Labrador - The Most Elegant Dog

Friendly, tender and full of life, The Labrador is the most popular dog breed in the world. This large sized dog had been used in the past for hunting and retrieving wild birds and only a few decades ago animal lovers across the globe have started to appreciate him as a companion dog. And there is no match for the Labrador, at least in the canine world, when it comes to accompanying people in day to day life. As a recognition for his qualities, in 2005 American Kennel Club choosed the Labrador as the best dog breed of the last decade.
You should consider that these animals are not quite suitable as guarding dogs because they aren't at all suspicious and they can easily be deceived by any stranger with a simple friendly gesture. Labradors will be pleased to live in a flat, as long as they are walked enough.
The Labrador is an extremely intelligent animal and he adores to learn, therefore responds very well to training. You can start to taming most of them since puppyhood, when they are 6 months old. You can start with 10 minutes training sessions, twice a day. If the animal has an inadequate behaviour than you make sure that you reproach him directly proportional with his deed.
Labradors are generally healthy animals and they suffer few diseases during their lives. However have been recorded more often the following illnesses:
Gastric Torsion is a sudden, potentially deadly disease and it appears when the dog's stomach gets filled with air and becames torsed.
Hip Dysplasia is a joint disease which can lead to pain and debilitation in your Labrador and can end with severe cases of arthritis.
Retinal Dysplasia affects especially the Labradors used for hunting and fiel trial work and can lead to premature blindness.
Other diseases with greater incidence among Labradors are the Diabetes, Hypothyroidism and Melanomus.
In order to have a healthy Labrador you must make sure that he makes enough physical exercise and has a well balanced diet and, most important, you have to show him a great deal of affection as they are extremely sensitive pets.