A good place to start is to see what the American Kennel Club has to say about the breed. Some of this information is a bit technical, and utilized to judge dogs in the show ring. Most prospective adoptive families just want to know the personality, size and color of a Labrador Retriever, but you may find some of it interesting. General Appearance The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather-resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with a broad back and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind" friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence, and good temperament.Above all, a Labrador Retriever should be well-balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador Retriever possesses style and quality without over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloddiness. The Labrador Retriever is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Temperament True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador Retriever has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence, and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals is atypical of this breed. Size - The height at the withers for a dog is 22.5 to 24.5 inches; for a bitch is 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Any variance greater than 0.5 inch above or below these heights is a disqualification in the show ring. Approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working condition: dogs 65 to 80 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds. The minimum height and weight range shall not apply to dogs and bitches under 12 months of age.
Proportion -Short-coupled; length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump is equal to or slightly longer than the distance from the withers to the ground. Distance from the elbow to the ground should be equal to one half of the height at the withers. The brisket should extend to the elbows, but not perceptibly deeper. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight, free and efficient stride; but the dog should never appear low and long or tall or leggy in outline.
Substance -Substance and bone should be proportionate to the overll dog. Light, "weedy" individuals are definitely incorrect; equally objectionable are cloddy, lumbering specimens. Labrador Retrievers should be shown in working condition, well-muscled and without excess fat. Coat The coat is a distinctive feature of the Labrador Retriever. It should be short, straight, and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The Labrador Retriever should have a soft, weather resistant undercoat that provides protection from water, cold, and all types of ground cover. A slight wave down the back is permissible. Wooly coats, soft silky coats, and sparse slick coats are not typical of the breed, and should be penalized in the show ring. Color The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification in the show ring. A small white spot on the chest is permissable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black - Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification in the show ring. Yellow - Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate - Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. What is a Labrador Retriever really like? What can you expect from your Labrador Retriever? We like to break this topic into two separate parts. First, there are certain qualities that everyone would get when they adopt a Labrador Retriever, and second, there are Labrador Retrievers that can be extraordinary if you are willing to work with and train them.
First, pretty much everyone that adopts a Labrador Retriever or a Lab mix is going to get a great dog that is devoted to his family and eager to please. As a breed, they are very gentle and have a great temperament, and are almost always good with kids and other animals. They adjust well to a new family, and if you love them they will give you ten times the love in return. They really don't ask for much; being a member of your "pack" is really all they want. Most labs will like to carry things in their mouths, and love to play fetch. They are very intelligent, and learn basic commands quickly.
If you are willing to work with your Labrador Retriever or Lab mix, the things they can do are amazing. They love water. After all, they were originally bred to fetch in the water. After a while, they can become expert swimmers, and use their webbed feet and otter tail to move effortlessly in the water. They can also become very good frisbee dogs. It just goes along with the desire to fetch. If you have never seen a Lab sky to snag a frisbee, it is a sight that will amaze you and all the people around you. You can train them to fetch the morning paper. Why would you want to go out in the cold? Make it their job! Labs also excel at agility and flyball competition. And if you get a "special one," they can even compete with those Border Collies.
In short, in our opinion, there is no better dog on earth than a Labrador Retriever. It is no wonder that for four consecutive years Labrador Retrievers were voted America's favorite dog. If you choose to adopt one, you'll never regret it.
Where do our dogs come from? While some people live in denial, FPALR is part of the outreach program, that helps unwanted animals. While, more than 9 mill animals will be put to death this year, these numbers will not be published accurately! While in the process, of saving and taking proper care of the animals we bring into our program, emphasis is being put on properly screening the people that are part of our program, the veterinary clinics we deal with, and a strong point of FPALR is to provide hands on experience with animals! People in the community need to be educated in respect to where these dogs come from, and the before and after results! We are results oriented and we mean it! Although, we need funds to save our animals, we do not solicit money from friends and family! Many organizations, focus on fund raising only, and sometimes you wonder what they're really about...! Our mission to save animals, directly from animal control facilities is not going to change! It is the black hole that noone wants to know about. Owner surrenders, is not what we save! We do not encourage owners to give up, their beloved pets, however we do make legitimate exceptions, such as the case of Toby, Shadow and many others! Our philosophy and principles are strong and valid through many many years of experience and many many precious lives we have saved! 3000+!
