History of the Labrador Retriever breed

The Labrador Retriever was developed in England in the mid 1800s by a few private kennels dedicated to developing and refining the perfect gundog. That many such kennels were pursuing their own vision of such a dog is the reason behind the variety of today’s retriever breeds.

It’s fairly clear that there were no indigenous dogs in Newfoundland when the first fishing companies arrived. If the native Americans of the time had any, the explorers never observed them. Thus it’s quite likely that the St. Johns dogs themselves come from old English Water Dogge breeds, insofar as fishermen were the primary people on Newfoundland for centuries. There is also some speculation that the old St. Hubert’s dog might have been brought over as well – illustrations of the breed show a black, drop-eared dog with a certain resemblance to the Labrador. But it is unknown if the fishermen going to Newfoundland would have had hound dogs used for game rather than water dogs.
We can only speculate what happened, but we do know that the cod fishermen sent out from Britain practiced “shore fishing.” Small dories were used for the actual fishing, and they worked in teams of four – two in the boat and two on the shore to prepare and cure the fish. They would have needed a small dog to get in and out of the boat, with a short water repellent coat so as not to bring all the water into to the boats with them. They would have bred for a strong retrieving instinct to help retrieve fish and swimming lines, and a high degree of endurance to work long hours. If the runs were heavy, the fishermen were reputed to go for as long as twenty hours to haul the fish in. The dog developed for this early work could be found in several varieties: a smaller one for the fishing boats, and a larger one with a heavier coat for drafting.
The smaller dog has been called, variously, the Lesser St. John’s dog, the Lesser Newfoundland, or even the Labrador. These dogs came from Newfoundland; it is unknown why the name “Labrador” was chosen except possibly through geographical confusion.
Charles Eley, in History of Retrievers at the end of the 19th century comments: The story […] was that the first Labrador to reach England swam ashore from vessels which brought cod from Newfoundland […] It was claimed for them that their maritime existence […] had resulted in webbed feet, a coat impervious to water like that of an otter, and a short, thick ‘swordlike’ tail, with which to steer safely their stoutly made frames amid the breakers of the ocean. Part of the confusion over the names is that “St. John’s dog” and “Newfoundland dog” were used interchangeably for both the greater (larger) and lesser (smaller) varieties. And the term Labrador has also been used to refer to the lesser St. John’s dog, especially in the latter half of the 19th century.
The greater is commonly held to be the direct ancestor of today’s Newfoundland, while the lesser was used to develop many of the retrieving breeds, including today’s Labrador. The exact relationship between the two varieties of the St. Johns dog (and some 19th century writers listed up to four varieties) is also unclear; we don’t know which came first, or to what degree they were related. Certainly the greater St. Johns dog was first imported to England nearly a hundred years earlier, and many contemporary and modern day writers assume that the lesser was developed from the greater but we have no real evidence one way or another.
Newfoundland has been used for fishing and other activities since approximately 1450 so there has been plenty of time for the development of the St. Johns dog and its varieties.

By the turn of the century, these retrievers were appearing in the British Kennel Club’s events. At this point, retrievers from the same litter could wind up being registered as different retrievers. The initial category of “Retrievers” included curly coats, flat coats, liver-colored retrievers and the Norfolk retriever (now extinct). As types became fixed, separate breeds were created for each and the Labrador Retriever finally gained its separate registration under the Kennel Club in 1903. While there have been strains of Labradors bred pure up to this time, it is unknown how many of these cross-bred dogs were folded into “Labradors” or into other breeds as the registrations began to separate. Many breeders feel that crossbreeding at this time accounts for much of the poor type that can appear today; however claims about the use of Pointers or Rottweilers can probably be safely discounted. The first two decades in the 20th century saw the formation in Britain of some of the most influential kennels that provided the basis for the breed as we know it today. Lord Knutsford’s Munden Labradors, and Lady Howe’s Banchory Labradors are among several. At this time, many dogs distinguished themselves in both field trials and conformation shows; the high number of Dual Champions at this time attests to the breed’s versatility.
Labradors were first imported to the United States during World War I. At this point, the AKC still classified them as “Retrievers;” it was not until the late 1920’s that the retrievers were split up into the breeds we know today in the AKC. The Labrador Retriever has been used heavily in the US as a gundog; the American Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC, Inc), is to this day primarily a field trial organization, and it was instrumental in forming the AKC field trials. The two World Wars greatly diminished the breed in numbers (as it did many others). After the second World War saw the rise of the Labrador Retriever in the United States, where Britain’s Sandylands kennel through imports going back to Eng CH Sandyland’s Mark influenced the shape and direction the show lines took in this country. Other influential dogs include American Dual CH Shed of Arden, a grandson of English Dual CH Banchory Bolo, especially evident in field trial lines. This return trip to the Americas resulted in the widely expanded use of the Labrador as a gun dog. In Britain, the Labrador was, and still is, used primarily for upland game hunting. Typically, separate breeds were used for different tasks; and the Labrador was strictly for marking the fall, tracking and retrieving the game. But in the United States and Canada, the breed’s excellence at waterfowl work and game finding became apparent and the Labrador soon proved himself adaptable to the wider and rougher range of hunting conditions available.
In the earliest years of the Labrador, yellows were simply culled. The first registered yellow was Ben of Hyde, out of two black dogs, themselves from import stock. Ben produced many yellows when bred to black bitches.
Oddly, his yellow littermate Juno produced few if any yellows when she was bred to blacks. However, bitches produce few puppies compared to dogs so chance probably stepped in with homozygous dominant black mates for Juno. The anti-yellow sentiment was so strong that in the 1920’s experienced breeders reported being directed to the Golden Retriever ring! At this point, dogs of this color did suffer a wide variation of incorrect type.
A separate standard was briefly drawn up to address this problem, but eventually it was felt that yellows should simply adhere to the same standard as blacks. Today, you will find as many, if not more, yellows as blacks of the same quality. Only in some hunting circles will you still find the erroneous opinion that “blacks make better hunters.”
                Chocolates: Chocolates, like yellows, have also been present all along in the breed. In fact, the well known story of the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever refers to an 1807 shipwreck involving two St. John’s dogs probably destined for Poole and hence to Malmesbury or Buccleuch: one black and one liver. Some believe that the chocolate color was introduced into Labradors around the turn of the century by crossing with Pointers.

