Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever

It is no coincidence that the Labrador Retriever is the most widely owned and loved dog in the world. This breed may be one of the most even-tempered of all in the dog kingdom. Devoted, obedient, intelligent, gregarious, and dependable are only a few words to describe this dog breed.

The Labrador Retriever excels in obedience, which is evidenced by his widespread use as a guide dog, and as a drug and explosives detection dog. This breed loves water, and with its waterproof coat can handle even the coldest water temperatures. There is little negative to say about this dog breed; they're good with children, good with pets, and good with other dogs.

The Labrador Retriever's history goes back hundreds of years to the city of St.John's, Newfoundland in Canada.Interestingly enough, the Labrador Retriever didn't originate in Labrador, which is in fact on the mainland of Canada. The "Small Water Dog" would aid the fishermen with all of their water-related chores, including swimming into the ocean and bringing in the large fishing nets, and even pulling boats!

The Labrador Retriever's destiny was about to change as the breed died out in Canada, in part due to the heavy dog tax that was levied at the time. Some of the dogs were brought over to England where they excelled at a whole new list of tasks. Their proficiency at retrieving game became immediately obvious, as they competed easily with the more experienced pointers of their day.

The British preferred the black colour for their Labrador Retrievers, therefore the yellows and chocolates were culled. By the 1900's the yellows and chocolates were seeing an increase in popularity. The breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1903 and the American Kennel Club in 1917. In 1991 the Labrador Retriever became recognized as the most popular breed in the world, where it has remained to this very day.