I have been offered a lovely yellow/red labrador . she is four years old and her owners are both working full time, and feel she is being neglected.I fell in love with her when i met her but was put off with the amount of hair she was casting, i was covered. Do they always cast so much or is she just needing more grooming.

Hi guest, generally Labradors do cast a little coat throughout the year, but not too much, and quick brush quickly removes dead hair.  However it may be that the bitch is due to come into season.  At these times most bitches will quite literally blow their coat for a few weeks.  (usually lasts 3/4weeks)  But you will find most breeds do this also.  

Using a good metal comb removes most of the hair and only takes a few minutes.  A good overall brushing once a week will keep the coat in excellent condition.