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The Labrador Retriever approaches sports, work and life with boundless enthusiasm. His outgoing personality complements his athleticism and work ethic. Social and expressive, this Retriever is especially biddable to human direction. Labs are celebrated military and service dogs, therapy dogs, hunting dogs, sport stars and all-around companions.

Labrador Retriever is bred for athleticism

Ancestors of the Labrador Retriever worked with Newfoundland fisherman off the Labrador Sea shores. Their coats helped them tolerate the freezing salt spray and cold winds. They were developed with a strong retrieving instinct to retrieve fish and swimming lines and for the endurance to work the long hours required.

Because early Labs worked in all weather, on land and in water, they needed sturdy frames, hardy coats and resilient temperaments. Their webbed-paws came in handy for swimming, as did their otter-like tails. The Labrador Retriever’s watery ancestry helps explain the breed’s hunger for retrieving anything in water. Go ahead; toss a stick in the water and watch!

Known for family frolicking even after a hard day’s work, the early Labrador Retriever was energetic and approachable. British sportsmen noticed the Labrador’s swimming and hunting aptitudes, together with his exceptional disposition. The dogs were imported to England in the 1800’s for further hunting and retrieving development.

Labrador Retriever popularity

Today, the Labrador is the most popular breed in the United States (as well as the world) and is an excellent family dog. The breed shines in almost any sport, including rally, obedience, tracking, hunting, dock diving and field trials. Labs also use their strength and agility to help us in search and rescue, as well as water and avalanche rescue.

Why do Labrador Retrievers make great service dogs?

Retriever breeds are often selected for service work because of their consistent temperament and trainability. In fact, Retrievers are the most common breeds trained for service work, with Labs even chosen slightly more than Golden Retrievers. People appreciate how friendly and affectionate Labs are, how closely they bond to their handlers and how well they get along with other animals.

Service Labs may lead the vision-impaired, steady the physically impaired, or watch for signs of anxiety in a soldier with PTSD. Labs can be trained to alert diabetics when their blood sugar is off or warn allergy sufferers of a serious potential allergen, such as peanuts.

The military deploys Labradors as IED (explosive) detection dogs. The Department of Homeland Security has new interactive training tools for handlers of explosive detection canines to include Person-Borne Explosives Detection (PBED). These Labs (and other breeds) will detect and track moving explosives concealed on a person, helping, for example, to protect crowded venues from explosive threats.

Labrador Retrievers as hunting dogs

Renowned for their soft mouths to retrieve waterfowl and not damage prey, Labs are enthusiastic, all-star hunting dogs. Boasting great stamina, their readiness to hunt is matched only by their eagerness to please their humans (both during and after the hunt). Along with retrieving, Labs can be trained as trackers or pointers.

Most Labs, whether at play or work, seek out puddles, rivers, lakes, pools and let’s not forget mud! This dog breed is passionate about water and not shy about getting dirty.

Labrador Retriever personality

Labs are quick to learn the family’s rules and ready to obey. They thrive on yard retrieving games, including ball fetching and disc chasing. While the Lab excels in sports, he also can be a goofball and play with rambunctious puppy-like abandon at any age. Juveniles may be slow to mature. Why should they want to shorten the happy-go-lucky stage!?

The non-confrontational Lab isn’t typically shy with any species. Most Labs play cheerfully in the local dog park, even with brand new friends. Labs show a similar friendliness with new people; this breed isn’t suited for anyone wanting a guard dog. They’re not naturally suspicious by any means. The Labrador may bark to greet newcomers, but he won’t hurry potential playmates away. In general, children and Labs make a great pair. Labs were bred not to over-react, and to work in harsh conditions, so the breed generally accepts children’s innocent, rough mistakes, rather than striking back. That being said, children need to respect a dog’s space, and dogs need to be appropriately socialized to small children (read our article on meshing dogs and kids).

Labs can adapt to most living environments if their exercise needs are met, but clearly they’re not the #1 best apartment dog, like these lower-maintenance dogs. The breed need walks, directed interaction, swimming time, sport time, hiking time and a full schedule of inclusion.
Travel may be one of a Lab’s favorite pastime (ball fetching is likely #1!). Adaptable, hardy, generally quiet and not fussy, Labs make great on-the-go companions. Developed for harsher climates and rough terrain, Labs won’t fuss about hard ground tent camping, crossing streams or hiking in mud, rain or snow. The Labrador’s coat is travel ready: wash and wear! But don’t be fooled: He does shed, and certainly requires brushing.

At home, on vacation or in the field, today’s Lab aims to please. He’s a good choice for any owner wanting a sporty, upbeat companion but he’s also a good choice for novice owners. The Lab’s easy-going personality nicely matches him up with beginner dog families. He’s a forgiving breed when you mess up the training commands now and then.

Labrador Retriever at a glance

Group: Sporting

Country of origin: Canada (Newfoundland)

Original use: Working for fisherman, pulling in nets and catching fish escaping from fishing lines; retriever of game.

Labrador retriever’s lifespan: 10 to 12 years.

AKC 2021 popularity ranking: The Labrador Retriever has been the number one most popular dog breed for many years.

Activity level: Labrador Retrievers have moderate to high energy levels. Field lines typically require the most exercise.

Weight: Lab males weigh 65 to 80 pounds; females 55 to 70 pounds. Puppies advertised as “Miniature Labradors” likely are bred from undersized parents.

Labrador Retriever grooming needs

Coat: Dense, short double-coated. The outer, guard coat facilitates the Labrador Retriever’s passion for swimming (swim, shake, dry, repeat). The soft undercoat adds warmth when needed.

Color: Labs are yellow, black and chocolate.  Prospective owners should carefully research breeders charging premium prices for “silver” Labs

Shedding: Labs are moderate shedders. Short coats shed slightly more than we might expect.

Grooming: Brush regularly, bathe occasionally.

Special equipment: Labrador Retrievers love playing with lots of balls and retrieving toys.

Best for: Sporty singles, families.

Possible health problems: Labs can suffer from orthopedic issues.

Labrador Retriever breed quote if they had one: “Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.”(― Randy Pausch)

The handsome, spotted Dalmatian is one of the most easily recognized breeds in all of dogdom. Friendly, intelligent and, above all, versatile, he has held many jobs and performed them all with gusto. Enjoy these eight fun facts about the universally popular Dalmatian.

Dalmatian history

This breed’s origins can be traced back to present-day Croatia and the historical region of Dalmatia. The Dal’s ancestors are believed to have been several breeds of pointers, as well as the Harlequin (white with torn black patches) Great Dane. The first known written reference about the breed goes back to 1375, when Peter, Bishop of Dakovo, spoke of hunting dogs from Croatia with short, white hair and covered in black spots. He referred to the dogs as Canis Dalmaticus. An altar painting and a fresco depicting the breed were found in Croatia dating back to 1600 to 1630. Numerous church chronicles mentioned the breed. Dalmatians became a status symbol during the Regency period, trotting alongside horse-drawn carriages. This relationship with horses earned the breed the nickname of “Spotted Coach Dog.” Dalmatians were also used to guard the stables at night. The breed was cultivated primarily in England. The first unofficial breed standard was written in 1882, and 1890 saw the formation of the Dalmatian Club in England. From the 1920s on, the Dalmatian’s unique appearance triggered his distribution and growing popularity throughout Europe.

How big is a Dalmatian?

The Dalmatian’s height is 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Dalmatians are medium to large dogs, weighing from 45 to 70 pounds.

What is the Dalmatian’s temperament?

The Dalmatian’s temperament is affectionate, playful and loving. The breed does have a protective side and a high energy level. They need mental stimulation and regular activities to keep them busy and out of mischief, so that can be anything from competitive Agility and Rally to accompanying their owners jogging, swimming and camping. Dalmatians are versatile and adaptable, making them good at dog jobs. Life expectancy for the Dalmatian is 11 to 13 years.

Is a Dalmatian a good family dog?

Dalmatians are great with active families or singles who will give them an outlet for their high energy. They are generally good with young children but adult supervision is needed. Dalmatians are not good apartment dogs as their need for exercise and mental stimulation is too great. They are highly trainable. The Dalmatian will bark to alert you of something going on. Some individual dogs can be more vocal than others.

Dalmatians typically make good travellers. Get him accustomed to car travel early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, overnight visits to the veterinarian, etc. The Dalmatian is No. 49 in the American Kennel Club list of most popular breeds in 2021, based on annual registrations. (There are 200 recognized breeds in all.)

Is the Dalmatian easy to groom?

Yes. The Dalmatian’s coat is short, dense, fine and close-fitting. Shedding is on the high side, and of course those white hairs will be noticeable on your clothes, rugs and upholstered furniture. Frequent brushing will cut down on loose hair in the house. Here are our simple tips for cleaning up dog hair.

Dalmatians as hunters, firehouse and Budweiser beer dogs

The Dalmatian’s versatility has played a great part in his global popularity. Back in the old country, they were able hunters, dogs of war, and guarded the borders of Dalmatia. Sportsmen have used the breed as bird dogs, trailing dogs, retrievers, and in packs to hunt wild boar and stag. Their strong hunting instinct has also served them well exterminating rats and vermin. Their intelligence along with their flashy markings made them popular circus dogs down through the years.

