The Labrador Retriever

History

Once known as the "St John's Dog", the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the US. Originally from Newfounderland, Canada, the labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fishermens nets to shore. The dogs, found to have excellent hunting and fishing abilities, were bought to England early in the 1800s where their "modern" development carried on. Crossed with other local sporting breeds, the strong, and sturdy Lab became, and continues to be, England's most popular gundog.This breed excels in obedience and field trials, needs plenty of outdoor exercise and especially enjoys swimming.

Temperament

The Labrador Retriever is a kindly, outgoing dog breed. The lab's easy going and friendly manner makes him an excellent addition to families with children.The Labrador Retriever is easy to train and, by nature, is a true sporting dog. Labs love swimming and will play fetch in the water all day!

Upkeep

Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. The lab coat sheds water easily. It needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Although labs can live outdoors in temperate climates, they are happier indoors with their family.

General Appearance

The general appearance of the Labrador should be that of a strongly built, short coupled, very active dog, broad in the skull, broad and deep through the chest and ribs, broad and strong over the loins and hind quarters. The coat close,short with dense undercoat and free from feather. Coat colour comes in 3 solid colours: black, chocolate and yellow. Chocolate may range from light through to dark chocolate in shade. Yellow may range from fox red through to cream in shade. He must stand and move true all round on legs and feet.