Labrador Retriever Dog Pet Insurance
Originally bred as a working companion well-suited to the cold Atlantic waters of Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever is an intelligent and highly adaptable companion that makes a meaningful contribution to families and search-and-rescue teams, alike.
Labrador Retriever Background
A descendent of the St John’s Water Dog from Newfoundland, Labrador Retrievers are a Canadian sensation that crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century and became well-known in the UK soon after.
Initially bred to be a fisherman’s best friend in chilly Atlantic waters, the Labrador Retriever would help with fetching ropes and hauling nets. The breed also lent itself well to being a retriever-style gun dog with the ability to work over land and water.
Given this breed’s 21st century success as a family dog, Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance is one of the most popular products we offer.
Today, the Lab continues to find new niches in which their selective breeding can shine.
It turns out that in addition to having served as on-site helpers for fishermen – retrieving fish and waterfowl; they also make excellent service dogs for disabled persons. The retriever is also highly competent at search-and-rescue tasks, drug and bomb detection, and even some forms of therapy.
Why Choose PIA for Your Labrador Retriever Dog Insurance?
Our dog insurance plans offer coverage for up to 90%* of eligible vet bills, a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and the added perk of 2 months free on any new pet insurance plans.
Labrador Retriever Characteristics
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, good-natured dog that was bred to stay at their master’s side throughout a long day of work. This bond of loyalty makes them an ideal companion dog, be it for a child, an active member of the family or even a disabled person. As such, they continue to be a widely popular breed on the continent where they were developed.
Labs are medium-sized dogs with a dense coat of short, smooth and straight fur – selected for their furs’ ability to repel freezing waters without accumulating ice in winter.
They’re traditionally black, though chocolate and yellow varieties are becoming increasingly common.
They are intelligent and relatively active dogs, who sometimes think with their stomachs. This makes them easy to train, but also means that their weight needs to be monitored by an owner capable of looking beyond those gentle, expressive eyes.
Given their propensity for indiscriminate eating, a common Golden Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance claim deals with the ingestion of a foreign body.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 55-60 cm
Male: 57-62 cm
Average Weight
Female: 25-32 kg
Male: 29-36 kg
Temperament
Gentle, even-tempered, agile,
intelligent, loyal and
outgoing
Lifespan
10-12 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip and elbow dysplasia, general knee problems, eye disorders (including progressive retinal atrophy
Country of Origin
Canada
Exercise Requirements
An active lifestyle is best-suited to this breed, as it likes to eat and can easily become obese if not kept active.
Coat
Short, dense, smooth and straight
Coat Colours
Black, yellow and chocolate
Specific Care Requirements
Labs are working dogs which require tasks in order to remain sane; structured games and playtime can substitute for actual ‘work’.
Labrador Retriever Common Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers are one of the breeds much more prone to hip dysplasia. Good breeding and asking for ‘hip scores’ from your breeder can determine how prevalent this condition is in your chosen breeder’s bloodline. This hereditary condition causes lameness and pain in the malfunctioning hip joint. It can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Depending on the severity of this condition, treatment typically includes medication and corrective surgery to the hip joint.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of loving a Labrador knows their obsession and love for food. This can lead to weight issues that can have a big impact on their health and overall wellbeing. Obesity can also contribute to a range of other debilitating health conditions. Managing your pet’s weight is important, as too a balanced diet, keeping treats to a minimum and plenty of exercise.
Those adorable floppy ears can cause a headache for some Labrador owners. Trapping moisture and airflow can lead to infections in the ear canal. Regular cleaning and inspections are important and drying your dogs’ ears after any water activity or bath. Medication and ongoing management can help treat any ear issues with your Labrador.
Labradors can also be prone to certain eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. Regular eye exams by a registered veterinarian can help catch these issues early and diagnose your dog correctly. Treatment can involve a range of options from medication to surgery.
Normally seen in dogs at birth some Labradors can suffer from issues such as Tricuspid dysplasia which is an abnormal development of the Tricuspid valve in the heart. Regular check-ups can help detect heart problems early and treatment may include lifelong medication and monitoring. As with all breeds, good breeding is paramount.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for Your Labrador Today
If you are interested in learning more about pet insurance for dogs, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch with Pet Insurance Australia. We offer a range of coverage options to ensure
your pet enjoys a long and happy life with the family.
