Labrador Retrievers – They’re Canadian
0
0
Welcome Canadian Thursdays, the day of the week when I talk about something or someone you may or may not have known is Canadian.
It always surprises me when someone doesn’t know what a Labrador Retriever is, especially if they’re a Canadian. Labradors are most commonly referred to as labs and I happen to have a big soft spot for them.
The modern Labrador’s ancestors originated from Newfoundland, now part of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Labs descend from the St. John’s Water Dog, another breed from Newfoundland that most likely resulted from mixing Irish English and Portuguese working dogs. Labs sometimes have the adorable tuxedo markings of their ancestors, the St. John’s Water Dog, with white spots on their chest, feet and/or chin.
The St. John’s Water Dog was utilized by fisherman to carry ropes and retrieve fishnets in the water and they later became known for waterfowl hunting. Labs are known to be great hunting companions particularly for duck hunting because they retrieve the birds and carry them with their soft mouth so that they don’t damage the bird.
From experience of growing up with three labs, caring for a litter of 9 puppies, and fostering a few other labs, I can tell you that stuffed birds that “quack” are the best toys you can buy for a lab. They will walk around with the toy in their mouth as if they were the King or Queen of Retrieving and they’ll be so proud to show it to you every time even if the toy bird’s head is falling off due to being carried around so much.
The modern Labrador breed was established by the first and second Earls of Malmesbury of England through importing and breeding St. John’s Dogs in England, which became known as the Buccleuch Avon dogs. The St. John’s Dog’s were called Labradors in England to distinguish them from the larger Newfoundland breed.
Labs come in variations of three main colours: yellow, black, and chocolate. Yellow labs were established by English breeders in the 1980’s and chocolate labs came to be through crossbreeding with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
In addition to different colouring, Labs also have two main lines known as Confirmation, which is English or show-style, and Field, which is an American and working line. Conformation labs tend to be shorter, stockier and cuter because of their fuller face and Field labs are often taller, thinner and tend of have a longer nose.
Conformation labs tend to be calmer and Field labs are often have higher energy levels. Many people may know of Labradors from the movie (or book) “Marley and Me.” This movie bothered me not only because it has a sad ending but also because it gives labs a bad reputation. If you watch the trailer they say “the world’s worst dog” multiple times. Not all labs have the personality as portrayed by Marley. In my opinion, Marley was not a well-trained Field dog who needed more exercise and his behavior is a reflection of his owners. The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed (aka TOP DOG) since 1991 according to the Canadian Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, and UK Kennel Club! And it’s the most popular for a reason: because it’s a great dog to have.
Having grown up with a female Conformation black lab, a male Field chocolate lab and a handful of other black labs, I can tell you that each lab definitely has its own personality. It’s true that labs have a lot of energy and they love to play fetch and retrieve. It’s in their blood. And yes they love to chew everything when between six weeks and three years of age (like a human baby puts everything in its mouth) and maybe they will chew throughout their whole life, but it usually tapers off and becomes limited to their own toys.
It has happened on more than one occasion to come home and find a carpet or the armrest of a chair chewed to bits. However, I have never seen a lab rip through a house and destroy all the objects in its path like in the movie Marley and Me. Nor do most lab owners tie their dog up to a rickety patio table for cinematic effect when the dog takes off chasing after something like a bird. A well-trained lab would stare at the bird, maybe stand up and bark at it and it might start lunging towards it if it got closer, but it wouldn’t bolt after it.
They do like to play and if you make trying to get whatever they’re holding in their mouth a game, you will always loose. Labs, like any other dog breeds need to be properly trained. You need to teach them when its time to be serious and “work” and when its time to play. Labs love you unconditionally and they are outgoing and friendly. They stay by your side. They are known to be even-tempered and a great family dog.
The chocolate lab I grew up with will always be my favorite dog. No dog will be able to replace him and I still miss him. Man’s best friend.
Have you ever owned a lab? Did you know they were Canadian? What did you think of Marley and Me (movie or book) and its portrayal of labs?
These are some seriously cute doggie pics!! I’ve always loved Newfoundlands and, no, I didn’t think about the Canada/Labrador relationship but I should have. 🙂
One of our sons has a yellow lab and he’s a sweetheart … just don’t leave any good shoes sitting around!
We had a labradoodle growing up….but she was totally a lab at heart!
I love these pictures. I have my own Lab–square face. I don’t know if it’s Canadian. Doesn’t matter. She’s the star of the house.
[…] Labrador Retrievers – They're Canadian | Nicole Basaraba […]
My neighbor is telling me that Canadian black labs are susceptible to a disease (he can’t remember the name) and they need to be vaccinated for it. My daughter just recently adopted a smaller black lab so I am concerned if there is any substance to my neighbor’s story. His dog was one of a litter of thirteen and is the only one that survived past a few years (she is now 12).
We have a confirmation chocolate lab and we knew Canadian as looked up hunting in Canada and most where chocolate big stocky big head. He is 7 now does not leave my side. Marly and me with the fuel yellow lab was like our honey we did regime her years ago as came across trouble life and could not take her for exercises like she needed. Totally different personalities her and my choc lab. Honey went to a new home we found and that was good for her. I love my Chocolate man and so do my children.