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About the Labrador Retriever

The capabilities of the Labrador Retriever's , fine temperament, and dependability have established it as one of the prime breeds for service as guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue workers and most importantly, loyal family members. The Labrador Retriever has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog and loyal companion.

"Originally bred in Newfoundland and Labrador, this outgoing, energetic and eager-to-please breed has found it's way into the hearts and homes of humans worldwide, and is now North America's most popular breed. " -George Watson of the Associated Press, New York,dated February 4, 2000.

The Labrador Retriever is generally known as coming from Newfoundland rather than Labrador. Early in the 19th century a traveler named Earl of Malmesbury was introduced to the water dogs in Canada and was so impressed with the retrieving water dogs that he managed to have some of the water dogs imported and carried to England by fishermen. In 1830, a British Colonel acknowledged the Newfoundland, later calling it the St. John's breed of water dog, known today as the Labrador . The Earl wanted to breed an all purpose retrieving dog. In 1899 a yellow dog, Ben Hyde was born from two black parents. Each yellow Labrador today is descended from him. The chocolate Lab is not an original color of the breed and is thought to be the result of various crosses with other breeds. The Labrador pedigrees go back as far as 1878. The Labrador Retriever was recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration of Labradors by the American Kennel Club was in 1917.