Labrador History
The Labrador Retriever is probably one of the most popular dogs in the world today. It is the number one choice of dog for pet owners in the United States and the United Kingdom. This dog that has humble roots as fishing dogs have become quite in the past decade as one of the most valued dogs in the world. They’re fun, intelligent, gentle, smart, and people-loving dogs that are good for almost every person and every walk of life. They are valued by the police and other branches of security for their willingness to learn, and they’re seen in airports, police cars, and are also trained as search and rescue dogs. These dogs are also seen as seeing eye dogs and assistance dogs. Labradors are kid friendly, and generally very friendly to everyone they meet.
Labrador History is filled with many walks of life. The dogs were used as hunting dogs, and they were a success for their small size and impeccable sense of smell. But before being used as a hunting dog, the very first Labrador dogs were used to aide fishermen. Their short coat and otter-like tail helped propel them through the icy waters of Newfoundland. Longer haired breeds could not be used due to the fact that ice would get entangled in their long fur. Labradors have a water proof coat, and even today have a strong sense for the water no matter how cold it can get! Labradors were brought back to England after the word of “amazing fishing dogs” came back with travelers from Newfoundland. The dogs became in high demand, and were the ideal dog for the avid sportsman. Many breeders worked on keeping the breed “pure” and only bred Labradors with other Labradors. Some breeders tried creating other breeds that could compete with the Labrador from other known hunting breeds at the time, with no success. In 1917 they were accepted into the American Kennel Club, or AKC.
Throughout Labrador History, the Labrador Retriever has been given many names. Labrador Retriever is often shortened to Labrador, and that is also affectionately been shorten to “Labs”. Labradors come in two different ‘styles’: the English version and the American version. The English version tends to be a lot heavier in the chest with a broader head. The American version tends to be more streamlined and skinnier. The breed comes in 3 colors: Yellow, Black, & Chocolate. These colors often tend to blend, and there are some “red” and “sliver” labs, although rare and not official.
Labrador Retrievers are often talked about as the “perfect, family pet.” Whether you’re a huntsman, family man, or a single person, the Labrador probably has a place in your life.
