LABRADOR, AN AMAZING DOG

Dear friends, the Labrador is mainly known for its excellent skills as a guide dog, however, this breed boasts many features that make it a unique dog, an ideal choice for any family; let’s get to know it better.

 

The wonderful history of Labrador

The Labrador’s origins are all but certain, although most experts believe this breed comes from the Terranova or the small dog of St. John. The first selections were allegedly made around the mid-800’s, in the Terranova Peninsula. It seems the dog was used by the fishermen for various tasks relating to fetching things: helping retrieving fishing nets, catching stray fish, helping with hauling boats. The fishing boat routes spanned from the coasts of Canada to the coasts of Britain and vice versa, and the dogs were most likely to accompany the sailors during their journeys…

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pure Canadian breed or maybe already mixed with European dogs when they were used by sailors. Be it as it may, Labradors fame as great fish retrievers sparked the interest of the British gentlemen who thought they could turn the Labrador into a good hunting dog.
Luckily, some people in England were willing to breed and select this dog, also in virtue of the good character that was already showing in this breed. This is why the Labrador, notwithstanding its extra-European origins, is rightfully regarded as a British hunting dog. The quarantine law and a restrictive law related to the breeding of these dogs in Terranova marked the end of the Labrador oversea trade, and, since the late 1800s, the dog’s history turns full English. Those who can be considered the “forefathers” of this breed are: Col. Peter Hawker, the Duke of Buccleuch, Counts Hume and Malmesbury and Hon. A. Holland-Hibbert. The Labrador retriever breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1904, and the first specialized company, the English Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916. The standard was defined by the breed club and accepted by the Kennel Club, and it remained unaltered till 1950. Before this amendment, crossbred dogs from various retriever breeds were also registered and accepted. The FCI makes use of the English standard, while the USA Kennel Club redacted a standard of their own. There are currently about 10 Labrador clubs just in the English islands, and one Labrador Breed Council formed by two members from each club, which purpose is to relate the various breed issues to the kennel club.


LABRADOR’S TEMPER

The Labrador has a sweet and kind temper! It is always respectful of other dogs, although it sometimes can be wary of unknown dogs, especially as a puppy. For this very reason, it is very important that you help him socialize with other dogs and other people outside your family,right from the beginning. Distinct features of the Labrador breed are lealtà, loyalty, goodness, empathy, and compassion. It is always willing to help those in need. It will suffer when you suffer and will try to cheer you up…

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The Labrador, when treated well, is a happy dog, and it constantly shows it through its exuberance and vitality. It is a friendly dog, he loves people and it is loved in return. A Labrador is happy when it does something for its owner, it loves being helpful, active and obedient. It fits perfectly in a group and coexist in harmony with any living being, such as dogs, cats, horses, etc. The Labrador loves to be around people and is extremely sociable with anyone taking even the slightest interest in it; given its sweet behavior, it will not complain a lot when left alone, although it is taught to be a dog destined to be constantly around people. It is expensive and it shows that every time, sometimes it might be a little excessive, because it doesn’t realize how big and powerful it might be, therefore it is useful to teach it how to control these demonstrations of affection right from the puppy stage. Within a family, it loves everyone and loves to be around everyone, and it would also warmly welcome any stranger. It rarely barks to defend its territory, since this is not a guard dog by nature, rather it will bark to invite another dog or a person to play with it, it will bark to ask for something, however, if a stranger gets into your house, the dog will be friendly with them, like it would with someone it has known since forever. In spite of its size and its love for water which will urge it to dive in every puddle and body of water, this dog can be easily kept inside the house, as it is extraordinarily clean and composed.

leggi: Lo Standard del Labrador Retriever