Labrador retrievers have been voted one of the most beloved breeds in the world. The different Lab colors have always been in competition for the best variation.
For years, the number one spot has been contested by the adorable Chocolate Lab, the charming Red Fox Lab, and the glossy Black Lab.
All Labradors love to be loved and are affectionate dogs who want food, exercise, and lots of belly rubs.
What is a Black Labrador?
The Black Labrador is a color variant of the Labrador Retriever, which has won the hearts of millions of dog owners.
These stunning dogs are purebred, and they are one of the most loved dog breeds.
People adopt Labrador Retrievers solely to have companionship. This is because they are affectionate and loving.
These athletic dogs are members of the sports group, so they can also be active.
They are well-known for their beautiful disposition and easy care.
These dogs are easy to groom, and train and require little else other than exercise, food, and cuddles.
- Overview: Purebred.
- Purpose: Companionship and Sporting.
- Weight: 50-80 pounds.
- Size: 21-25 inches.
- Temperament Outgoing and playful.
Black Lab Appearance
They are strong and sturdy, with a muscular appearance. These dogs are strong, but their cute smiles and sweet eyes make them adorable.
There are two types of Labradors: working and show. These two versions look almost like different breeds.
English Show Labs have thicker dogs and are heavier than other breeds. Their heads are large and their barrel chests hang low. These dogs are frequently seen at competitions and are often used as companion dogs.
Working Labs are agile, lean, and perfect for working dogs. They are smaller than English labs and have a narrower profile.
Height and weight
This is because these dogs are very large and pack a lot of body weight. These dogs can be as tall as 21-25 inches, but they can also weigh 50-80 pounds.
Show Labs will be heavier than working Labs.
Coat and Breed Colors
The Black Lab is, as you might expect, black. These pups are almost all black, but some have beautiful charcoal colors.
These pups may have some white spots on their chest and toes, despite being completely black.
As they age, these dogs often develop greyer muzzles. This makes them more charming and gives them a wise look.
Black Labs are an active breed and require a durable coat. These pups have a thick, coarse double coat.
Their outer layer is very short, allowing them to swim with ease in the water. They are kept warm by their fluffy fur underside.
These dogs shed a lot, even though they have such a low-maintenance coat. If you bring one of these dogs home, be prepared to shed a lot of hair on your house and on yourself.
Five Fun Facts about the Black Labrador
- Since 1991, Labrador Retrievers are America’s most loved breed.
- Black Labs were the most popular Labrador breed color until the mid-90s. People now prefer lighter colors like yellow and chocolate. This has resulted in a rise in Black Labradors living in shelters.
- Labradors are excellent swimmers because of their otter-shaped tail.
- Because long-haired dogs would have jumped in the freezing Canadian waters, they were left covered in ice. Short coat Labs were created. These dogs required a shorter coat to survive in their environment.
- These dogs were not from Canada, but English nobles brought them back to England in the early 1800s and named them Labradors.
Black Lab Temperament and Personality
Black Labs are a breed with a heart full of gold. These dogs will be your best friend.
Their gentle nature and affection make them great to cuddle with. Their sweet smile will brighten your day. These dogs will love you right away and be loyal to you.
Labradors are great at making friends, both canine and human. They will most likely pull you toward every dog or person you pass while you’re out on a walk.
They are a great choice for emotional support dogs because of their outgoing personality.
They are energetic and require lots of exercises to feel satisfied.
These curious pups are eager to run, swim and walk. If you’re willing to train them, they will gladly accept a job. They are passionate about challenging their bodies and minds with various activities.
They are so passionate about exercising that they can exhaust themselves easily. Make sure to give them water breaks and refreshments when needed.
They don’t bark as much despite having a lot of energy. Although they may bark at passing mailmen, they don’t bark excessively unless they are bored.
Another interesting trait is mouthiness, which many labs possess. This is usually a result of their retrieving instincts.
You should give them lots of toys to keep them busy when they’re not playing.
Are Black Labradors A Good Family Dog?
They are gentle and patient with children. Because of their affectionate and loving nature, they are often called the ideal family dog. Your Lab will take care of your children and ensure their well-being at all times. Your Lab will act as a second parent.
Caring for Black Labs
These beautiful dogs require a lot of exercises and have a huge appetite. They are also very easy to take care of.
They are easy to groom and they are generally healthy. It is important to remember that working labs require more exercise than show Labs.
No matter what variety you choose these dogs aren’t well-suited for apartment living as they have so much energy.
Exercise Requirements
Black Labs are full of energy and require a place to release it. These dogs love to explore, and they enjoy running, walking, and hiking. It is a good idea to take your dog for a walk at least once a day.