Dogs sit in cages,scared of what their future may hold
Canine Benefits
FPALR engages in forming a healthy bond between humans and canines, who cannot speak for themselves. We are their voice and LIFE. Please support our efforts in Educational Therapy and the creation of a No-Kill Chicago.
Cleo
Cleo is a registered Therapy Dog with Therapy Dog Inc. and visits patients at NorthWestCommunityHospital in Arlington Heights 3-4 times a month. She brings joy and love to the Inpatient and Outpatient Oncology ward, Cardiac Surveillance wards, Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency wards, among others!
Daisy was saved just in time from being euthanized, from a high kill shelter. She joined theSt.MatthewCenter for Health in Park Ridge, Il. She loves the residents and is happy spending time around the building greeting people. She has no degrees but receives ongoing education at AlexBrooksMidwestCanineBehavioral & SocializationCenter. She is working toward her “Canine Good Citizen” and “Therapy Dog Training” certifications.
Daisy
Lucky
Lucky was released by his owners to a well known organization, and did not fit in their adoption program. His fate was doomed if FPALR did not come to his rescue. He is the perfect labrador, with one issue. He needs eye surgery! Lucky has been placed to be a resident in a nursing home, and will bring many people happy moments filled with love and compassion.
Pamela ended up in a high kill shelter by no fault of her own. Being black, she had no chance at being adopted or even rescued. Now, Pamela makes many older residents happy and secure! It has been well researched and documented that canines have a healing effect in any environment.
Pamela
Sandy
Sandy was no longer wanted at 8 years of age. Kids are in college, no one home to take care of her, and no longer a tiny, cuddly puppy . . . There are so many unjustifiable "reasons" for people dispose of their pets. Unlike their human partner, animals cope with different situations and adjust well. We talk to our canine friends and we make them understand that in our rescue, they will never be disposed of. Sandy makes hundreds of older residents content with the attention and love she gives them!
Are you considering adding to your dog family? Shelter dogs can be a great addition to your household (and a very economic one. Adoption fees are just a fraction of a breeder's purchase price and often include shots and spaying/neutering.) Many potential dog parents have some misconceptions about shelter dogs, however, including: All shelter dogs are mixed breeds. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that about one-fourth of the dogs in shelters are purebreds. (Non-article editorial comment: Mutts make great dogs too!)Most shelter dogs are older dogs. There are many wonderful older dogs in shelters...and many wonderful younger dogs (including puppies), too. Sadly, there's no shortage of any age. No matter what age of dog you've got your heart set on, you'll find it!Shelter dogs were stray dogs. Some shelter dogs were strays picked up by animal control. Many, however, arrive at the shelters for a variety of other reasons. Owners surrender dogs every day because of a new baby, a move to a new apartment, a death in the family, or economic circumstances (an all-too-common occurrence right now.) This means that dogs are accustomed to family living and you very well might get lucky and get a dog that's already house-trained and obedience trained, at least in the basics.Shelter dogs have behavioral problems. Sure, some shelter dogs have some behavioral issues...but that can hold true for a dog from a breeder or store as well. Talk with the shelter employees; many are trained in evaluating dog behavior and will have an idea of how a dog will fit in with your family. Also, remember if problems do arise, they can be solved with patience and work. Just as you wouldn't expect to bring home a baby that never makes a mistake around the house, your new dog will have a few slip ups, too. If you need help, talk with local trainers for an evaluation.If they don’t get adopted, they’ll be put to sleep. Can't handle visiting a shelter because you feel like if you don't take home a dog that day, they'll be put to sleep? A growing number of shelters are now no-kill shelters which means dogs remain until they are adopted. You can visit with the dog and go back and visit him again on another day, if you like. When you do adopt a dog from a no-kill shelter, you'll be freeing up a space so they're able to bring in another dog whose fate might be uncertain. Many no-kill shelters take in animals from high-kill shelters whenever space allows...so your adoption means you're still helping dogs in high-risk situations!Bringing home a shelter dog can be a life-changing experience both for you and your new dog thanks to the immeasurable appreciation and love you'll receive.
