Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland,Canada. Small water dogs were used to retrieve birds and fish; they even pulled small boats through the water. Their
strong desire to work, versatility, and waterproof coats impressed fishermen,
one of whom brought a dog back to England with him. Lord Malmsbury
saw this dog, then called a St. John’s Dog, and imported several from Newfoundland. Lord Malmsbury is credited with having started to call the dogs Labradors, although the reason is lost to history. Eventually, the English quarantine stopped additional
imports from coming into the country, and the Labradors already in England were cross-bred to other retrievers. However, breed fanciers soon put a stop to that, and the breed as we know it today was born. The Lab is a medium-sized, strongly built dog that retains its hunting and working instincts. Standing between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 80 pounds, with females smaller than males, the breed is compact and well-balanced. Labs have short, weather-resistant coats that can be yellow, black, or chocolate. The head is broad, the eyes are friendly, and the tail is otterlike. Grooming a Lab is not difficult, although it is amazing how much the coat can shed at times. Shedding is worst in spring and fall when the short, dense undercoat and coarser outer coat lose all the dead hair. Brushing daily during these times will lessen the amount of hair in the house. Labs do everything with vigor. When it’s time to play, they play hard. When it’s time to take a nap, they do that with enthusiasm, too. But this desire to play and instinct to work means that Labs need vigorous exercise every day and a job to do. They need to bring in the newspaper every morning, learn to pick up their toys, and train in obedience. Labs do very well in many canine activities, including agility, flyball, field tests and trials, tracking, search-and-rescue work, and therapy dog work. Labs still enjoy swimming, and if water is available,a swim is a great way to burn off excess energy.
Early socialization and training can teach a Lab puppy household rules and social manners. Training should continue throughout puppyhood and into adulthood so that the Lab’s mind is kept busy. She can learn advanced obedience, tricks, or
anything else her owner wishes to teach her. Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They will bark when people approach the house but are not watchdogs or protective. Puppies are boisterous and rambunctious and need to be taught to be gentle with young children. Older kids will enjoy the Lab’s willingness to play. Most Labs are also good with other dogs and can learn to live with small pets, although interactions should be supervised. Health concerns include hip and
elbow dysplasia, knee problems, eye problems, and allergies.
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