This breed is known for their strong hunting instincts so it’s important to keep them on a leash.
They will eventually tire of walking, even though they love it.
They love swimming more than anything else. These dogs are great swimmers and love the water. Find a dog park near you where they can swim.
They love to fetch and will fetch for you any time you throw it.
- Number of walks per day: 1-2
- The maximum amount of exercise per day: 60 minutes
Grooming and shedding
Black Labs were developed to be hardy and maintain a healthy coat.
Even though you won’t have to take your Lab to the groomer, you should invest in a quality vacuum, a good brush, and lots of lint rollers.
You will need to brush these love bugs 2-3 times per week, and perhaps daily in warmer months.
Their coats are water-resistant so you won’t need to bathe them as often (every two months).
They should also be cleaned 2-3 times per month. These dogs love to swim so make sure you clean their ears frequently to prevent infections.
Feeding and Diet
Like other Labs, the Black Lab is hungry beyond what they can handle.
They are very fond of food and can easily become obese if they are given too much. They should be given 2 1/2 cups of high-quality dog food every day, spread over two meals. They need to be fed at specific times. If they are not given food to graze on, they will overeat.
These dogs are often obsessed with food and will dig for trash or grab food from counters or tables.
Keep your garbage secure and don’t leave food out for your dog to eat.
Choose a low-fat, high-protein food to prevent your Lab from becoming obese.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day |
|---|---|
| 1000 | ~2.5 |
Common Health Problems
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common health problems Labradors experience. These are serious conditions that can cause problems for your Labrador’s ability to walk or move freely. These two conditions should be checked for by breeders before the puppies reach 12 weeks of age.
- These adorable pups could also develop heart problems. It is important to keep them active and in a healthy weight range. You should be able to recognize these signs and alert your veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns.
- Due to their love for swimming, ear infections are quite common in this breed. Cold Tail is a condition where the tail of these dogs will become limp for a few more days before eventually recovering. Although it isn’t serious, this is a common problem in Labs.
Some providers do not cover hereditary conditions that are related to breeding. PetPlan does.
These medical issues may seem scary, but if you’re keeping an eye on your dog’s health you won’t likely run into them.
Labradors are a healthy breed. They thrive on a varied diet and lots of exercise.
What is the average lifespan of a black lab?
These dogs can live between 10-12 years, and each year is filled with love and laughter.
What Does a Black Lab Cost?
A Black Lab puppy purchased from a reliable breeder will cost you between $800 and $1200.
How to train a black lab
Dog training is easy because they’re intelligent and eager for attention.
Black Labradors, out of all color options, are the easiest to train since they were bred to hunt. They can do any task that you give them.
Because of their speed and ability to learn quickly, this pup is an excellent choice for search and rescue, service and police tasks, and drug/bomb detection. They excel at obedience trials and agility training.
This dog can do any job that you give it. Positive reinforcement is the best way for these dogs to learn because they want to be happy.
These dogs are smart enough to become bored easily if not challenged. These dogs will chew and dig when they are bored. This will prevent your dog from doing this.
This is because they are sweet and extroverted when it comes to socialization.
They are friendly with all dogs and will happily adopt new furry friends. As with any breed, socializing your puppy early is important.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| They are friendly to all they meet. | All year, sheds are heavy. |
| It is easy to groom. | Can become overweight. |
| You can be skilled in many jobs and sports. | Needs to be active and has lots of energy. |
| Kind and patient with children. | If bored, can chew and dig. |
| Intelligent and easy-to-train |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 21-25 inches |
| Weight: | 50-80lb |
| Lifespan: | 10- 12 years |
| Coat: | Double, sleek, water-resistant, with short hair |
| Color: | Light charcoal or black |
| Do They Shed? | Yes (a lot) |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, joyful, and playful |
| Intelligence: | Highly intelligent |
| Socialization: | Although he gets along well with other dogs, he still needs to be socialized early in his life. |
| Negative Behaviors: | If bored, will chew or dig. |
| People skills | They are great with all they meet |
| Great with children: | Be patient with children |
| Activity levels: | High-adept and active people who need to exercise a lot |
Summary
No matter if you’re a new owner or an expert, any Black Lab can be welcomed into your home.
These gentle dogs are so sweet that they get along well with everyone.
They are the center of attention, and it is easy for them to do this because everyone will be interested in their funny antics.
To stay mentally and physically healthy, these dogs need to be exercised a lot.
If you’re willing to give these dogs lots of fun and good food, they will love you and be your best friend for the rest of their lives.