Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever did not come from Labrador as his name implies. He actually came from Newfoundland, although there is no indication of how he reached Labrador. In 1882 a traveler in that region reported a number of "small water dogs" and said that the dogs are admirably trained as retrievers in fowling. The Shorthaired dog is preferred because of frosty weather, since the long haired kind become covered with ice when coming out of the water.

The Labrador gradually died out in Newfoundland on account of a heavy dog tax. With the English quarantine law, that practically stopped the importation's into England. After that, many Labs were interbred with other types of retrievers. Fortunately, the Lab characteristics predominated. Finally fanciers who desired to stop the interbreeding drew up a standard so they would discourage crossing with other retrievers.

The Labrador Retriever was first recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration in the AKC was in 1917. In England, no Labrador can become a bench show champion unless he has a working certificate as well. In America, the Lab became primarily a retriever trial and shooting dog, but the duel concept of retriever excellence combined with good looks, style, and proper type was established early. Their capabilities, fine temperament and dependability have established them as one of the prime breeds for service as a guide dog for the blind and for search and rescue work.

The Labrador Retriever comes in three colors. Black, Yellow, and Chocolate. Labradors that are considered as "silver" are registered as chocolate since the breed standard allows for a variety of shades of chocolate in the chocolate catagory. This color is controversial and some claim it is a Weimaraner cross, while others say it is a true mutation. Labradors who are considered to be "white" are registered as yellow since that also allows for a variety of shades of yellow.

Grooming a lab is very simple-bathing and brushing as needed, as well as nail trimming and ear cleaning. It is very important to clean the Labradors ears on a regular basis. Labs tend to get ear infections easily, and prevention is better than constant treatment. If your Labrador is one who swims or gets wet often, the ears must be cleaned after these activities to prevent an ear infection starting from the moisture in the ear.

There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador. The English bred Lab comes from English bred stock. Their general appearance is different. The English bred Labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky.

Many Labs tend to be very hyper when young. This means that though they are wonderful family dogs, they may not be the best choice for those with very young children. Labs are large dogs and even with casual play they can easily knock over young children or the elderly.

It is extremely important that your Labrador is lead trained at a young age. Many Labs who are not properly trained will tend to pull excessivly while on-lead, making it very difficult to control them. Obedience training is preferred for Lab owners.

Labrador Retrievers are shedders. Just because they have a short coat doesn't mean that they will not shed. Labs are actually fairly heavy shedders, if not groomed often. Weekly brushing is recommended, and you should also clean the ears and trim any long nails as needed. Labs tend to gain weight very easily in adulthood- usually after age four. To help prevent hip/joint problems in your adult Lab, be sure to watch the dogs weight closely.

Some of the health concerns with the Labrador Retriever include:
Hip dysplasia, which is a congenital disease that affects mostly large breed dogs, but it is also seen in some of the smaller breeds as well. It causes weakness and lameness to the rear quarters, and eventually leads to painful arthritis. This arthritis goes by several names; degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, and osteoarthritis.

Ectropion which is a conformational defect resulting in eversion of the eyelids, which may cause ocular irritation due to exposure.

Entropion which is a conformational defect where eyelid margin inverts, or rolls inward, toward the eye causing eyelashes and hair to rub against the cornea resulting in ocular irritation.

The breed is also prone to skin allergies and should be fed a high quality food at all times. A great deal of Labs are allergic to corn, so it's best to avoid dog foods and treats which contain corn.

Labrador Retrievers at a dog show