Origins

“The Labrador descended from dogs taken to Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers and evolved by natural selection. The breed was known by several names, among them the black Water Dog, the Lesser Newfoundland and the St. John’s Dog. Excellent retrievers of fish and game, they often sailed with the fishermen and in the early 1800s, English sportsmen acquired a few of the hardy dogs off the fishing boats. The British further developed the breed by crossing it with other sporting dogs, notably the Flat-coated Retriever, the Curly-coated Retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel. It wasn’t long before the Lab took over as Britain’s most popular gun dog. The breed was first recognized by The Kennel Club (England) in 1903. In addition to its prowess as a gun dog, the Lab has distinguished itself as a police and war dog as well as a guide dog for the blind.” - Canadian Kennel Club website

Personality:

Labradors are known for their happy, friendly disposition. They are outgoing and easygoing dogs. They are highly adaptable and trainable - whether you want a family pet or a competition dog, labs can do it all. They are eager to please and their love of food makes them easy to train. They are also known to retrieve until your arm falls off. At the end of the day, labs love their people and are content to lay beside you and relax or go out on adventures. Lab truly are up for anything and make great family pets as well as working dogs.

Looks:

Labs come in three colours: Yellow, Chocolate and Black. Dilutes are not recognized or bred for.

They are med-large breed dog at 212.5-24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55-75 lb.

They have a short dense coat with a hard feel that is designed to repel water. They are excellent swimmers aferall. They do not require haircuts and their grooming needs can be done at home.

Care Required:

Labs are fairly easy maintenance. Their short dense coat does shed a fair amount - so we recommend bath and brushouts every 4-6weeks to help reduce all that shedding. Ears are prone to infection - so monthly cleaning at home or a groomer. Nails should be trimmed every 2-4weeks.

Labs require measured diets. They love food and it is easy to get them overweight. Measured mealtimes with water in the kibble to slow down their eating speed. Watch and maintain their healthy weight. An overweight dog is prone to all sorts of health issues and you are doing your dog a disservice.

Labs require moderate exercise and activity. They love sports - agility, scent detection, retrieving, etc. They are happy to hike or bike with their people. Labs are up for everything and everything - then happy to lay down at your feet at the end of the day.