Appearance of the Rhodesian Labrador
|
Long and tall on legs, with a slender, athletic body, the Rhodesian Labrador is a handsome dog. A deep chest supports a strong neck, which in turn supports the fine, elegant head. The top of the head is slightly rounded, and the dog often has a hollow between the eyes. The eyes are bright and alert, full of character and curiosity. Rich dark amber or dark brown, they are round and have a dark rim. The muzzle is long and pointed, ending in a black nose and a dark area around the mouth. The teeth meet in a neat scissor bite. The Rhodesian Labrador's ears are set wide apart, almost framing the head, and are taut and slightly erect, but can tend to fold back at the tips. A long tail and elegant posture complete the description of a confident, environment-conscious dog. |
Temperament of the Rhodesian Labrador
|
Calm, confident and downright happy, Rhodesian Labradors are true character dogs. They love to please, but have a stubborn streak that can come out from time to time. Rather than overreacting, the best way to deal with this is to praise them when they succeed, combined with tasty little treats. They need a strong leader or they'll decide they're the boss and act accordingly. Firm but benevolent management is needed to bring out the best in this noble dog. They can adapt to apartment life as they are calm and quiet indoors, but will need their daily walk to let off steam. They are not noisy dogs, but will alert you when strangers are around. Although not aggressive, they may posture to scare off a perceived intruder. They tend to chase small animals or adapt to other dogs. Training at an early age will help eliminate this, and fully socializing your dog as a puppy will help, but it's useful to be aware of this trait. Rhodesian Labradors love food, lots of it if possible. They put on weight quickly and can suffer from life-threatening bloat, so divide his meal into small, frequent meals to overcome this problem. These dogs are ideal companions for children; they love to play, are affectionate and will protect the family. Large in size with a matching heart, the Rhodesian Labrador is a big cuddly toy when it comes to his family. |
Needs and activities of the Rhodesian Labrador
|
The Rhodesian Labrador is an active dog, but can be remarkably calm inside the house. Not an outdoor dog when it comes to life, he needs attention and wants to be with you and the family. A daily walk will meet your dog's needs, but don't forget to keep him on a leash as the Rhodesian Labrador has a strong hunting instinct and may take off after a low-flying bird or a small, fast-running animal. Once they do, they'll be oblivious to your shouted commands to return. They're great with children and love to play games or splash around in the water. A little time at the dog park will help your dog get used to other dogs and keep him socialized. They'll love playing with other dogs once they're used to it. Rhodesian Labradors are ideal fitness friends, happy to accompany you on a run or while you're riding. Once indoors, they'll snuggle up with their family and doze off to regain their energy. |
Maintenance of the Rhodesian Labrador
|
Easy care and minimal maintenance are the key words here. The Rhodesian Labrador is a moderate shedding dog, and careful brushing every week with a stiff bristle brush will remove all loose hair and produce a sheen on their smooth coat. Some dogs may inherit the Labrador's double coat, in which case they may require more frequent brushing. Professional groomers will not be necessary for this dog, unless you want them to trim your dog's nails. These dogs can suffer from ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can create a warm, moist environment for bacteria. Gently clean his ears every week and then dry them with a soft cloth. Smelly ears are a sign of a bad infection. Only bathe him when he's really dirty, and make sure you use a gentle dog shampoo that won't damage his skin. After all that, a thorough toothbrush, a little cuddling and warm praise and your dog will be a happy dog. |