The Labrador retriever is also called the Lab for short. The Labrador retriever is known by many as a gun dog because they are a hunter’s best friend. There are three colors of Labs, chocolate, black and yellow.
At one time the Lab was known as the Lesser Newfoundland when it originated in Canada, specifically Newfoundland. The story goes that in this region there were a number of small water dogs and they began to mate with the Lesser Newfoundland, producing a dog breed called the St. John’s Water Dog. This dog bore a striking resemblance to today’s Lab.
During the early part of the 19th century, the Earl of Malmesbury allegedly came across one of these dogs, fell in love with it and had it imported. Still these dogs were not know as Labs until the Earl of Malmesbury claimed that he called his St. John’s Water Dog a Labrador Retriever.
The Lab breed in the long run died out in Newfoundland because of profound dog taxes and a quarantine law. It was then that the Labs started to be interbred with other dogs. Fortunately, the Lab survived and today accurate breeds of Labs can be traced back as early as 1878. The Lab was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration of Labradors by the AKC was in 1917, and from the 1920s through the ’30s, there was a great flood of British dogs that formed the backbone of the breed in this country.
This dog is the most popular breed in the world. The Lab is a well known service dog helping the police, the blind, and as a rescue dog. It was not until more recently that they were trained as guide dogs which only add to the admiration. The Labrador is one of character and loyalty and is truly an amazing dog choice. For a Labrador, simply being with their master is enough reason to be happy. These dogs are very intelligent and will be glad to prove it any time. The Labrador retriever was rarely kept as just a house pet until several years after the Lab was introduced to the US. Then the Lab was established as a sporting companion.
Retrievers enjoy the outdoors and this is something that you should make a note of when learning about them. Since the Lab is considered to be a work dog it simply loves to swim, run or anything that allows him to run free in the outdoors. Your Labrador requires at least two good walks every day to avoid sinking into a depression.
Labrador Retrievers do not make the most passionate watchdogs. Generally, they are not overly apprehensive of strangers. Basically, the Lab would likely notice an approaching stranger but could also easily be won over quickly. The Lab is surely a people dog. The job of the Lab is to make people feel wanted so they are great at alleviating the loneliness and depression that some people suffer from. All in all they make a very welcome addition to most families.
Tim Williams is a labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more great labrador retriever information.
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