The general appearance of the Labrador should
be that of a strongly built, short-coupled, very active dog. He should be fairly wide over
the loins and strong and muscular in the hindquarters. The coat should be close, short,
dense and free from feather. (From the Standard)The Labrador
Retriever originated on the cold reaches of Newfoundland. This small water dog worked for
Newfoundland’s fishermen. The fishing boats could not come close to shore and it was
the dog’s task to swim in the icy water, dragging the full fishnets to the men on
shore. They were natural retrievers even then.
In the early 19th century, the Earl of Maimesbury who was
responsible for the Labrador title introduced the breed in England. The title stuck, and
the dogs were considered by British sportsmen as the best for any kind of hunting.
The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1903. The Labrador Retriever’s
colors are black, yellow, or chocolate.
