Yes its truth! Labradors can dive under Water !
It sounds unbeliveable but it is really a truth 100% .
There is so many examples and stories about that.
Sources like Discovery ,Animal planet and similar confirmed that this breed can swim and dive under the water without consequences and problems.
''Our dogs will jump off of the dock and go under the water briefly. We don't try to get them to go under though. They love to swim and are naturally drawn to the water. We have 2 labs that are 3 months old. We took them around a body of water at about 6 months of age thinking they would be scared or not get in but they ran straight for the water. They love it. They will retrieve balls and such from the water if we through them in. We only use toys that will float cause I don't like to see them disappear under that water though. It scares me a bit. These are wonderful dogs. One of ours is an angel but the other is a little more hard headed and needs more direction. He pushes his boundaries a lot. Congrats on the new dog!!!''
This is a story of Lab owner (sounds really unbeliveable but as I said its truth)
How can they do this?
The fact is :
They can hold up breath so much more than other dogs so
this breed can dive properly without troubles.
they also mostly know to swim so there is no problem they
will get drawn.
MOst of them even like to jump into water and dive for rocks
keeping their breath for long as humans almost.
Its another proof this breed is really smart and magnificient
.
You think ur Lab can dive ?
It doesnt cost U to try !
Go and have some fun.
WATCH THIS VIDEO : CHOCOLATE LAB DIVING
https://youtu.be/ikUQIxpC4Mg
So....Should you adopt a Labrador?
CharacteristicsAdopting an abandoned dog is a rewarding act, and one that will change your life immeasurably.
Each year many Labradors are given up by their owners.
Often reluctantly, because they cannot manage to care for their dog any longer.
Although some dogs are rehomed due to behavioural problems, many are in rescue through no fault of their own. The result of divorce, changes in working hours, problems with accomodation or financial crisis.
By choosing to adopt a labrador instead of buying a new puppy, you and your family are giving a dog a chance of a new life, and helping to reduce the problem of unwanted dogs in the UK
However, all is not simple or straightforward in the world of adoption and you will have to jump through quite a few ‘hoops’ before you can adopt a labrador and bring your dog home.
Your hopes for adopting a labrador
You will probably want to find a labrador that will fit into your life with the minimum of disruption.
You are looking for a dog that will be both loved and lovable, and that will bring an extra dimension of pleasure to your own life as well as to his.
The rescue society’s aims
The aims of the rehoming organisation are very specific.
puppy or rescueThey are looking for the best and most permanent home for the dog in their care.
Rescue societies know that if a dog’s new family is not scrutinised carefully and matched properly with the right dog.
They do not want that dog to end up right back in rescue again.
Adoptive families can sometimes find this matching process intrusive and it is better to be prepared for this in advance.
Different Types of Rescue
The search for a rescue dog can take you down several different avenues.
One option is to visit a dog rehoming centre, like Battersea and Dogs Trust. These have large kennels, where you can visit a large number of dogs waiting for homes. You can view a lot of their dogs on the day you visit, although some will be in foster homes.
If you are intending to give a dog a home they will ask that you fill in a form and have a chat with an advisor on your first visit. They will see if they have any dogs that would fit with your situation, and help to match you with the most suitable companion.
It has to be a Labrador?
However, charities like Battersea will have a number of different breeds looking for homes. So if you are specifically after a Labrador Retriever you might have to register, and then phone them regularly to wait for an appropriate one to become available.
Another option is to register an interest with a Labrador or Labrador Cross rehoming charity, like The Labrador Trust or Black Retriever X Rescue.
These dogs are fostered with families, until they find their forever homes. So you won’t visit a dog until the society has decided that they are probably a good match.
Although breed specific societies will be a lot more likely to have your desired breed, you will still have to be patient.
A Long Wait
There are a lot of Labradors in need of new homes, there are also a lot of people waiting to give those homes to them.
And each dog comes with his or her own set of needs, depending on their background and personality.
Rescue societies aim to match the right dog to the right family. This is sometimes fairly simple, but can take several weeks or even months to achieve.
Remember, if you have a young family or other pets at home, then not every Labrador or Labrador cross will be well suited to sharing your home. The more complex your personal situation is, the longer it will probably take to find the right dog for your family.
Home visits
Before you can be considered as an adoptive family, the recue centre will want to visit your home. They will ask you a lot of questions some of which may seem quite personal.
Many rescue societies will not consider families where all the adults work during the day. Even if you are happy to arrange a ‘dog walker’ or to come home at lunch time.
