Most people are familiar with the English Labradors. They are now one of the most popular breeds of family dog. They are well known for their excellent temperament, loyalty and playfulness. They are also quite hardy and usually enjoy good health. Despite their popularity few people are familiar with their origins.
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.
Because of their intelligence the dogs can be trained for many tasks. Traditionally they were working gun dogs who would plunge into frigid water without a seconds hesitation. Today many of the dogs are trained for careers as therapy dogs. Their kind and affectionate nature makes them perfect to work in many settings. Autistic children often receive their own well trained Labrador who accompanies them everywhere.
English Labradors make the perfect family pet. They are friendly, loyal and usually very good with children. Many families get a puppy so that their kids can grow up with the dog. Taking care of a pet helps to teach them about responsibility and commitment.
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.
Because of their intelligence the dogs can be trained for many tasks. Traditionally they were working gun dogs who would plunge into frigid water without a seconds hesitation. Today many of the dogs are trained for careers as therapy dogs. Their kind and affectionate nature makes them perfect to work in many settings. Autistic children often receive their own well trained Labrador who accompanies them everywhere.
English Labradors make the perfect family pet. They are friendly, loyal and usually very good with children. Many families get a puppy so that their kids can grow up with the dog. Taking care of a pet helps to teach them about responsibility and commitment.
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If you want to know more about English Labradors, click this link to www.snowypineswhitelabs.com. Snowy Pines White Labs is a family business that has been breeding, raising and selling AKC registered Labs for two generations and you can find us online today at http://www.snowypineswhitelabs.com.