Labrador Retriever

History

Labrador Retrievers originated in the eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland & Labrador, the island of Newfoundland specifically. Formerly called St. John’s dogs, after the capital city of Newfoundland & Labrador, in the 1700s, Labs were helpers and companions of local fishermen.

Newcomers noticed these traits. In the 1830s, several English hunters imported Labs to their home country. 

Remarkably, by the 1880s, Labrador Retrievers were nearly extinct. A handful of English enthusiasts are credited with saving the breed. Due to tax laws and government restrictions, the species disappeared in Newfoundland & Labrador. For instance, households were only allowed one dog, and female dogs were highly taxed (so they were culled). Thankfully, the breed survived in England and, in 1903, was acknowledged as a distinct breed.

Labrador Retrievers are used in search and rescue, drug and explosive detection, assistants to persons with disabilities, therapy dogs, and as retrievers for hunters. They also shine in a variety of dog competitions.

Traits

The Labrador Retriever is among the most loving and intelligent breeds. Labs are eager to please, outgoing, and friendly with humans and animals alike.  

As a working breed, Labs are athletic, muscular, intelligent and energetic. Although excellent in most sports and with various dog jobs, their friendly disposition makes them horrible guard dogs. The trade-off – you will have a wonderfully loyal companion.

To fuel their energetic nature, Labrador Retrievers LOVE to eat. They can become overweight and obese. Their large appetite isn’t discerning – they will counter surf, forage through garbage, or make a meal out of household items if left unattended.

Providing your Labrador Retriever with 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise will keep them trim and help them burn their pent-up energy. Aside from weight issues, they can demonstrate destructive habits like chewing and barking without this outlet. 

Being eager to please and intelligent, Labrador Retrievers are easy to train. The energetic Lab thrives on physical and mental stimulation, so training classes will keep your dog happy and healthy.