Are guide dogs always Labradors?
Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds have been and remain our most common pure breeds on the programme. Historically the Golden Retriever crossed with the Labrador has produced the most successful guide dog of all, combining many of the great traits of both breeds.
Why do they only use Labradors as Guide Dogs?
There are two more excellent reasons as to why we train Labradors to help our clients. Firstly, their size is perfect because an assistance dog needs to be seen easily when standing beside a wheelchair or at the side of the road. Secondly, their health issues are well-documented.
Why are chocolate Labradors not guide dogs?
Making assumptions regarding temperament and intelligence based on the physical appearance of dogs can be a conscious or unconscious human act. Labrador retrievers with chocolate-coloured coats are anecdotally considered to be less trainable and more hyperactive and aggressive than their black or yellow peers.
What is the rarest Labrador color?
Chocolate Labrador The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat.
What problems do Labradors have?
The Labrador breed has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Some of the general health conditions that afflict Labradors are patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which is canine elbow and shoulder dysplasia.
How do most Labradors die?
The most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorders and cancer. More generally, the most common disorders affecting Labrador retrievers were overweight/obesity, ear and joint conditions. Skin and ear disease were significantly more common in chocolate dogs than in black or yellow dogs.
At what age will my Labrador calm down?
Labs don’t start “settling” down until sometime between two and four years of age. A few labradors are quiet and sedate from early puppyhood onward, and a few others are bouncing puppymaniacs until well into old age, but by and large, you can expect to see mental maturation happening between two and four years of age.