Labrador Retriever:- English Labrador and the American Labrador

Labrador Retriever
(Black Labrador Retriever) (Yellow Labrador Retriever)
(Chocolate Labrador Retriever) (Silver Labrador Retriever) (Lab)

History

In 1822 a traveler to Newfoundland gave an account of a number of small water dogs preferred for retrieving by waterfowlers because their smooth, short coats did not retain icy water in the freezing weather. The Earl of Malmesbury upon seeing the swift black retrieving dogs took a liking to them and arranged to have some imported to England. It wasn't until 1887 that the name "Labrador" was coined when the Earl incorrectly referred to them in a letter as his "Labrador dog." It was in the same letter that he also mentions the physical attributes which still distinguish the breed today... "its close coat which turns the water off like oil and above all, a tail like an otter."

Dog taxes eventually caused the Labrador Retriever to lose popularity in Newfoundland, and the quarantine laws of England prohibited anymore to be imported. The British, however, recognized its attributes as a quality retriever and began interbreeding with the other types of retrievers. The Labrador traits remained predominant, however, and eventually true fanciers of the breed set up a standard to establish the breed and discourage further interbreeding. In 1903 the English Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a separate breed. In the United States the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1917, but it wasn't until the late 1920s and 1930s that the breed seemed to gain its popularity here.

Description
There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador.

English Labrador / Show Quality

They comes from English bred stock.The English bred labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. English Labs have a squarer head with more definate stops. They have a strong powerful neck that blends nicely into the shoulders,they are much heavier boned than the American Labs and have nice thick otter tails. They are very close to the breed standard per AKC. They are the type of Labs that you usually see in the show ring. English Labs tend to be calm natured and of lower energy level.

- Weight: 45kgs

- Height : 53 to 58 cm tall.
- Conformation: thick and stocky, shorter legs, with broad muzzle and wide head
- Tail: shorter, broad, "otter tail"
- Hips: rarely dysplastic

- Nature : English Labs tend to be more laid-back and sedate, reaching emotional maturity much more quickly than Labs of other descent

American Labrador / Field Quality

The American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky.

American Labs tend to be smaller boned, with longer slimmer legs. Their heads tend to be more rounded and their muzzles longer, their tail is longer and thinner than the English Lab.American Labs are judged for competition in the field, they are not judged on appearance like the English labs but soley on performance. They are great for hunters and they have plenty of energy and can go all day.

- Weight: 32 kg's

- Height : 56 to 61 cm tall.
- Conformation: thinner and lankier, long legs, pointier snout and thinner head
- Tail: long and thin "whip tail"
- Eyes: prone to cataracts

- Hips: highly prone to dysplasia

- Nature : high-energy extremely intelligent and develop strong bonds with their human companions.

The Labrador Retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat that does not have any waves and comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also said to be a rare silver or gray color that is referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. This color is controversial and some claim it is a Weimeriner cross, while others say it is a true mutation. The Labrador has a broad head, thick nose, scissors bite and a pronounced stop. Its muzzle is fairly wide and its neck is powerful. The eyes are chestnut or hazel with an intelligent expression. The medium-sized ears are pendant. The otter tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering, and completely covered with hair. Its limbs have good bone structure. The webbed feet aid in swimming.

Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They can become destructive if left too much to their own devices. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and high strung. Often the best pets are from combination show/field stock. This breed is very popular. If you are planning to show, buy only from a reputable breeder. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience. Labs bred from English lines (English Labs) are more calm and laid back than Labradors bred from American lines. English Labs mature quicker than the American type.

Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 21-23 inches (53-58cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.) Some males can grow to 100 pounds (45kg) or more.

Health Problems
Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.

Living Conditions
Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.

Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years

Grooming
The smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders.

Origin
Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor.

Group
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting