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Charcoal Labs Make Great Pets

By Nelda Powers


A dog can give a person love and loyalty like few other animals can. Just as there are many types of people, there are just as many variations of canines as far as size, temperament and coloring. For centuries, one of the top pet choices for families, especially those with children, have been the attentively gentle yellow, black or charcoal Labs.

This is a proud and noble breed that has been one of the most popular choices for families, hunters and special needs organizations for hundreds of years. Though the AKC only officially acknowledges the three main coat colors of black, chocolate and yellow, these animals actually come in a wide range of hues including charcoal, silver, grey, champagne and reds. It is commonly believed that the variations are simply blends or muted versions of the primaries.

The main characteristics and personality qualities are basically the same in all Labradors regardless of their coat color. A strong body, intelligent mind, gentle spirit and eagerness for praise are some of the attributes of these dogs. Because of their affinity for retrieving and the ease with which they are trained, this breed is perfect for hunting trips, being a companion, employment as a seeing eye dog or other special needs assistant and especially as part of Search and Rescue missions.

Labradors crave the company of humans and thrive on that attention. Though generally not hyperactive, they do love to run and play, and especially to fetch and retrieve. They will bring their people random gifts of items found laying around and will spend all day running after a variety of things including balls, sticks and even children who wander too far from the designated safe zone.

Not only do they love to run and play, Labradors have a natural affinity for the water, are natural swimmers and will jump in without a second thought. Like people, the do have to learn this feat so puppies may be hesitant at first, but once they get their feet wet, so to speak, they are very enthusiastic. Pool owners need to make sure that there are steps to help the dog out of the water since their bodies are not capable of lifting them over a ledge without assistance of some sort.

Although they look formidable and are impressively obedient, they usually fail at being guard dogs. When they feel their people are threatened, they may bark protectively but it is very rare that they will resort to aggression or violence. Affection is their biggest defense so they make much better babysitters.

This is a medium sized breed, growing no higher than about twenty-five inches at the shoulder and weighing a maximum of around seventy-five pounds. They have sleek bodies, broad, blocky heads and solid tapered tails that are quite strong. They have two layers of fur, a soft downy undercoat for insulation and a stiff, hard outer coat that resists water.

Yellow, black, grey, silver, red, champagne and charcoal labs are a great choice for family pet. They are lovable, obedient, gentle and intelligent, great with kids as well as people who have special needs. Keep in mind that these animals require a lot of attention and exercise and though they make fabulous companions, they really are not intended to function as guard dogs.




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