Labrador Retriever Dog

The origins of the Labrador are obscure but types of dog were known in Newfoundland - a huge heavy dog used to pull boats in to land & a lighter, smoother coated variety used by fisherman to retrieve game & fish. They were both known as Newfoundland canines & it was not until 1812 that the larger breed was known as Newfoundlands, & the smaller as the lesser Newfoundland or Labrador. In 1814 Labradors were taken to England where, in a book 'Instructions to Young Sportsmen', the breed was described as 'by far the best for every kind of shooting'.

The tail is very thick at the base, of medium length & gradually tapering to the tip, densely coated with short, thick hair giving a characteristic 'otter' tail. The head is broad with medium sized brown eyes expressing intelligence & nice temper & ears hanging close to the head.

Labrador is a strongly built dog with a broad & deep chest, the normal height is 56 - 57 cm for males, & 54 - 56 cm for females.

Labradors basically adopt the role of kid's playmate or elderly persons pet. The keenness to learn & willingness to make the Labrador an ideal choice as a guide dog for the blind. The puppies are placed with a relatives for the first 12 months of their life & then return to the Guide Dog School for an intensive training coursework. After graduation the dog is matched with a compatible owner & devotes itself to the safety of its owner.

Train ability :
The excellent sense of smell possessed by Labradors, coupled with their enthusiasm & agility, makes them suitable as bomb detection or drug sniffer canines. These canines are trained to detect positive substances &, by their behaviour, alert their handlers. To the dog it is all huge game of 'hide & seek', although in the case of bomb detection canines they save plenty of lives.

Physical characteristics:
Colours:
Although the Labrador is often often called the 'golden' Labrador, the colour is officially called 'yellow' & ranges from light cream through to a red fox shade. Other permissible colours are black, liver or chocolate.
Coat:
The coat is a unique feature - short, dense without wave or feathering & with a hard feel & a weather resistant undercoat.

Lifespan:
12 - 14 years