Marley & Me Dog – the Yellow Lab

Want to know about the dog that is taking the hearts of millions at the box office all over the world? The movie Marley & Me with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston -- a pretty big hit -- featured a Yellow Labrador Retriever. In fact, the movie used 22 Yellow Labs, according to the New York Times. Some places I found said only 18 dogs were used. But whatever the case, if you’ve seen the film and want to know a little about the breed, you’ve come to the right place. Marley & Me used many Labradors because they showed the dog growing up, and because the Lab is a pretty active dog. Their time on camera was limited only because they didn’t want to tire the dog. But Labs are resilient and can do quite a lot before they lose interest. If you’re considering getting a Marley for yourself, here are some tips.

A loving and caring dog, the Yellow Labrador is just like the breed; full of life and with a hunger for playfulness. If you watched Marley in the movie, you know you’re in for a lot of zaniness. Labs grow to be big dogs and need space. These are not the type of dogs for apartments or small condos. These guys need their exercise and room to call their own. They also have a great appetite, so plan on spending for dog food. I can’t stress anything more than the fact that you need to match your dog to your lifestyle and your lifestyle to your dog. What this means is that Yellow Labradors need a good amount of activity. They need to be exercised daily. If you’re the type that works all day and then comes home and spends hours on the computer, this isn’t the dog for you. Yellow Labradors won’t thrive in a condition where they are sedentary. Like humans, they’ll get overweight and lose important muscle tone if left to lay around all day.

Remember that these dogs were carefully bred for gun dog work on estates. Yellow Labs are bred to instinctively point. You probably won’t take your Labrador out hunting, but if you do, they know exactly what to do. Yellow Labradors are often taller and skinnier with a thin, lanky head, bred to look and move more like a setter. The average price for a properly bred Labrador puppy is about 800-1200 dollars, more for a show- or field trial- quality puppy. If you are asked to pay substantially more or less for a puppy without good reason given, be wary. You really need to check out what you’re looking for and what you’re getting. The worse case is you buy something you can’t get out of and then find out that you’re not happy with your Labrador. It does happen, and that’s how some of these beautiful dogs wind up in shelters.

Taking your dog along to the beach, or park is one of the most fun things you can do. Like the video above, where the Labs are all jumping in the pond, Yellow Labradors love to play and need the exercise. I guess I’ve made the point enough -- don’t get one of these pups if you can’t get outdoors and play with them -- a lot. And one other thing, besides exercise, and feeding -- Frequent brushing or combing can reduce the need for frequent dusting and vacuuming to pick up shed hair. Your yellow Lab’s coat should be brushed at least weekly. Ask your veterinarian or pet store personnel what type of brush is best. Whether they are shedding or not, proper brushing 2-3 times a week is required for them to remove the dead hair & skin if any. Some veterinery lotions & conditioners are also available in the market by which they can be softly washed 2-3 times a week.

So there you have it. The basics on Yellow Lab -- Marley type dog ownership. Yes, they start out as cute, furry, little pups and then grow quickly into a handful. But they’re full of love and I tell you, the Yellow Labrador is one of the most loyal pets in the world. Where else can you find someone who will greet you each time you enter the house, won’t bug you about problems, doesn’t want to marry you or date you, doesn’t ask for money, just wants to be with you and shower you with attention? That’s a Lab, and well, they’re like most other dogs. Full of love -- that’s why we feature them here on Three Best Dogs. Marley & Me is a good demonstration of the breed, but remember it’s just a movie. Do you have any questions? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Yellow Labrador. Comment below.

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