LisaCC

To play devils advocate for a moment, if those labs are the ones out there actually working and fulfilling their original purpose and doing well at it, how could they be poor representations of "what a Labrador should be" ? How are they any less a good example of the breed than the dogs strutting around a show ring that aren't proven working dogs? Shouldn't the standard they are bred to be the one that produces the best working type? I'm sure if you asked the handlers who do use them for retrieving they would say "who cares as long as our dogs are fit, healthy and work well". I think there are poor examples of every breed in both "splits" (where there are splits). You can't generalize and say all dogs of working or show type are bad. Should there be such vast differences between sexes when they are bred to the same standard Todays field labs aren't retrieving ducks and fish from icy waters, it's no longer the "original purpose". The purpose has changed to a different type of retrieving, the dogs have changed with it. Male labs are often heavier than the females.

Just in regards to an Aussie in this situation having had a few weeks of 40+ this past summer with a 8-10 month old pup. He would find the air-conditioning stream and sleep under it all day. BUT, to keep him from going absolutely nuts at night when it cooled down or destructive in the house when I wasn't home, each and every day, I did: A training session in the early morning followed by a big swim after that. Another training session in the evening and a walk but even then a few nights it didn't drop below 30s so I could not take him for a walk with his fur or he would overheat. So it would be a second swim before dark, and/or making up games like hide and go seek in the house, teaching to find articles and other fun games. All food not used in training was fed in puzzle feeders too. Much more work than my lab was at the same age. My Aussie is just over 1 now, and I'm currently quite sick, I only managed a training session today and a bit of agility practice. "Normally" he would be asleep by now, but now he's wide awake and chewing on an antler instead. Tomorrow I'll be taking him for a run either way. He's crate trained and will go straight to sleep if I put him in it, but if I'm going to be ill for quite a while which I suspect and I did that each day, he would have way too munch pent up energy. I can't yet say what they are like as adults, and obviously some individuals have more or less energy, but if my boy is anything to go off, be prepared to give a lot of mental and physical stimulation, even when it's too hot or you are sick.

I personally prefer WL GSDs, but I agree HW, the dogs you posted are quite moderate compared to some. I particularly like the first one. And THAT is what is winning in the show ring now. I accept that people love to cane the GSD (Pedigree Dogs Exposed anyone?) but it does pay to actually look at what is winning in the show ring and consider that before sharing that dogma around. It might pay those currently caning the Labrador to look at the top dogs here on DOL too. They are heavier than I like personally but they are not obese. Is that just the first bit replying to me? Because I like show labs

I personally prefer WL GSDs, but I agree HW, the dogs you posted are quite moderate compared to some. I particularly like the first one.

I agree with Airedaler, a wire front sloped crate might fit well

I'm not sure about ground covered but originally water retrieving in icy Newfoundland waters. I've seen mentions of them breaking ice to retrieve, like someone previously said about another retriever (was it chesapeakes?)

Working breeders sometimes only ever breed just for being a good worker. I've seen this in farm kelpies where yes you may get lines of bloody excellent workers, but the dog is useless after 4-5 years because it's body can't handle it anymore.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Labradors (and other retrievers) were bred from St. Johns Water Dogs. The old photos floating around of them definitely don't look weedy, they actually seem quite stocky. Edited to add picture:

Missymoo is that your dog? Lovely

Happy birthday Sonny! He is simply gorgeous.

How are they going to decided when to put her down now? Or are they just going to wait until her body crushes itself?

Just again with the different structures. I don't have many photos taken from above, and he may not be perfect show standard, but this is my show bred lab at what looks like a similar weight to the OPs lab. This is not a healthy dog. This is one week on the mend after he surprised us by putting on weight just before the date we were going to put him down, he's about 26kgs in this photo, he was down to 21. He is still severely underweight in this photo This is him at his healthy weight 4 years later at 11 years of age. 36kgs. The body shape is completely different, So I don't think you can compare the different types of labs.

I agree. My Lab would be in serious trouble if he was that thin. He's also a bigger dog with a broad chest. However the trend of fatter show dogs is an issue across many breeds. Don't get me started on the condition of some Samoyeds, fat doesn't equal good substance! Yes my boy had a much bigger chest than the OPs lab. Large barrel chested and he also had big boofer of a head on him.

I agree that labs in the show ring do seem to be getting fatter and carrying more and more weight. But I think show bred labs are also heavier in general. My old boy born in 2001 was very heavy boned from quality show lines. He was healthy at around 36kgs (as in can still feel all ribs, nice tuck up and muscle tone). The only time he was ever as thin as your lab was when he was literally on deaths door step with IBD. He didn't look nice and fit like her though, he looked like a corpse. If he dropped below 34kgs he was back at the vet to make sure his IBD wasn't flaring up.

Happy Birthday Hank! He's such a gorgeous boofer

I know, he looks like I'm torturing him.

If you want grain free I find Earthborn Holistic good, there are 3 different types with different proteins too, one chicken, one lamb, one fish and they are soon bringing out a chicken based Large Breed specific grain free. We tried the Grain Free Holistic Select too but Nova wouldn't eat it.

Sun bake until fluffy

Updated bath photo. Sad puppy dog

Congratulations Laci! Is she competing again today? I have friends going to look at the Parkes show to hopefully meet some breeders :) Oh Didi, look at her innocent face! We have a leash of shame too. It rarely comes out these days but I get a similar look.

Aussie my lab went until he got old and sick without a coat where it snows, we did try once when he was healthy and fit and he took it off. Labs are very well insulated I think!

Sadly around here I think the majority of dogs are in similar situations "Dogs are for outside" is a regular occurring statement.

That's gorgeous Leah!

Happy Birthday Lilli! I think you should update the Aussie thread with pictures of her more regularly She's lovely!

Oh I wasn't told about the soaking it first bit. Doesn't say it on the bottle I bought either. I am mixing it very well into his sloppy food mixture though. And the teaspoon I'm using isn't heaped and probably smaller than a normal teaspoon actually. No constipation so far… might add a bit more water into it just to make sure, thanks Perse