Labrador Retriever: Care Guide for Indian Homes

The Labrador is India's most popular pedigree dog, and its two biggest problems here are heat and weight.

Weight control

Labradors are genetically predisposed to a big appetite — a known gene variant affects satiety. Measure food, resist the eyes, and keep them lean; obesity accelerates the hip and elbow problems they are already prone to.

Heat

A dense double coat and enthusiasm that overrides self-preservation. Walk early and late, and never let one keep fetching in the sun because it will not stop on its own.

Health watch

Hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections from floppy ears in humidity, and a tendency to swallow objects that then obstruct.

Exercise and mind

At least an hour a day plus mental work. An under-exercised Labrador chews furniture and gains weight simultaneously.