Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Characteristics Of English Labradors

By Alyce Powell


Anyone looking for a great family dog should consider English Labradors. These beautiful and intelligent animals are well known for their great temperaments. They love to be around children and are extremely playful. Most of the breed are also very healthy and can live well into their teenage years.

Most people do not know that the modern Labrador as a breed actually originated in Canada. The early settlers were mainly fishermen from Portugal who brought their dogs with them. These animals had a long tradition of helping their owners by hauling in the nets, pulling ropes and even towing the small fishing boats. They were also very tough and completely at home in the water.

The Labrador as a breed originates in Newfoundland, Canada. The original settlers to the island brought their dogs with them. Many of these settlers were from Portugal and their highly intelligent water dogs came with them. Over the years a distinct breed developed. The dogs were smaller and of thinner build than their modern counterparts. They had short thick hair that dried faster after they had been in the freezing waters.

In England the breed was further developed to work specifically as gun dogs. They were excellent retrievers and would go out and pick up the birds that were shot. Their inherent love of water made them perfect for retrieving water fowl as well. The breeding program was so successful that the dogs have been valued all over the world.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century a Scottish nobleman the Duke of Buccleuch was visiting Newfoundland and saw some of the dogs at work. He immediately recognized their potential to work as gun dogs for the aristocrats of England. Right away he made arrangements to purchase some dogs and have them shipped by to his kennel.

In recent years new programs have started that train dogs especially to work with special needs children. Many autistic kids now have their own Labrador who goes everywhere with them. These service dogs are able to bring a whole new level of joy to many children's lives. They provide a warm and loving friend in a world that can often be over whelming to the child. Dogs also go to hospitals and retirement homes to interact with the patients.

Anyone looking for a Labrador puppy should spend time looking for a well established and reputable breeder. They should visit the kennel and meet the parents of the dogs they are considering. Most litters have between five and ten puppies, with seven being the average. A family should never rush into getting a dog, it is a lifelong commitment and not a decision to make on the spur of the moment.

Choosing English Labradors is an excellent decision. They are perfect as either a family pet or a working dog. They are tough, hardy animals who need lots of exercise. Yet at the same time they give a tremendous amount of love and loyalty back to their family.




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