Separation Anxiety Love hangover Separation anxiety is often a problem of over-bonding. It is not healthy for a dog to follow his caretaker’s every step, to be constantly in the same room, sharing the same piece of furniture, being in close contact all the time. Promote independence by teaching the dog to down-stay on his own bed while you go out of sight. Start with a few seconds, then build up to a length of time the dog can tolerate. Put up a gate and eventually close a door between the two of you. And, be sure to get family members involved in dispensing the “good stuff” to the dog. Walks, play sessions and feedings should not be provided by only one person, for that person’s absence means the end of all that is good in the world to the dog. Panic can ensue. If you live alone, perhaps a neighbor or relative will share the duties, or hire a pet-care professional to assist you.The worst of a dog’s hysteria is often during the first hour after departure. Diffuse the emotion of your leave-taking by heartily exercising the dog right after you wake up. Then, after feeding him, scale back your attention to the point of ignoring him during the last 15 minutes before you leave. Turn off the lights and turn on the television, radio or white-noise machine— whatever you play most when you are home. And, with no more than a whispered “Be Good,” leave the house.Some dogs will read the signs of imminent departure and begin to work themselves into a frenzy. If putting on make-up, packing a lunch or shuffling papers in your briefcase distresses the dog, desensitize him to these or other actions by doing them frequently and at other times (such as before mealtime) so they lose their direct connection to the dreaded departure. Presenting a toy stuffed with goodies can draw the focus of less seriously afflicted canines toward cleaning out the item and away from your leaving. Buster cubes, Kong toys, Goodie balls/ships work well as canine diversions. Unfortunately, the seriously afflicted dog will not give the toy a second look until his pack is together again.Separation anxiety can be severe and all-consuming to some dogs. I have known dogs to jump through second-story plate-glass windows, eat through sheetrock walls into neighboring apartments and bloody their paws and noses trying to dig through wooden doors or out of crates. These individuals need professional assessment by an applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist, for they may need pharmacological aid while they undergo desensitization exercises. Some people choose to manage the problem by dropping off their dogs at day care or adopting a second dog, so they are never truly alone.Luckily, if the earlier suggestions are followed, the majority of dogs will be howling “I Will Survive” in no time. by Jacque Lynn Schultz, CPDT Companion Animal Programs Advisor ASPCA National Shelter Outreach
Helpful Questions and Answers from ASPCA
Have you heard that a specific product or substance could be dangerous to your pets? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight on a variety of substances, from cleaning products to popular houseplants.
Questions & Answers: Are cucumbers safe for dogs to eat? —Julie B. There is currently no data indicating that cucumbers have toxic potential to pets, Julie. However, it is important to keep in mind that even vegetables or plants considered to be nontoxic can produce minor stomach upset if ingested. While the ASPCA typically does not advocate the feeding of table foods to pets, if you choose to offer your dog a bit of cucumber now and then, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal (GI) upset; if you notice any symptoms, it’s a good idea to discontinue giving him this veggie.A few days ago my pug found a chlorine tablet in the backyard. She was treated and is now fine, but I would like to know what could have happened to her. —Melissa S. We’re very glad to hear that your pug is doing fine after her exposure to chlorine, Melissa! Whatcouldhave happened to her depends on the amount and concentration of chlorine ingested, as well as other factors. Exposure to products with large amounts of chlorine could potentially result in significant irritation and damage to skin, eyes, lungs, the Gl tract and other mucous membranes, depending on the route of exposure. In severe cases, ulceration or even perforation of the GI tract is possible.How many buckeyes would a 70-pound dog have to eat before becoming very ill? We have buckeye trees in our yard and are trying to figure out where to put a fenced enclosure. —Liz M. That’s a tough question, Liz. Buckeye (Aesculus spp.]) is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family, and contains a toxic component known as aesculin. When ingested, buckeye can potentially produce significant GI irritation, dilated pupils and severe central nervous system depression, possibly leading to coma. In some cases, however, the opposite—central nervous system excitement—is seen.