They see too many Labradors abandoned because the ‘dog walker’ arrangement didn’t work out, or became too expensive, or because a lunch time visit was not sufficient to keep the dog happy.
They will also want to make sure that your house, and especially your garden are secure. So if you are intending to apply for a rescue dog, it will be worth mending your broken fence before they come and visit.
A Labrador’s needs
The Labrador is a very social and affectionate dog. Many young Labradors will become unhappy and destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
Labs can also be messy and are very boisterous, especially in their youth and until trained. If you live with toddler or frail adults who are easily knocked over, you will need to take this into consideration.
These are big powerful dogs that need a lot of training, and you will need to convince your rescue society of your good intentions and commitment to fulfilling the needs of your dog.
Training a rescue dog can be more challenging than training a puppy, because they might have developed bad habits over the course of their lives so far.
The cost
Adopting a rescue dog will not cost as much as purchasing a puppy, but it is not free. You will be expected to make a donation to the society. This is essential if they are to keep up the good work of feeding and caring for abandoned dogs.
The cost will usually be between £100 and £200 if you use a rescue society or centre.
You may also be expected to commit to neutering the dog once it is mature, and this can be expensive, especially for a bitch.
Remember, the costs of feeding, insuring and providing veterinary treatment for a relatively large dog are considerable and you will need to show the rescue society that you are prepared for this.
The rewards
Giving a home to a Labrador who needs one is a wonderful thing to do.
You will not only be helping an unsettled soul to find his place in society, but you will be bringing an active new individual into your family too.
The pleasures and benefits of bringing an abandoned dog into your life and giving him a fresh start are there to be had.
If you think you are the right person for the job, your rescue society will be delighted to hear from you.
You can find a list of Labrador rescue organisations on our Rescue Page.
How about you?
Have you adopted a rescued Labrador? Have you any advice or tips for others thinking about taking the plunge?
The Labrador Retriever, also known as simply Labrador or Lab, is one of several kinds of retrievers, a type of gun dog.[3] Labradors are athletic, playful, and the most popular breed of dog by registered ownership in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States (since 1991).
A favourite assistance dog breed in these and other countries, Labradors are frequently trained to aid people who are blind and people with autism, act as therapy dogs, and perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. They are prized as sporting and waterfowl hunting dogs. A few kennels breeding dogs were in England; at the same time a combination of sheep protection policy (Newfoundland) and rabies quarantine (England) led to their gradual demise in Canada, their country of origin.
The first and second Earls of Malmesbury, who bred for duck shooting on his estate, and the 5th and 6th Dukes of Buccleuch, and youngest son Lord George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott, were instrumental in developing and establishing the modern Labrador breed in 19th century England. The dogs Avon ("Buccleuch Avon") and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch's breeding program in the 1880s are considered the ancestors of modern Labradors.
The first St. John's dog was said to be brought to England in or around 1820; however, the breed's reputation had spread to England long before. There is a story that the Earl of Malmesbury saw a St. John's dog on a fishing boat and immediately made arrangements with traders to have some of these dogs exported to England. These ancestors of the first labradors so impressed the Earl with their skill and ability for retrieving anything within the water and on shore that he devoted his entire kennel to developing and stabilizing the breed.
Several early descriptions of the St. John's water dog exist. In 1822, explorer W.E. Cormack crossed the island of Newfoundland by foot. In his journal he wrote "The dogs are admirably trained as retrievers in fowling, and are otherwise useful.....The smooth or short haired dog is preferred because in frosty weather the long haired kind become encumbered with ice on coming out of the water."[12]
Another early report by a Colonel Hawker described the dog as "by far the best for any kind of shooting. He is generally black and no bigger than a Pointer, very fine in legs, with short, smooth hair and does not carry his tail so much curled as the other; is extremely quick, running, swimming and fighting....and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited...."[12]
In his book Excursions In and About Newfoundland During the Years 1839 and 1840,[13] the geologist Joseph Beete Jukes describes the St. John's water dog. "A thin, short-haired, black dog came off-shore to us to-day. The animal was of a breed very different from what we understand by the term Newfoundland dog in England. He had a thin, tapering snout, a long thin tail, and rather thin, but powerful legs, with a lank body, – the hair short and smooth." wrote Jukes. "These are the most abundant dogs in the country...They are no means handsome, but are generally more intelligent and useful than the others...I observed he once or twice put his foot in the water and paddled it about. This foot was white, and Harvey said he did it to "toil" or entice the fish. The whole proceeding struck me as remarkable, more especially as they said he had never been taught anything of the kind."
