Learn, Don't Return - Labrador Retriever Dog Breed
Posted by Brian Aho on
Just like the Great Dane is not from Denmark, the Labrador Retriever is not from Labrador, a province in Canada. The Labrador Retriever has origins in Newfoundland - it really is tomato, tomato; since they only have the Strait of Belle Isle separating them, but nevertheless.
Rumor has it that it was a melting pot of dogs brought to the area on ships from basically all the European countries: England, Ireland, France, etc., which were ported in Newfoundland.
But when black Labrador Retrievers specifically were sent back to England due to strong interest from the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, they were originally being called Less Newfoundland's or St. John's Dogs. They became Labrador Retrievers because that was what the Earl called them, thinking they were from Labrador, when they were not.
Labradors come in 3 colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. The color does not affect their retrieving abilities or their personalities, it's purely for appearance.
But if you were hunting in a specific part of the US like wheat fields, you may want a yellow lab to blend in a little better. Areas with a lot of trees, maybe the black labrador, and an area with muddy water maybe the chocolate lab.
The Labrador Retriever is a sporting dog breed whose snout is just the right length to gently maneuver the game.
The neck is just long enough to reach down to pick up gaming without really bending down.
The chest is in a shape that perfectly breaks water, and its tale acts as the rutter.
And the body is perfectly buoyant to remove the appearance of struggling during swimming.
The feet are webbed for water propulsion and its 2 coats wrap the Labrador Retriever like feathers on a duck.
The Labrador Retriever is part of the sporting group with dogs like the Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, and the lesser-known Boykin Spaniel.
The Labrador Retriever is not from Labrador - a province in Canada, they are from Newfoundland and are made up of a hodgepodge of dogs brought to Newfoundland a long time ago; by European explorers from England, France, Ireland, etc. - they all brought dogs on their ships which somehow they created the Labrador Retriever, or what is now called the Labrador Retriever.
But together they make up one of the most popular dog breeds the world has ever known.
Black Labrador Retrievers were originally called Lesser Newfoundland or St. John's Dogs before they became Labrador Retrievers.
The naming got mixed up because in England; the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury loved the dog and wanted to preserve the breed. So he had black Labradors sent to England and maybe this is how this naming mishap began.
3rd Earl of Malmesbury to the ship's captain, "Where did you get the dogs from?"
The ship captain may have responded "Labrador".
And from then on, when someone asked the Earl, "Great dog, where did you get them from?"
He would have responded "Labrador".
Now, the Earl was a big hunter, so the news probably traveled rather quickly and before he knew it - the cat was out of the bag - and they would forever be called Labrador Retrievers.
Thankfully he preserved the breed too, because all of the Labrador Retrievers we have today come from his stock.
That's right - the Labradors Retrievers we have today are from England.
The Labrador Retrievers are built for retrieving small game - birds from water or fields; but their body is adapted for swimming.
They have web feet to propel them, and their tails even acts as a rudder to get them swimming in the correct direction while fighting water currents.
Their neck length is suited perfectly so they don't stress picking up game from a field or swimming with game in their mouth.
The chest is developed for perfect buoyancy.
The mouth is just long enough to hold the game, while their temperament allows them to hold it gently and not destroy it.
The double coat of fur keeps Labrador Retrievers warm and comfortable while working in cold temperatures, and works especially well in the water.
The Labrador Retriever is not a guard dog; they are lovers, not fighters!
If you are considering a Labrador for work - hunting and retrieving or simply as a house pet due to its family-friendly personality; the Labrador Retriever breeders breed for drive; high-drive is ready for hunting, while low drive is better suited as a house pet.
You can get a high-driver Labrador Retriever to be a companion pet, but it's not what they enjoy and they will annoy you.
Similarly, a small game hunter will not desire a low-drive Labrador Retriever who is more comfortable being petted than out in the field; sure they'll do it, but not enthusiastically.
So get a Labrador Retriever based on your drive preference.
All Labrador Retrievers have a drive element - they are energetic, so they do require an exercise commitment from you, or you'll face consequences like damaged furniture.
They are very sensitive which is why they are easily trainable.
Because of the Labrador Retriever's popularity - and like the Labrador Retriever tale - navigate away from breeders that don't have the interest of the breed at heart.
They do require exercise, but they do not require grooming; although they do shed.
And if you have a pool, pond, or lake available you will have a happy Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever can be included in conformation - shows, obedience, tracking, agility, and, rally; also field trials, hunting tests, and the Labrador Retriever working Certificates or LRC.
You can also just take them to the dog park, and it's likely, due to their popularity, they will meet a relative, and you may meet a friend as well.
Labrador Retriever boys weigh a husky 65-80 pounds and the ladies weigh 55 to 75 - they are medium to large size dogs, so you'll want an elevated two-quart dog bowl; feed them quality food to get their energy and muscles ready for exercise - you do not want a dull Labrador Retriever!
The coat colors are black, yellow, and chocolate-brown, and the coat color doesn't affect their personality.
They should be a built dog - not skinny and not fat; you shouldn't see the ribs, but you can feel them.
And make sure you have a lot of treats because look at those friendly eyes!
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Breeder Recommend - Slow Treater Lick Mat for Trouble-Free Grooming for Labrador Retriever:
