Labrador

Labrador Retriever (English labrador retriever) is a breed of dog. It was originally bred as a hunting gun dog. Labradors are used for hunting, as guide dogs, rescue dogs, but mainly as companions. The breed originates on the island of Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada.

History of the breed

The history of Labradors begins in the 19th century. At that time, on the island of Newfoundland, there was a so-called "little Newfoundland", which was a faithful assistant to the fishermen. The Englishman Peter Hawker brought several of these individuals to the UK, which he called "St. John's Breed of Newfoundland. From crossing these dogs with the Curly Coated Retriever and possibly the English Foxhound and Setter, the Labrador was born.

The first breed standard was established in 1887. In 1903, only black Labradors were recognized by the English Kennel Club, but at the end of the 20th century, fawn became another acceptable color, and even later, chocolate

The first Labradors appeared in the USSR in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Appearance

Breed requirements are described in FCI Standard No. 122

Build

Strong build, downed, energetic; wide skull; wide and deep chest in the ribs; the loin and back are broad and strong.

The skull is wide. Clearly defined without fleshy cheekbones. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced. The nose is wide, the nostrils are well developed. The muzzle is massive, not lightened. Jaws of medium length, very powerful but very soft, jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Eyes of medium size, expressing intelligence and good character; brown or walnut. The ears are neither large nor heavy; hanging close to the head, set rather far back. The neck is dry, strong, massive, planted in well-placed shoulders.

The topline is level. The loin is short and strong. The chest is wide and massive, deep, with barrel-shaped ribs. A distinctive feature is a very thick tail at the base, gradually tapering towards the end, of medium length, devoid of dewlap, but dressed tightly around the circumference with short, dense hair, giving a rounded appearance, described as an otter tail. May wave happily, but should not curl over its back.

The forelegs are bony and straight from the elbows to the ground, seen from both the front and the side. The shoulders are long and sloping. The hindquarters are well developed, without sloping towards the tail. Knees well angulated. Pluses are short. Korovina is highly undesirable. Paws are rounded, compact; arched toes and well developed pads. Movements are free, covering the appropriate space; straight and regular front and back.

Wool "double" - harsh to the touch outer hair and weather-resistant undercoat. Solid color: black, fawn, brown (sometimes called liver or chocolate). In black and brown dogs, a small white spot on the chest is acceptable.

Traits

The ideal height at the withers for males is 56-57 cm, for females - 54-56 cm. Weight - 25-40 kg.

Temperament

Good character, very active. Hyperactive if dealt with properly. Excellent flair, soft grip (soft mouth), which allows not to crush the bird when serving, passion for water. Good and passionate hunter. Easily adaptable, loyal companion. Smart, insightful and obedient, affectionate, true friend. Kind by nature, without a trace of aggression or excessive timidity. In many countries (England, Finland, Sweden), in order to obtain the title of champion in exterior, it is mandatory to check for compliance with the standard in terms of behavior and psyche - working tests. The Labrador Retriever is a hunting dog, which, due to its unique qualities, can be used as a companion, guide, rescuer and for searching for explosives and drugs.

Hunting with a Labrador Retriever

For the first time, the famous Russian zoologist Leonid Sabaneev wrote about hunting with retrievers in Russia in his book “Hunting Dogs: Pointers”, published in 1896. “In Russia, retrievers are quite rare, although they, due to their quiet search and obedience, could be very suitable for forest hunting.” The Labrador, like all retrievers, is an excellent gun dog, it showed itself perfectly in duck hunting, in hunting on flights, and is also used when hunting field, marsh-meadow and upland game. Possessing a quiet unhurried search, it is especially suitable for leisurely, thorough hunters who want to enjoy communication with nature, and not run after a dog across the field and swamp. An excellent fetcher, who loves water and is not afraid of the cold, the Labrador is indispensable for autumn duck hunting and spring hunting for woodcock on draft. In autumn, when broods of black grouse break up and hide in strong places, as well as on woodcock outcrops in dense undergrowth, hunting with a Labrador is especially effective. The Labrador is an indispensable assistant in the hunt for a pheasant, a bird that likes to hide in such hard-to-reach places that it is problematic to raise it on the wing with other gun dogs. Now [when?] the Labrador Retriever is gaining more and more popularity in Russia among gun hunters, thanks not only to its working qualities, but also to its comfortable content in the city, excellent non-aggressive character and the ability to get along well with other pets.

Maintenance and care

Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to gain weight if not fed properly. Thick waterproof wool is enough combing and brushing 1-2 times a week. Labradors love movement. Adult dogs need daily long walks, at least half an hour in the morning and two hours in the evening. Puppies need lots of play and activities.