The Labrador retriever came from the part of Canada that bears its name, which is an island located in the most northern part of the province of Newfoundland. This one among several facts about the dog breed that
became American Kennel Club's (AKC) most popular breed in 1991 and has remained on the top spot ever since. The Labrador retriever is easily one of the most recognizable breeds in the United States and it appears that it may remain that way,
according to DogTime.
Experts believe that the breed came from a mix of St. John's, Newfoundland, and other water dogs. Experts believe that the first Labrador retrievers surfaced around the 1700s in Newfoundland. The breed did not start out as hunting companions, but worked alongside fishermen, hauling nets and ropes, and retrieving fish that slipped through the nets.
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The second Earl of Malmesbury took the Labrador retriever to England in 1830, where the dogs received their training to become retrievers for hunters. The breed flourished in the United Kingdom while the Labrador retrievers eventually died off in Newfoundland because of the taxes and restrictions imposed on dog owners. The AKC officially recognized Labrador retrievers in 1917 and more Labrador retrievers arrived in the U.S. in the following decades to establish the breeding stocks in the country.
The temperament of Labrador retrievers is easily one reason people fall in love with the breed. Labrador retrievers are very affectionate, sweet natured and extremely friendly toward people and other animals,
according to the Labrador Retriever Club. This friendliness is also the reason why Labrador retrievers make poor guard dogs as they are more likely to welcome intruders rather dissuade them from entering. Labrador retrievers are also highly intelligent, eager to please and highly adaptable.
Based on the breed standards, male Labrador retrievers should stand between 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches at the withers while females are around 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches tall at the withers. Labrador retrievers love to eat and have the tendency to become obese. It is worth noting for owners that the ideal weight of male Labrador retrievers is 65 to 80 pounds and 55 to 70 pounds for females.
Labrador retrievers, especially the working lines from gun dog breeders are athletic and highly energetic dogs. They are born to work and will definitely need more exercise and activity than a typical walk around the block. Neglected Labrador retrievers will likely channel their energy in annoying habits and even destructive behaviors. They thrive well in homes with spacious yards where the dogs can run free and expend their energy.
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The popularity of Labrador retrievers has led to the indiscriminate breeding of the dogs, which has resulted in poor quality Labrador retrievers with a number of health conditions. To help curb this practice, purchase your Labrador retrievers only from reputable gun dog breeders or any other breeders certified by the AKC and The Labrador Retriever Club.
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