Facts on Black Labradors

Labrador retrievers, according to the Dog Breed Info website, are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States. Intelligent canines, Labrador retrievers are known to posses loyal, loving, willing and affectionate temperaments. This dog breed consists of three different groups, one of which is the black Labrador.

Labrador retrievers are widely acknowledged as intelligent dogs. However, according to the Labrador Retriever Guide website, many individuals believe that black Labradors, as opposed to their yellow and chocolate counterparts, are the smartest within the breed.

Black Labs possess shiny, smooth, short coats of black fur. As stated on the Labrador Retriever Guide website, black Labs get their dark color from very dense coat pigment granules. The Dog Breed Info website recommends brushing the coat of a Labrador retriever regularly.

Black Labs can grow to be quite large, with females being smaller than males. The Dog Breed Info website states that, while female black Labs typically grow to be between 21 and 23 inches in height, male black Labs grow up to 24 inches. While female black Labs typically do not weigh over 70 lbs., male black Labs can weigh up to 100 lbs.

Labrador retrievers are notorious over-eaters who, it seems, will consume just about anything. The Labrador Retriever Guide website recommends monitoring the diet of black Labs carefully, and exercising the dogs sufficiently, to avoid excess weight gain.

These intelligent canines have been employed by humans in many different ways. Black Labs, as well as yellow and chocolate Labs, are easily trained and have been used for such tasks as hunting, tracking, search and rescue and police work. Black Labs are also commonly seen being used as service dogs for the blind and disabled.

If you decide a black Labrador is the right fit for your family, you can expect your dog to live to be between 10 and 12 years old. Common health problems associated with Labrador retrievers include eye disorders and dysplasia.