American Field Labrador Retriever | The Athletic Dog Breed
The American Field Labrador Retriever is hard-working, very active dog breed, and has great retrieving skills for a sporting dog. This breed is appreciated for its quick reflexes, its intelligence, and its energy to the extent that it is mostly chosen by hunters, sportsmen, and families. The American Field breeder as the name suggests is used for field trials and unlike the show or English Labradors it is an excellent retriever-hard-working and intelligent. Therefore, no matter whether you need a devoted hunting dog or an active pet that enjoys exercising, this Labrador type is a good combination of skill, obedience, and versatility.
This article aims at describing the following aspects about this breed type: the breed’s background, general features, categorization, and basic guidelines on how to look after the breed. Furthermore, amusing information, basic care rules, and things to know before adopting an American Field Labrador will be included.
History of American Field Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are derived from Newfoundland but they were bred in Great Britain. The American Field Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, was developed in the United States for its working and hunting purposes. This breed was developed to increase the dog’s stamina, speed, and obedience to commands, and as such, it is commonly used in hunting and field trials. These Labradors are employed in hunting game birds, waterfowling, and even in search and rescue activities.
In the twentieth century, American breeders shifted their focus to the field performance of the Labradors and not the conformation to that of a show dog. Consequently, the American Field Labrador was converted to be lighter, leaner and with more athletic ability. Today, this breed type is regarded as one of the best for its retrieving ability and is a favorite choice of hunters and other sportsmen.
Classification of American Field Labrador Retriever
By Purpose
Classification: As noted earlier, American Field Labradors fall under the sporting group of dogs that are bred particularly for hunting and retrieving.
Hunting Dogs: They are also used for searching, rescue operations, therapy and as guide or assistance dogs because of their high intelligence and obedience.
Field Labradors: Many American Field Labradors are involved in field trials, agility, and obedience trials.
By Size
Large: Male parlor auctions range between 65-80 pounds while the females are between 55-70 pounds.
They have a more slender body than bred Quarter horses with more muscularity which makes them faster.
Size: Male adults range in height from 22.5 to 24.5 inches, and female adults are slightly shorter with a size of 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall.
Most Popular Traits of American Field Labrador Retriever
High Energy Levels: This breed is very active and should be taken daily for a walk or run.
Higher Intelligence: They are intelligent breeds and they are quick to grasp instructions when it comes to sporting and obedience.
Great Scenting Ability: They have a natural retrieving instinct and are good in hunting and competitive field trials.
Friendly and Loyal Nature: They are loyal companions who will bond closely with their owners.
Other activities that the breed is capable of include agility courses, scent work, and search and rescue activities.
Aquatic Nature: Their feet are webbed and their fur is waterproof which makes them very good divers.
Endurance: The American Field Labradors are capable of working for long hours in the field without getting easily fatigued.
Factors to Choose American Field Labrador Retriever
Activity: This breed requires a lot of exercise; they are not a good choice for a home where people work most of the time.
Training Responsibility: The energy and intelligence of the children must be channeled through early training and socialization.
Space Requirements: This breed requires a large yard or even access to open space in order to be comfortable.
Diet: They need to take protein-based diets to be able to support their energy and muscles.
Long-term care: These dogs have a lifespan of 10-14 years and therefore, owning an American Field Labrador entails a long-term commitment.
Grooming Needs: Despite its short hair, the coat of the dog does not require much attention; however, it is advisable to brush the coat frequently to minimize shedding.
How to Care for American Field Labrador Retriever
Provide Daily Exercise: This should be at least an hour up to two hours of exercise.
Self-entertainment: Training and mentally stimulating exercises such as obedience, agility, and retrieving will keep them busy.
Proper Diet: Their diet should consist of proteins and fats as these help them in their daily activities.
Annual Physical Examination: This is essential because, through these checkups, their health status is assessed for early signs of any disease.
Socialization: This involves exposing them to different environment, people and other dogs in order to improve their character.
Brushing and dental treats: One has to make sure that their teeth are clean in order to avoid dental problems.
Ensure that the pets have access to a safe outside space: a fenced yard will enable the pets to play outside safely.
Fun Facts About American Field Labrador Retriever
It is among the fastest retrieving speeds as compared to other Labrador types.
Due to having webbed feet the dog is a good swimmer, which is useful when retrieving birds from waterlogged ground.
Some of the American Field Labradors are used for field trials and hunting competitions.
Unlike show Labradors, they have a shorter coat which makes them more suitable for hot climate as compared to the other Labradors.
Sometimes they are confused with the English Labradors but the difference is noticeable in their slender structure.
The following are some of the general characteristics of this breed; They are highly intelligent and have a very acute sense of smell which makes them excel in tasks such as search and rescue.
Some of the American Field Labradors are bred for avalanche search and rescue in the snowy terrains of the mountains.
Where to Find American Field Labrador
When searching for the American Field Labrador Retriever for sale, it is important to go for a reputable breeder. Responsible breeders handle the health and genetic issues, genetic testing, and socialization of the dogs. To get a healthy and well-bred puppy, do not purchase it from a puppy mill or from a breeder whose credibility has not been verified. Adoption is also a good idea; many rescue services provide Labradors who need a new home.
FAQs about American Field Labrador
Conclusion
The American Field Labrador Retriever is a wonderful breed type that is characterized by high energy levels, high intelligence levels, and sporting abilities. This breed is ideal as a companion dog during hunting, as an agility dog, or as a family dog breed because it is very active and intelligent. Nonetheless, the American Field Labrador is not a dog for those who cannot dedicate time to training their pet, providing it with enough space, and ensuring that the dog leads an active life. Labrador-type dogs are athletic, trainable, and devoted and these qualities make this breed an ideal pet for you.