This is unlikely for several reasons:
* Prior documented presence of livers in the St. John’s dogs.
* The presence of the liver color in many other closely related breeds, such as the Flat-coat, Chesapeake, and Newfoundland.
* Since liver is recessive to black, it is perfectly possible to “hide” the gene in many generations of black, especially if the occasional liver is quietly culled. Chocolate Labradors have gained favor much more slowly than the yellows have, although culling of them probably declined about the same time. They did well in early field trials at the turn of the century but it was not until 1964 that Britain had its first chocolate bench champion, Cookridge Tango. Chocolates are by far the rarest color in the ring, whether show or field. They are increasing in popularity steadily, though, and in another 10 years may equal the other colors in numbers, acceptance, and quality. Prejudice against chocolates in both show and field arenas is still widely present today. They are either “too ugly” for the show ring or “too stupid/stubborn” for the field.

The Labrador Retriever has steadily become one of the world’s most popular breeds.This popularity has been attained not only because of the breed’s primary function as a remarkable retriever, but also because of its sound temperament, trainability and versatility. Labradors are widely used as seeing eye dogs, as assistants for the disabled, as search and rescue dogs, in bomb and drug detection work, hunting companions, therapy dogs and as beloved family companions.
This interpretation will help to underline the essential characteristics of the Labrador without which any individual dog is not representative of the breed and does not possess breed “type.” While it is critical that the Labrador be “sound,” evaluation of the breed solely on this factor is incorrect and detrimental. No true evaluation of the breed can take place without a thorough knowledge of breed “type”: those defining characteristics which distinguish the Labrador from all other breeds and help it accomplish its work as an incomparable retriever.
While judges, breeders and exhibitors must always evaluate individual dogs against the breed standard, it is equally obvious that no standard is absolutely perfect or totally comprehensive. This is true of the Canadian Kennel Club Labrador Retriever Standard which, for example, makes no reference to the breed’s double coat, or undercoat, an essential characteristic of the breed. The standard is equally vague about such essentials as the proportion of skull to muzzle, the proportion of body length to height, and the proportion of leg length to depth of body. The old cliche that “standards are written for those who already know the breed” is certainly true of our standard.
The purpose of this interpretation is not to rewrite or replace the standard but to clarify and supplement the standard with knowledge that has developed over the decades within the Labrador Retriever community about essential breed characteristics. Any true evaluation of the Labrador must move beyond the sound, showy, “generic” dog to an understanding and appreciation of those qualities which typify the breed and distinguish it from all others. Without Labrador type there is no Labrador

               GENERAL APPEARANCE

The general appearance of the Labrador should be that of a strongly built, short-coupled very active dog. He should be fairly wide over the loins, and strong and muscular in the hindquarters. The coat should be close, short, dense and free from feather.

Commentary
The opening section of the standard emphasizes those qualities which make the Labrador what it is: a powerful, rugged , athletic retriever. Any evaluation of the Labrador must be done with the dog’s function as a working retriever foremost in mind. Working Condition should not be confused with “Field Trial Condition”. The Labrador is a strong,stocky, powerful dog but he must not be cloddy or cumbersome. Neither must he be weedy or racy. Moderation should be the key when considering the Labrador Retriever.

