Labradors
A guide for prospective adopters
In this guide, we'll have a look into information specific to labradors, focusing on exercise requirements, health considerations, temperament, and characteristics.
This knowledge will help prospective adopters to make informed decisions as they open their hearts and homes to these wonderful dogs.
Exercise Requirements
Both purebred Labradors and Labrador mixes share a common need for regular exercise. Purebred Labradors, known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm, thrive on daily activities such as brisk walks, interactive play, and mentally stimulating games.
Labrador mixes may exhibit a similar need for exercise, influenced by the energy levels of other breeds in their lineage.
So How Much Exercise Does a Labrador Need?
There’s no absolute concrete answer to this as it depends on your Labradors age, their overall health and even their genetics as Labradors from a working line will usually need more exercise than those from show lines.
However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1.5 hours+.
This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch, jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk.
Temperament and Characteristics
Labradors are renowned for their friendly, intelligent, and outgoing nature. They are excellent family pets known for their adaptability and trainability. Prospective adopters of purebreds can expect these traits to be present in their new companion.
Labrador mixes, influenced by other breeds in their lineage, may showcase a range of temperaments. However, the inherent friendliness and adaptability of Labradors often prevail.
Dani, a lab mix available for adoption from Animals Help.
Health Considerations
Purebred Labradors are susceptible to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Labrador mixes may benefit from genetic diversity, potentially reducing the likelihood of breed-specific health concerns however it is worth being aware of potential health issues to ensure you provide the best care for your dog.
Grooming
Purebred Labradors have a short, dense double coat that sheds seasonally. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and promotes a healthy coat. Labrador mixes may exhibit a variety of coat types, and grooming needs can vary.
When and how much do Labradors shed?
If you were hoping for an occasional shedder, well, we’re not going to sugarcoat it: Labradors pretty much shed year-round. You’ll definitely notice a decent amount of hair around your home, on the couch, in your car, and basically wherever else your Lab goes.
Luckily, ongoing shedding is quite manageable. It’s when Labs are in the thick of moulting season (also known as shedding season) that things can get a little hairy, so to speak.
Labradors shed their undercoat twice a year – this is commonly known as “blowing coat”. They shed in spring so they can get rid of their dense winter coat and grow a lighter one ahead of summer. They also shed in autumn so they can replace their thin summer coat with a snug winter one. Each shedding season lasts around two to three weeks.
During moulting season, Labradors shed a lot. You’ll probably be cleaning up after your Lab much more when this happens, perhaps even daily.
It’s also worth noting that there’s no difference between Chocolate Labs, Yellow Labs, and Black Labs. While the amount of shedding can vary between individual dogs, each coat colour tends to shed equally.
Leo, a lab mix available for adoption from Xea.
Adopting a Labrador, whether purebred or mixed, is a rewarding journey that comes with its own set of considerations. By exploring the specific exercise requirements, health considerations, temperament, and characteristics of labs, prospective adopters can make informed decisions and provide a loving and fulfilling home for these wonderful companions.
Does breed matter when adopting a dog?
If you are looking to adopt a dog you might be googling “best family dog” and find pages and pages of different recommendations from Labradors to Collies.
You might find traits such as “affectionate” or “loyal” come up, but is there more to choosing a dog than how they are with immediate household members?
When it comes to rescue dogs from Spain, generally speaking, we are not talking about any pedigree dogs. Many dogs are found on the street and will be a mix of different breeds.
Both of my Spanish rescue dogs are mixed breed. One is clearly a Spanish Mastin, the other, we have no idea. He has big hound ears, but aside from that, we really can’t tell which breeds he is mixed with.
In this blog post we will go over some points to review before applying to adopt a dog.
Your lifestyle
Each dog comes with its own set of characteristics, energy levels, and needs.
Are you an active person or prefer to stay at home during the weekends?
Do you work away from home through the day?
Do you live in a flat with stairs or a house with a secure garden?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision on your suitability to adopt a dog.
Temperament
Some breeds are known for their affectionate nature, while others may be more independent.
German Shepherds are known to be intelligent, loyal and protective. Cocker Spaniels are known to be lively, playful and friendly.
The shelter can tell us the temperament of the dogs in their care, this is based on the dog being assessed in the shelter environment.
Physical Exercise
Dogs, much like humans, vary in their energy levels and exercise needs. Researching different breeds can allow you to identify the physical activity requirements that come with each.
Some breeds, such as Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers, are known for their high energy levels and thrive with regular exercise. On the other hand, smaller or more laid-back breeds may be content with shorter walks.
By understanding these differences, you can ensure that your dog's exercise needs align with your ability to provide them with the right amount of physical activity.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs also need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Certain breeds, like the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd, are highly intelligent and require regular mental challenges to prevent boredom. Without sufficient mental stimulation, dogs may develop destructive behaviours. On the flip side, some breeds may be less demanding in this regard.
Researching breeds can help you gauge the mental stimulation needs of different dogs, ensuring that you can provide activities such as training sessions, and interactive play to keep your dog’s mind engaged.
Health Considerations
Different breeds have varying predispositions to certain health issues. By looking into different breeds, you can become aware of potential health concerns and be better prepared for the responsibilities that come with them. This knowledge can allow you to provide the necessary care, both preventive and reactive, to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout their life.
Does breed matter?
The answer to that will depend on the answer to many of the questions above, what experience you have with dogs and your willingness to learn. Adopting a dog is a commitment to the wellbeing of the dog for their lifetime, is that a commitment you can give to rescue a dog? Only you can answer that question.
Brucella canis
Advice to vets on Brucella Canis
What is Brucella canis?
Brucella canis is a bacterium that causes brucellosis in dogs. In dogs brucellosis mainly effects the reproductive organs but can also travel to the joints and spine, causing severe lameness and back pain.
Although rare, it is possible for Brucella canis to cause illness in humans who have been in contact with infected dogs.
Before 2020 there were only three cases of Brucella canis in the UK, the numbers have risen since.
Brucella canis is more common in countries with a stray dog population due to how it is spread.
How do dogs catch brucellosis?
The most common way for a dog to catch brucellosis is by:
Mating with an infected dog.
Licking/eating infected birthing/abortion fluids from an infected dog – once an infected dog has given birth or aborted, she will continue to shed large amounts of Brucella bacteria in her vaginal fluids/discharge for 4-6 weeks.
Sniffing or licking the genitals of an infected dog, especially female dogs in season.
Puppies can catch it in the womb or through contaminated milk if their mother is infected.
It is possible for a dog to catch brucellosis from infected urine, saliva or snot, but this is much less common.
Vaccine and treatment
There is currently no vaccine and no cure for Brucella canis. This means that once a dog has been infected, they always will be. The only way to eliminate the risk of the dog transmitting the disease is euthanasia.
Steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of the infected dog transmitting the disease, these include minimised contact with other dogs and people and the use of PPE by vets when handling or treating infected dogs.
Letter to vets
In October 2023 the UK, Scottish and Welsh Chief Veterinary Officers published advice to vets in relation to Brucella Canis. This letter asks that rehoming organisations screen animals for Brucella canis before deciding to import or rehome in the UK.
Blood test
Testing for Brucella canis is not always standard for rescue organisations or shelters. Green Coast Adoptions have made it a requirement that dogs are tested for Brucella canis before being rehomed to the UK.
Although the likelihood of infection may seem small, testing is a common sense approach and we encourage other organisations involved in rescue to incorporate the test into their procedures.