In the USA the Dalmatian is probably best known for his association with firefighting. Dals and horses are very compatible so the dogs were trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and ably guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. Horses could easily become nervous at the scene of a fire so the dogs were used to calm them and watch over them. The horses were eyed by potential thieves so the dogs were kept in the firehouse as a deterrent. Once horse-drawn fire engines were replaced with steam- and diesel-powered vehicles, the Dalmatian was no longer needed, but many fire stations have continued the tradition of keeping the dogs as mascots.

The Dalmatian is also associated with Budweiser beer and the Busch Gardens theme parks, since the Anheuser-Busch company’s famous beer wagon, drawn by a team of Clydesdale horses, is always accompanied by a Dalmatian. Anheuser-Busch keeps teams of horses at various locations, which tour widely. Historically, brewers used Dalmatians to guard the wagon while the driver was making deliveries.

Dalmatian nicknames

No breed has as many nicknames as the Dalmatian. The English were the first to develop and cultivate the Dalmatian breed. Given the breed’s many jobs and dramatic appearance, it’s little surprise that the colorful Brits came up with nicknames for him like:

• English Coach Dog
• Carriage Dog
• Plum Pudding Dog
• Fire House Dog
• Spotted Dick

Dalmatians with liver-brown spots

While the vast majority of Dalmatians has black spots, we also see dogs with liver-brown spots (and brown noses to match; black-spotted Dals have black noses). The breed standard describes the spots of either color as round and well-defined, the more distinct the better. They vary from the size of a dime to the size of a half-dollar. Dalmatian puppies are born with solid-white coats and their first spots usually appear within 10 days. The spots continue to develop until the dog is about 18 months old.

Dalmatians and The Hundred and One Dalmatians novel and films

Few breeds have had the global media exposure that the Dalmatian has. British author Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians caused a meteoric rise in the breed’s popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. Then, in a classic one-two punch, the Walt Disney studios gave us the full-length animated film, 101 Dalmatians, in 1961, followed in 1996 by a live-action remake. The movies unleashed a craze for the breed, and many impulsive dog lovers rushed out to buy a Dalmatian without adequately researching the needs of the breed.

When lap-size puppies quickly grew into energetic, adolescent Dals in need of training, exercise and time, many were turned in to dog shelters and rescues. Thankfully, the mad buying spree eventually ran its course, but the Dalmatian craze certainly gave dog lovers food for thought. Never bring home a dog because you saw one just like it in a movie, video or ad. Research the breed’s grooming, training and exercise requirements first. Here’s out list of the top family dog breeds.

Celebrity Dalmatian owners

Given the Dalmatian’s sleek appearance and flashy coloring, it should come as no surprise that the breed has been a popular companion to performers, artists and fashion designers past and present. The list of Dalmatian devotees who have shared their homes with one or several is impressive, and includes Paula Abdul, Kurt Adler (conductor, Metropolitan Opera), Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Ingrid Bergman, Valerie Bertinelli, Ariana Grande, Audrey Hepburn, Marlon Brando, Richard Chamberlain, Pablo Picasso, Wolfgang Puck, David Niven, Michael J. Fox, Yves St. Laurent, Edith Head and Marc Jacobs.

Poodles are a versatile breed — and that includes their coats.

Some of the more popular Poodle cuts are the:

• Kennel Clip
• Miami Clip
• Lamb Clip

But, really Poodle grooming styles are limitless.

Paige McIlwain, director of training at Salty Dawg Pet Salon, says, “Poodles aren’t limited to just fancy trims and can be clipped in almost any way you can imagine. Their coats are extremely versatile as are the dogs themselves.”

Popular Poodle cuts

Paige says that in all three Poodle cut styles, the Poodle will have a shaved face and neck, shaved feet and a pompom tail with a shaved or banded base.

• Kennel clip: The Poodle’s neck, body and legs are the same short length all over. This clip is typically done in 3/8-inch blade or shorter. The top knot is just a little longer than the body and scissored round on top of the head. Ears are typically rounded and trimmed short.
• Miami clip: The Poodle’s body and the top 2/3 section of her legs are clipped with the same blade. The lower sections of the legs around the wrist and ankle joints above the shaved feet are scissored into round pompoms. This style is finished off with a mid-length rounded top knot and long, lightly trimmed ears.
• Lamb clip: This clip is characterized by the Poodle’s body clipped short with long, full legs. In the dog show world, this clip is typically done fully by hand-scissoring, but for customers, it’s often done using a combination of clippers and scissors. The top knot is left mid-to-long length and blended into the neck while ears are left long and lightly trimmed round
• Continental clip: This is the most easily recognizable standard Poodle groom style, says Paige. This clip’s most iconic features are the extremely full top knot that crests and blends into a voluminous jacket, a tight shaved rear end and legs, and pompoms on the hips, wrists and ankles. Typically, this cut is done more often for shows or sporting than typical pet grooming.

