This gun dog was originally bred for sporting. As one of the most popular dog breeds in America, the Yellow Lab actually comes from Newfoundland, where its talents were used by fishermen who needed help catching fish. These dogs had no problem jumping into the cold waters to assist in pulling in the nets. It was eventually bred with setters, spaniels and other retrievers to enhance its hunting ability. As a result, the Lab is easily trained as a retriever, watch dog, tracker and police dog.
Males typically grow to a height of 22 to 24 inches, while females grow to 21 to 23 inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, while females can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Some males have even weighed in at a whopping 100 pounds. Two types of Labs exist: the English and the American. English labs are heavy and thick, while the American labs are tall and lanky. The Yellow Lab has a light golden colored coat that is smooth. This dog features a thick nose, wide muzzle, wide neck, long body, water-resistant coat, hanging medium ears and tapered tail.
Personality
Because of their excellent ability to hunt, Yellow Labs are often selected as narcotics detection dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs. They are adept at being service dogs for the visually impaired. This dog makes a wonderful family companion, and is gentle yet playful with children. They have a lot of energy and love to run about, particularly when they are told to retrieve something, from prey to a Frisbee. These dogs are loyal and loving, displaying plenty of affection and patience. If they do not receive enough firm yet calm discipline, they can become destructive. They need to be taught early on who the leader is. This good-natured dog needs lots of exercise so it's not well suited to apartment life. It preferably needs a large home with a large fenced-in yard to run about.
Breed Characteristics
Type: | Pure |
Function: | Sporting |
Origin: | Europe |
Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
Group: | Sporting |
Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
Nicknames: | Yellow Lab, Yellow Labrador |
Hypoallergenic: | No |
Yellow Labrador Retriever Build Information
Males typically grow to a height of 22 to 24 inches, while females grow to 21 to 23 inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, while females can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Some males have even weighed in at a whopping 100 pounds. Two types of Labs exist: the English and the American. English labs are heavy and thick, while the American labs are tall and lanky. The Yellow Lab has a light golden colored coat that is smooth. This dog features a thick nose, wide muzzle, wide neck, long body, water-resistant coat, hanging medium ears and tapered tail.
Size: | Medium |
Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
Weight: | > 65 lbs |
Litter Size: | 5 - 10 Puppies |
Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Because of their excellent ability to hunt, Yellow Labs are often selected as narcotics detection dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs. They are adept at being service dogs for the visually impaired. This dog makes a wonderful family companion, and is gentle yet playful with children. They have a lot of energy and love to run about, particularly when they are told to retrieve something, from prey to a Frisbee. These dogs are loyal and loving, displaying plenty of affection and patience. If they do not receive enough firm yet calm discipline, they can become destructive. They need to be taught early on who the leader is. This good-natured dog needs lots of exercise so it's not well suited to apartment life. It preferably needs a large home with a large fenced-in yard to run about.
Activity Level: | Very Active |
Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
Barking: | Moderate |
Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
Energy Level: | Very Active |
Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
Guardian Skills: | No |
Independant: | No |
Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
There are not many grooming requirements for Yellow Labs thanks to their short haired, smooth, shiny coat. Just be sure to brush your dog regularly with a firm bristle brush, and don't forget the undercoat. As average shedders, you don't have to bathe these dogs too often, just as needed.
Colors: | Yellow |
Shedding: | Moderate |
Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Coat Type: | Dense |
Yellow Labrador Retriever Common Health Conditions
The Yellow Labrador is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, mast sell tumors, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and eye diseases.
Yellow Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Yellow Labrador Retrievers require long daily walks or jogs to keep up with their need for exercise and play. The full name for this dog is Yellow Labrador Retriever, or it can simply be shortened to Yellow Lab. The life expectancy of the Yellow Labrador is 10 to 12 years.
Training: | Moderately easy to train |
Hunting Companion: | Yes |
Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
Sighting Capabilities: | No |
Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
Pointing Breed: | No |
Herding Skills: | No |
Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
Police Performer: | Yes |
Wet Water rescues: | No |
Assist Disable Owners: | Yes |
Dog Sledding: | Yes |
Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
Obedient: | Yes |
Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |