The Essential Labrador Retriever

One of the several intriguing and quite useful aspects of this book that drew me in was its premise that the Labrador Retriever is perhaps the single most agreeable and people-oriented of all the domesticated breeds, which also creates the situation in which the dogs are also quite trainable and thrive on interpersonal interaction with humans. The author shows the reader how and why to care for what some of us consider the single greatest act of creation, the Labrador Retriever! Thus, by showing us the degree to which the breed represents a witch's brew of intelligence, honesty and loyalty to its human companions, the author illustrates why the Labrador has become the single most popular breed of dog in the world today. Labradors are sturdy creatures indeed, bred for sporting use along the quicksilver shores of Newfoundland, where the water temperatures and sea conditions require a healthy dollop of strength and endurance, and those are qualities these dogs have in spades. For those of us who have witnessed them at work and at play in the fields and in the water, the Labrador's singular combination of physical attributes and obvious intelligence makes them the ideal human companion. I should know; I live with four of them! The proof of their adaptability to almost any condition and their loyalty, intelligence, and unparalleled work ethic is demonstrated by the wide use of them as guide dogs and as adjunct partners for the physically handicapped. Stories of Labradors crawling out onto the ice to save their masters are legendary, as are the tales of them rescuing children from fires or from underneath rubble. Never has there been a dog superior to them. The author has recruited a wide variety of experts to testify as to the qualities and abilities of the dog, and one walks away from a reading of the book much better informed as to the all of the many qualities and capabilities of the breed, which seems to represent an astonishing list of useful and worthwhile attributes. We also get quite critical information as to what to look for when choosing a lab, and how to analyze the quality of the puppy you see before you. The author offers a compendium of information regarding genetics, feeding, health care, and inherited dispositions, as well as some sage advice as to how to ensure your puppy becomes the grown up Labrador companion you will come to view as another family member. This is a great book, and one I heartily recommend! Enjoy

My family just got a Yellow Labrador Retriever and I read this book to get myself prepared to help take care of him. This book is very informational, and covers these topics: Getting to Know Your Labrador, Homecoming, Health, Nutrition, Grooming, Breed Standard, History, and Behavior. I found this book to be a great source of Labrador information. Anybody who owns or is considering getting a Labrador should also consider this book.