The first written reference to the breed was in 1814 ("Instructions to Young Sportsmen" by Colonel Peter Hawker),the first painting in 1823 ("Cora. A Labrador Bitch" by Edwin Landseer) and the first photograph in 1856 (the Earl of Home's dog "Nell", described both as a Labrador and a St. Johns dog).[8] By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever became common in England. The first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe), and the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1903. The first American Kennel Club (AKC) registration was in 1917.[7] The chocolate Labrador emerged in the 1930s, although liver spotted pups were documented being born at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892.The first dog to appear on the cover of Life Magazine was a black Labrador Retriever called ‘Blind of Arden’ in the December, 12th, 1938 issue. The St. John's dog survived until the early 1980s, the last two individuals being photographed in old age around 1981
The warm and intelligent Lab is America's number one breed registered with the American Kennel Club. Even non-dog people can recognize a Lab, and artists and photographers have captured his image countless times — usually as the loyal companion, waiting patiently by his owner's side.
Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. He has a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels.
The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. John's dog, after the capital city of Newfoundland, he was bred to help the local fishermen — hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish that had escaped the nets — as well as to be a family dog.
Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs.
The Lab's sweet nature makes him an excellent therapy dog, visiting homes for the elderly and hospitals, and his intelligence makes him an ideal assistance dog for the handicapped. He also excels as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to his athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions — especially obedience.
There's one dog job that Labs are hopeless at: watchdog. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show him where the goods are stashed.
Labrador Retrievers have proven their usefulness and versatility throughout the breed's history, easily shifting from fisherman's companion, to field retriever, to show dog, to modern working dog. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend.
The Lab has the reputation of being one of the most sweet-natured breeds, and it's well deserved. He's outgoing, eager to please, and friendly with both people and other animals.
Aside from a winning personality, he has the intelligence and eagerness to please that make him easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means he is active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep him happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity.
IF YOU LIKE SWEETNES AND COMPANION YOU WILL LIKE LABRADORS ,TRUST ME.
ITS THE BEST CHOICE U CAN MAKE!
SHARE THIS BLOG AND POST TO HELP ME AND SHOW SUPPORT FOR MORE POSTS FROM NOW.
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Labs will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dyplasia is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.
Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. It's thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog's elbow, causing joint laxity. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Overfeeding of "growth formula" puppy foods or high-protein foods may contribute to its development.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. They may develop at any age, and often don't impair vision, although some cases cause severe vision loss. Breeding dogs should be examined by a board-certified veterinary ophthamologist to be certified as free of hereditary eye disease before they're bred. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
Epilepsy: Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to remember that seizures can be caused by many other things than idiopathic epilepsy, such as metabolic disorders, infectious diseases that affect the brain, tumors, exposure to poisons, severe head injuries, and more. Therefore, if your Lab has seizures, it's important to take him to the vet right away for a checkup.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD): TVD is a congenital heart defect that has been increasing in prevalence in the Labrador breed. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment.
Myopathy: Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease.
Gastric Dilataion-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Labs, especially if they're fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, or drink large amounts of water or exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics.
Cold Tail: Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. Also caused limber tail, it caused the dog's tail to go limp. The dog may bite at the tail. It isn't cause for alarm, and usually goes away on its own in a few days. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail.
Ear Infections: The Lab's love of water, combined with his drop ear make him prone to ear infections. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection.
If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
In Labs, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
CARE
The lovable Lab needs to be around his family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. If he's left alone for too long, he'll probably tarnish his saintly reputation: A lonely, bored Lab is apt to dig, chew, or find other destructive outlets for his energy.
Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily 30-minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. Labrador Retrievers are considered "workaholics," and will exhaust themselves. It is up to you to end play and training sessions.
Labs have such good reputations that some owners think they don't need training. That's a big mistake. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well — in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions.
Start with puppy kindergarten, which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps him learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing him for getting it wrong.
You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Lab puppy. Don't let your Lab puppy run and play on very hard surfaces such as pavement until he's at least two years old and his joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps.
Like all retrievers, the Lab is mouthy, and he's happiest when he has something, anything, to carry in his mouth. He's also a chewer, so be sure to keep sturdy toysavailable all the time — unless you want your couch chewed up. And when you leave the house, it's wise to keep your Lab in a crate or kennel so he's can't get himself into trouble chewing things he shouldn't.
