A Retriever breed of Dog commonly mistaken for the Golden Retriever!
Ever wondered why some Golden Retrievers have seemingly-odd short coats? We'd bet that you might have encountered a different breed — a Labrador Retriever. This Dog breed's kind face and friendly nature have long secured a special place in many hearts, along with its innate skills for well, retrieving of course.☺
| via Gudog.co.uk |
Labrador Retriever History
Also commonly known as Labrador, this breed’s origins and ancestral roots can be traced back to the St. John’s Water Dog, in 1822. St. John’s Water Dogs were bred by island settlers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada— with original purposes for retrieving and hauling in fish nets. Prior to the exportation of St. John’s Water Dog during the 1820s, news of their useful abilities have already spread throughout England.
Fun Fact #1 Scottish-Canadian explorer William Epps Cormack described, these Dogs had impeccable retrieving skills and short coats that prevented ice frosting when they came out of waters during cold seasons.
| via Farm4.Static on Flickr |
It was also speculated that the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury came across a St. John’s Dog on a fishing boat, and he made immediate arrangements for traders to begin importing these Dogs into England. The first photo record of a St. John’s Dog/Labrador was of Nell, belonging to the Earl of Home. During the 1870s, the name Labrador Retriever became common throughout England. A Yellow Labrador, Ben of Hyde, was first born in 1899, registered by The Kennel Club in 1903. The AKC (American Kennel Club) had their first Labrador registration in 1917.
| Ben of Hyde, via TheLabradorSite |
Appearance: Working and Companion Types
Size — Labs are generally medium to large sized, with two different breed lines.
- Companiontype usually have shorter legs, and rounder faces
- Working type have a taller and lighter framed body, and longer muzzle.
Fun Fact #2 The two different breed lines do not pose a difference within Dog Registries though, they are equally considered as Labrador Retrievers.
Features — Kind and expressive facial features such as their eyes and large down-turned ears makes it tough not to be reminded of the Golden Retriever, another breed known for similar skills and gentle nature!
| via WhitbyWoof on Flickr |
Coats — All Labradors have short dense coats that are water resistant, a little dry and naturally oily, making them perfect for retrieving fowls and not feel cold in water.
Colour — Labrador Retrievers are available in 3 main colour groups, such as Black, Chocolate and Yellow, with Yellow consisting a range from Cream to Fox Red.
Grooming Requirements
These Doggos do not require a ton of scrupulous grooming, it is necessary to note that Labs are shedders in general. Regular brushing aids in ridding loose hairs, speeding up the process of natural shedding— also greatly decreasing chances of hair build-up around the house! A shower once in every two months at least, and ensure that their ears are cleaned with a Vet-approved cleanser and completely dried at all times. Other necessary grooming includes trimming of nails when too long.
| via AllCuteDogs on Tumblr |
If you are unsure of how to perform these tasks, seek professional help with a trusted Groomer and/or Veterinarian!☺
Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament
When gentle appearances match up with sweet natures, its a pleasant occurrence nonetheless. Labs are excellent companions and double up as a great working Dogs for various organizations such as the Military, Navy and Police all at the same time— their amazing ability to track scents all the way back to its origins is detection at its finest!
Fun Fact #3 Labradors are generally trained for retrieving fowls gently with their jaws. Observe a little closer, and you'd notice this adorable and habitual behaviour of holding something in their mouths.
| Fowl Hunt Retrieval, via Pinterest |
Being naturally active Dogs and great retrievers proves that you are bound to enjoy a ton of outdoor fun and playtime activity such as a game of fetch. Labradors today are exceptionally all-rouned. Don’t hesitate on taking them out for a walk and/or a run, or embark on a rewarding pet-ownership with positive training to encourage obedience. Watch those behavioural quirks!— Natural curiosity, swallowing small objects and begging for food is not unbeknownst of a Lab.
Training — Proper training can begin from a Lab's maturity age of 3 years. Early-training prevents encourages proper behaviour in the long run. It is also advised that Labrador Retrievers may not make good guard Dogs. Usually friendly and easy going even with strangers and people, it wouldn't take much effort in winning their hearts over. With proper care, diet and lots of love, a Labrador can live from 10 to 14 years or more.
If a breed's playful, puppy-like behaviour, hyper-activenessand being easily distracted are issues you might not fancy, then you ought to consider a different breed or Pet.
Fun Fact #4 Being easily distracted is a well-known Labrador trait☺, and it is highly due to their keen sense of smell!
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Disclaimer
This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals.
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