How to groom a poodle

Paige says that in terms of Poodle grooming maintenance, they land on more of the high maintenance side of the scale than other breeds because of their coarse, dense, highly textured coat. However, she says maintenance really depends on how you like your Poodle trimmed. The longer the trim and more complicated the pattern, the more maintenance your Poodle will need to keep that “freshly groomed” look.

“They don’t shed in the traditional sense like a Shepherd, Retriever or Husky, but do still experience hair fall during washing and brushing,” she says.

High friction/motion areas like the legs and paws, tail, head and collar area need to be brushed and combed at least every two to four days, depending on coat length. The main trunk of the body should be brushed every three to five days, also depending on coat length.

“This keeps your Poodle’s hair from forming tight, painful knots and mats so that you can keep your Poodle in any desired style,” Paige says.

But if your Poodle’s coat does mat, you might need the help of a professional pet stylist. Some signs to look out for include:

• More than 1/4 of your Poodle’s fur is tightly tangled or clumped together.
• Your Poodle’s skin is showing signs of brushing irritation or bruising from detangling efforts.
• You cannot easily part your Poodle’s hair to visually inspect the skin.
• Your Poodle is flinching, yelping or biting when you attempt to detangle their coat.

“Keep in mind that the pet stylist may not be able to save your Poodle’s coat if matting is too severe,” she says.

Grooming your Poodle at home

Paige recommends a couple of tools to keep on-hand for home Poodle grooming:

• Slicker/pin brushes: These are for medium- to long-haired pups. These work by breaking up tangles in a pat-and-pull fashion. But careful not to brush too hard or too many times over the same area.
• Combs: These are a great choice for any medium-to-long-haired and double-coated dogs. Detangling fine knots or delicate areas and removing food debris from the muzzle are common uses for combs. Combs can also be used to gently work out matting starting from the ends of the hair, down toward the skin.

“The shorter the clip, the longer your Poodle can go in between appointments,” Paige says.

• For lengths 1/2-inch and shorter: every six to eight weeks works.
• For lengths 5/8-inch to 1-inch: every three to six weeks is best.
• Anything above 1 inch: should be professionally groomed every two to four weeks.

“These guidelines not only keep your Poodle manageable for you and the stylist, they also keep your Poodle on a low-stress routine while looking their best,” she says.

Finding your poodle style

Ultimately the best look for your Poodle is one you and your pup both enjoy. Regular and thorough brushing and combing your Poodle will help keep your dog comfortable and mat-free. If you want to visit the groomer less often, keep your Poodle’s coat shorter. But if your dog’s coat is very matted, you’ll likely need professional grooming help to avoid hurting your pet.

Yes, dogs can have peanut butter. In fact, it can be a great incentive for dogs who are learning commands. You can give it as a bath time distraction or a “just-because-I-love-you” treat.

Peanut butter is an unprocessed food; it’s essentially roasted peanuts ground into a thick paste. It’s a great source of protein, vitamins B6, B3 and E, and minerals such as manganese and copper. It also contains antioxidants and resveratrol.

But, it’s nutrient dense. It’s high in calories with unbalanced omegas. It should only be given occasionally and not as a meal replacement.

Why do dogs like peanut butter?

There’s no real answer to why dogs like peanut butter. Dogs thrive on protein-rich foods and peanut butter is one that’s easy – and fun – to eat. Dogs are just like us and like salty, sweet and fatty food. Minimally processed peanut butter has natural sodium, sugars and fats.

Dogs also eat with their noses. So, perhaps it just smells too yummy to pass up. Maybe, it’s just fun to eat and not at all like kibble. In any case, you need to be careful when treating your dog to peanut butter. It’s safe for dogs to consume but you must read the label.

Safe ingredients for peanut butter for dogs

The absolute most important thing to remember is that the peanut butter you give your dog cannot contain the sugar substitute xylitol. It’s extremely toxic to dogs. And when you’re checking that ingredient label, you also don’t want any added sugars or salt. Ideally, the best peanut butter you can give your dog is one made from organic peanuts with no added ingredients, or a peanut butter that’s specifically made for dogs.

Try these peanut butters made for dogs:

Of course, there is always a chance your dog could be allergic to peanuts or peanut butter so you should never give more than a pea-sized taste for the first time. Dr. TJ Bowe from North Colony Animal Clinic in Texas recommends making sure your dog can tolerate peanut butter well, meaning they don’t have any loose stools or upset stomachs because of it.

Peanut butter is a great treat for dogs but it’s just that — a treat. Keep in mind every dog is unique and be aware of how peanut butter may affect him.