Concentration of the toxin can vary from tree to tree, and even from one buckeye nut to another—so it is difficult to determine the number of nuts that could be problematic. Because of this, we advise that you do not allow your dog to consume any amount.
Are the leaves of the peace lily as poisonous to pets as the flower portion? —Lisa M. Yes they are, Lisa. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) is considered to be toxic to pets—and if any part of the plant is chewed or ingested, it can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the GI tract. This is true for both cats and dogs.
To get a bit technical, these plants contain cells known as idioblasts. Idioblasts contain raphides, which are slender, spearlike parts of calcium oxalate crystals. Raphides are sharp and needle-shaped, and are packed in a gelatinous substance. When the tip of the idioblast is broken, sap from the plant—or saliva from an animal—enters the cell, causing the gelatin to swell. The swelling action forces the raphides to shoot from the cell, kind of like a gun discharging a bullet. The calcium oxalate crystals penetrate an animal’s oral mucosa, tongue, and throat, causing damage. The cells may continue to expel crystals for a significant amount of time, even after a piece of plant material is swallowed. As this is happening, proteolytic enzymes stimulate the release of kinins and histamines by the body. The rapid inflammatory response from the release of these substances aggravates the damage caused by the crystals. Chewing, bruising, tearing, or otherwise damaging the plant is necessary to produce these effects.
According to our experience at the APCC, most animals exhibit GI-related symptoms, including drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, from ingesting peace lilies. On rare occasions, oropharyngeal swelling can be severe. Tongue swelling, trouble swallowing, and difficulty in breathing may be seen in these cases. Based on this information, we definitely advise keeping peace lily plants out of the reach of pets.
A vet once warned me that Febreze is not safe to use in the home if you have pets. However, I know many people who do use it. What is the answer to this controversy? I have a 9-year-old cat and do not use Febreze. —Taylor B. Good question, Taylor. Contrary to rumors circulating on the Internet alleging that Febreze causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center regard Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with pets.
As with any product, it is important that you always follow label instructions for use. However, should your cat accidentally come into contact with Febreze when it is still wet, we would not anticipate problems beyond mild skin irritation (which can occur with any product in animals with sensitive skin) or minor stomach upset, if it is ingested.
I was always told to give my dog Pepto Bismol for mild vomiting. But a friend recently told me that Pepto Bismol can be toxic to dogs. Is this true? —Elisabeth B. Pepto Bismol contains bismuth salicylate, which is somewhat similar to aspirin. While this medication has been prescribed by veterinarians at appropriate doses, large enough quantities of bismuth salicylate could cause effects similar to aspirin poisoning, depending on the circumstances of exposure
Because many human medications can be very harmful or even deadly to pets, the ASPCA advises pet owners to never give animalsanymedication or supplement that is not specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your dog may not be feeling well, Elisabeth, call your vet so that your pet can be properly evaluated and given appropriate treatment.
Are paintballs toxic to pet birds? —Melody A. Paintballs do have the potential to be toxic to all animal species, including birds. But due to their indiscriminate eating habits and consumption of large volumes of paintballs, we have encountered problems mainly in dogs, Melody. The effects from ingesting paintballs can range from vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors to weakness, fever, elevated heart rate, blindness, seizures and, in severe cases, death.
Based on the toxic potential of paintballs, we recommend that pets not be allowed to accompany their owners during paintball games, and that pellets be stored in areas where animals cannot reach them.
