Something You Didn’t Know about the Labrador Dog: It was Originally a Crossbreed

There is no doubt that the Labrador is a very popular pet that is most sought after. However, before settling on this breed one should research its traits, character, needs, requirements, costs as well as uses to ascertain that one be suited to the breed and vice versa. Another important fact about the Labrador you choose is that it should be of the best quality and free of temperamental as well as other health and genetic defects.

Originates From the Island of Newfoundland

The Labrador can trace its origins to the island of Newfoundland and is thought to be a descendant of the St. John’s Water dog that is now extinct, which was a crossbred between a native water dog and the Newfoundland with whom the Labrador is closely related. This particular breed got its name Labrador from the Earl of Malmesbury as well as other breeders in England to set it apart from the Newfoundland dog. An interesting fact to note about the Labrador is that it has been used by fishermen to assist in bringing nets back to shore because this breed could grab floating corks on the end of nets and drag them towards the shore.

The Labrador’s temperament is one of good balance as well as remarkable versatility and it is able to adapt to many functions as well as makes for a very good pet dog. The Labrador is very intelligent and obedient and does not have bad traits that are found in other variety of breeds and they have aptly been named retrievers to emphasize their excellent retrieving abilities. They love to hold objects but are prone to chew objects which, after training, they are able to learn to abstain from. Its coat can repel water and is thus useful for waterfowl hunting and the like.

Physical Features

When learning about the physical appearance of the Labrador, one finds its medium size and athletic prowess are essential for its retrieving abilities. The characteristic that distinguishes the Labrador as well as sets it apart, is its short, dense as well as weather resistant coat that has an ‘otter’ tail and a clean-cut head with a broad back skull as well as a moderate stop. The jaws are powerful and its eyes can be said to be friendly and its character expressive of good intelligence as well as sound temperament.

The height of the Labrador at the withers is about 22 ½ to 24 ½ inches for a male and about an inch less for females and any variance more than a half inch more or less than these sizes would be a disqualification of the dog. The males are heavier than the females and a male may weigh between 65 pounds to 80 pounds while the female would weight approximately 55 pounds to 70 pounds.

Owning a Labrador would certainly be advantageous as this breed is easy to train and can perform various tasks and is a good companion as well that does not get too aggressive. One can expect many years of good companionship and trouble free ownership of this versatile and pleasing breed. A good thing about the Labrador is that it is very active and playful and likes to explore the new home and will entertain the owner. One can also learn many interesting things about this breed by studying the history and origin of the Labrador.

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