tall and weigh around 55-70 pounds.

Life Expectancy

The average life of a Labrador retriever is about 12 years.

Grooming

Their smooth double coat is easy to groom with a brush with firm bristles. Pay attention to the undercoat, and bathe only when necessary. Even when they swim their skin stays dry due to the undercoat. They are also moderate shredders of hair.

History

As I mentioned earlier the Labrador Retriever was breed by fishermen in the 1700’s, originally from Newfoundland and known as St. John’s Dogs, They are now one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Grouping

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition

CKC, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NZKC, CCR, ACR, UKC, CKC, NKC, APRI, FCI

Training:

The great thing about a Labrador Retriever is the ease with how you can train him as a gun dog. We find the best way to train is to train your Labrador is by doing it in short bursts maybe only 10 minutes twice a day. The only thing to beer in mind is not to many treats if you use treat training as your dog may put on to much weight.