Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Although they are quite playful, energetic, and exuberant, Labs also tend to be easygoing in terms of demeanor and don’t tend to provoke easily; unless they are being tempted to play.

These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. They prefer larger spaces, as they are larger dogs, but they won’t turn up their noses at a smaller apartment.

As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Although it’s short, they are still sensitive to heat and high temperatures.

Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. This means they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse (EIC). Carriers can be identified by DNA tests.

Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum.

As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips (gastric torsion). It’s important to know how to reduce the risk of bloat and to know what symptoms mean it’s time to get to the emergency vet.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well.

Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. In fact, they’re considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Even if you don’t necessarily need them for the training, puppy training classes can still be a good idea for the extra bonding and socialization.

Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great.

Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water, your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Red Fox Labrador Retriever’s nails, ears, and teeth. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. It’s important to check your Lab’s ears for first and wax buildup and to clean them carefully as needed. This will help prevent ear infections.

It’s also important to brush their teeth regularly. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more.

Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you.

Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around 2-3 years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Until puppies finish growing, it’s recommended to keep activities low-impact to avoid damage to developing bones and joints.

Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports.

Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand 21-25 inches tall and weigh 55-80 pounds.

Fox Red Labs generally live for 11-13 years on average.

Labrador Retrievers became one of the AKC’s most popular dog breeds in 1991 and have stayed toward the top of the list ever since.