History
The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador
Retriever
Country
of Origin: The Labrador Retriever (also known as the ‘Labrador’ or ’Lab’)
descends from the Newfoundland Dog and the St. John’s Water Dog in
Newfoundland, Canada. It was bred to hunt in water and pull boats, which is
evident to this day in its natural love for water. Contrary to popular opinion,
the Labrador Retriever’s name likely derives from the Portuguese ‘lavradores’
or Spanish ‘labradores’, both of which mean ‘farm worker’, rather than the
‘Labrador’ region of Canada. The Labrador Retriever was recognized by the
American Kennel Club in 1917 and thereafter rose slowly but steadily in
popularity due to its incredible versatility, obedience, and rugged good looks.
It is now considered the world’s most popular breed. The Labrador Retriever has
been the most registered dog in America and England since 1991; the American
Kennel Club had almost three times as many Labrador Retriever registrations in
2006 (124,000) as the second most popular breed. Famous Labrador Retrievers
include the title character from the film version of ‘Old Yeller’ (though the
book version was a Mountain Cur), Marley, from the bestselling memoir ‘Marley
and Me’, and Tawny, a yellow Lab who gave birth to 18 puppies with her first
litter in 1999 and was named the ‘Iams Mother of the Year’.
Size: The
Labrador Retriever has a shoulder height of 53-64 cm (21-25 in) and weighs
25-36 kg (55-80 lbs). It has emotional brown or hazel eyes, a large nose,
moderate stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead) and straight,
thick tail similar in appearance to an Otter’s. Although not classified
separately, the English and American lines have separate lineage. English
Labradors tend to be heavier and blockier than the American Labradors which are
usually tall and lanky.
Coat: The
Labrador Retriever has a short, thick, dense, weather-resistant coat which can
be black, yellow (varying from cream to gold or almost red) or chocolate brown.
There is also a rare silver variety which some think to be the result of a Weimaraner cross. A small white marking on the chest is permissible. It is
possible for all colors of Labrador Retriever to appear in the same litter.
Character: The
Labrador Retriever is unusually adaptable, obedient, and kind-hearted. No
wonder it’s so popular! Labs are sociable, affectionate, and loyal. They have a
very keen sense of smell. Most Labrador Retrievers are athletic; puppies are
particularly active.
Temperament: The
Labrador Retriever has a mellow personality and gets along well with children,
other dogs, and any household pets. Some Labrador Retrievers may chew, but they
can be trained not to. Labradors do not make great watchdogs because they are
friendly with strangers and are not territorial.
Care: The
Labrador Retriever must be brushed once a week, twice when shedding. Like other
large breeds, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Some Labs
are prone to PRA (an eye disorder) or ear infections. Ever the food
connoisseurs, Labradors are prone to obesity, so don’t let their charming
personality connive you out of maintaining a healthy diet for them. Labrador
Retrievers have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They can live outdoors in warm weather but prefer indoor life with the family. Their high intelligence makes
them adept at staging elaborate escapes, so proper precautions should be taken.
Training: The
Labrador Retriever learns very quickly and loves to work for its handler. Leash
training is recommended when young. The Labrador Retriever is capable of
learning a wide variety of dog sports including Frisbee and Flyball.
Activity:
Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks and are
especially fond of field sports, fetch, and water games.