I occasionally use a carpet deodorizing powder for pet odors when I vacuum the house. My dog isn’t in the room when I use this powder, but is it safe for homes with pets? —Jennifer C. Assuming that you follow label directions for the proper use of this product, we would not anticipate any problems for your pet, Jennifer. Should your dog accidentally come in contact with the freshly applied powder, we recommend washing her paws with mild soap and water to avoid minor skin irritation. This also reduces the chance that she might ingest the powder from her paws.
Minor ingestions of carpet freshener powder mainly involve mild stomach upset. If a small amount is inhaled, minor respiratory irritation may occur, resulting in sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose. Because of this, it is a good idea to continue to keep your dog out of the room until after you have vacuumed up the powder.
Are You Thinking About Giving Up Your Pet? Research Your Options Your Pet’s Life Depends On It
The surrendering of your feline or canine companion can be a very difficult timefor you and your family. If you can no longer care for your pet, it is important that you research and understand your options – your pet’s life depends on it. In 2005, 21,563 cats and dogs were euthanized in Chicago alone. With time, effort, planning and resourcefulness you can ensure that your loyal companion has a chance at life and does not become part of this statistic.
Try to resolve problems before you decide to give up your pet.
While many training facilities will readily take your money, before resolving your pets issues, there are many resources such as training books, and internet specific articles, which may help in the process. There is no, one way, of training, and you may have to research many techniques to see which one works with your particular dog.
Do you feel good about yourself, that you are in control of choosing the destiny of your dog?
When you stand in that line at the shelter, with the dog at your side, and complete that form to surrender him/her, do you know what the shelter will do with your dog? once behind the closed doors?
Many shelters will not release all of the information, as far as their owner surrender process. As a matter of fact, your pet will most likely not make it!
Ask questions, before you sign that form, and require that you see, where the dog will be housed? For how long? Will it be put up for adoption? For how long? Are you allowed to follow up? You are paying a fee for the surrender, do you know what you are paying for?
If the shelter cannot give you this information most likely, they will euthanize your companion. Most shelters and humane societies will not release this information since they do not want the public to know the truth! Most facilities are not No Kill! Read about behind the scenes media coverage, at several humane societies with staggering statistics! Some euthanize 50% to 90% of the pets they take in.
There are Humane Societies/Shelters in this area which will euthanize owner surrenders, if they do not fit their adoption program.
What is the criteria for their adoption program? It is a grey area, and most will euthanize your adult dog, and yet will rescue puppies from the rural areas.
The safest place for your dog, is with you, and you taking charge of their future, and not some agency!
If you do not have all of the details, DO NOT SIGN THEM OVER TO A SHELTER or "HUMANE SOCIETY". A rescue is safe, in the case that the rescue will allow you to meet the new family, and involve you in the adoption process.
FPALR will assist in finding a safe home for your pet, when given enough time, usually 3-4 weeks, and will involve you in the adoption process, while you foster the dog!
We assist the Animal Control Facilities in the Chicago Area and Rural Area Humane Societies with placement of the stray and unwanted dogs.
The facts from a rescue perspective: Rescuer's Answering Machine Message
Hello, You have reached 123-4567, Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:
Press 1 if you think we are veterinarians and want free medical advice.
Press 2 if you know we are a rescue organization but want to save money and have us give you free, untrained medical advice anyway.
Press 3 if you make $200,000 a year but still want us to pay to spay the "stray" in your yard (house).
Press 4 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.
Press 5 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.
Press 6 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.
Press 7 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.
Press 8 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.
Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not active and is going to outlive you.
Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Press 11 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old, unneutured, aggressive dog.
Press 12 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home today and pick up the dog you no longer want.
Press 13 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.
Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.
Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.
Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.
Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because we can't get to your house in the next hour.
Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the animals in care of one trusted volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.
Press 19 if you want one of our perfectly trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred tiny dogs that we have an abundance of.
Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's cats.
Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.
Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.
Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.
Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.
Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.
Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our newer volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.
Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.
Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.
Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.
Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.
Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.
Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.
Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.
Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.
Press 35 if you went through all these 'presses' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.
Author Unknown
Any party that is involved in the FPALR business assumes confidentiality of all information with no signature required.
