Labrador Retriever

COUNTRY: Great Britain

WEIGHT: 55-75 pounds

HEIGHT: 21'/2-241/2 inches

Ccwr: Moderately short, dense, hard and

without wave; thick undercoat

COLOR: Solid black, chocolate, or yellow (from fox-red to light cream)

GROUP: Gun Dog

As far back as the 17th century, water dogs were used by fishermen and hunters in Canada. These were called Newfoundland, Labrador (Greenland was once called Labrador) or St. John's Dogs, depending on their geographic location. These early dogs were moderate in size, had curled coats, carried the genetic factor to produce spotting, and tended to a high tail. Not much formal breeding was attempted, but from these eventually stemmed the modern Newfoundland and Landseer, as well as the Labrador, Flat-Coat and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Throughout the world, fishing vessels, trading ships and exploratory expeditions provided continuous traffic. Most ships had dogs on board, and the crossing of various imported types with the native population of dogs was well documented. By 1800, these retrieving dogs were being sold into England by ships plying
from the Canadian coast. But, later that century, a heavy dog tax caused a great reduction in the breed in Canada and, more importantly, the creation of the English quarantine laws essentially stopped further importation. Thus, although the root stock came from Canada, the modern development of the breed occurred in England.

Early Labs sported a large variety of types and colors, including spotted and brindle. The Flat-Coat was enjoying great favor during the 19th century, and the Labrador was not granted Kennel Club recognition until after the turn of the century. But, once he came to prominence, he stayed on top. Labs are now in the first five breeds in both England and America and maintain their popularity as duck dogs par excellence. In American retriever field trials, the Labrador dominates to the point of exclusion. He enjoys a sterling reputation as an upland bird flusher, companion, drug detector, obedience competitor and guide dog for the blind. In fact,"Polly" lovingly served her blind master for a record 13 years! The Lab is well known and utilized also in Australia, Canada, and many other countries.

Willing-to-please perhaps best describes the Lab. The breed, overall, is sensible, even-tempered, intelligent, and possesses strong natural abilities in marking and retrieving. The short, easy-care coat and docile temperament make the Lab a favorite pet, who can—year round—run with the kids, catch a flying disc in the park, join the family by the fire, and still double as a hunting companion. Because of his fairly large size and his designated lifestyle as an active, athletic dog, soundness is of prime importance.

The ideal Lab is described as slightly longer than tall, with a robust, muscular build. His distinctive "otter" tail is covered by short, thick hair; he should never show any fringe on the underside of the tail! The double coat is quite waterproof, requiring frequent brushing only during the spring shedding season.