The breed should display not only power but agility and athleticism, as suggested by the word active”, and should not only be powerful enough to retrieve heavy game, but agile enough to capture game that is only wounded. Labradors should be able to retrieve a large goose or run down a wounded pheasant. Labradors should be capable of a days work which requires agility, strength and stamina. But it must be remembered that the breed’s work is not that of a setter or spaniel. Although some Labradors are used to flush upland game, their primary function is to retrieve, which requires athleticism and the power necessary for short, intense bursts of speed –note the standard’s emphasis on strongly built, short coupled, and muscular hindquarters.
The other emphasis in this section is on correct, close, dense, free from feather coat, a necessity for a dog who must be out in all types of foul weather and who must often wait quietly in wet or freezing conditions for the next retrieve. A poor quality coat would fail to protect the dog against the elements. Although the standard does not specifically give the proportions for the breed’s outline, the general appearance should be that of a slightly off-square dog rather than rectangular. Distance from withers to elbow should approximate distance from elbow to ground.

               SIZE

Approximate weights of dogs and bitches in working condition dogs: 60 to 75 pounds (27 – 34 kg); bitches 55 to 70 pounds (25 – 32 kg).
Height at shoulders– Dogs: 22-1/2 to 24-1/2 (57 – 62 cm) inches; bitches: 21-1/2 to 23-1/2 inches (54 – 60 cm).

                Commentary:
Size in Labradors has recently become a contentious issue. Obviously, Labradors within the standard’s range are acceptable. Animals outside these ranges may either lack the power and strength or the agility to do the work required of the breed. In practice, many breeders strive for a medium sized dog that possesses both power and athleticism. To meet these requirements the Labrador must be in firm, fit condition, not fat and flabby, nor thin and racey. It should be noted that today’s Labrador, in show condition, may carry more weight than described in the official standard, provided it is well muscled and not fat.

                COAT AND COLOUR

The coat is another very distinctive feature, it should be short, very dense and without wave, and should give a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The colours are black, yellow, or chocolate and are evaluated as follows:
(a) Blacks: all black, with a small white spot on chest permissible. Eyes to be of medium size, expressing intelligence and good temper, preferably brown or hazel.
(b) Yellows: Yellows may vary in colour from fox-red to light cream with variations in the shading of the coat on ears, the underparts of the dog, or beneath the tail. A small white spot on chest is permissible. Eye colouring and expression should be the same as that of the blacks, with black or dark brown eye rims. The nose should also be black or dark brown, although ‘fading’ to pink in winter weather is not serious. A ‘Dudley’ nose (pink without pigmentation), should be penalized.
(c) Chocolates: Shades ranging from light sedge to chocolate. A small white spot on chest is permissible. Eyes to be light brown to clear yellow. Nose and eye-rim pigmentation dark brown or liver coloured. ‘Fading’ to pink in winter weather not serious. ‘Dudley’ nose should be penalized.

Commentary:
The outer coat is close, short and dense and has a “hard” feeling, yet not as harsh as a terrier coat. There is often a slight wave down the back in good textured coats. The coat should look healthy but not shiny, rather it has a matt finish. Shiny coats are often single coats with no undercoat. The Canadian standard makes no mention of undercoat; this is a serious omission. There should be a soft dense water-resistant undercoat that provides protection from water, cold, and rough terrain. Depending on climate, time of year, and oestrus, the coat might be thinner and have less undercoat. But there should always be some undercoat present and the outer coat should give evidence of a good hard texture.
The Labrador’s coat blunts the angles and hollows of the dog and gives the typical rounded appearance of the breed which should be created from coat rather than from fat. Wooly coats, soft coats, lack of hard texture, and single coats without undercoat should be severely penalized as these coats are not suitable for a working Labrador.
There are few hunting experiences as pathetic as sitting in a waterfowl blind with a sodden, freezing Labrador who is miserable because his coat offers no protection from the elements. The Labrador is a natural dog and there should be no trimming, scissoring or sculpting of the coat other than to trim the hair between the pads and remove the corkscrew hair from the tail, if desired. Sprays and other artificial enhancements of coat also have no place in the breed and should be looked upon unfavourably. The Labrador should be shown in a clean and natural condition and should be capable, if having the proper coat, of doing a mornings work in the field and be in the conformation ring in the afternoon without any preparation other than a good combing or brushing.
In the Labrador, all three colours have equal value. Each Labrador should be held to the same standard of perfection regardless of its colour. When judging the Labrador, colour must not be a consideration. In some geographic locations or at certain times, one colour may be superior, but this is only a localized occurrence and is not true of the breed as a whole. In all colours a small white spot on the chest is permissible, but most breeders would prefer not to have such a spot. On occasion white hairs may be found between the pads, on the stomach and groin, and under the guard hair near the base of the tail. Not usually visible, these white hairs should not be considered faults. In yellows, the colour may vary from fox red to almost white. Again no shade is more acceptable than another.
There are also shadings in individual coats with the ears, hocks and back being usually a darker shade and underparts and back of hind legs being lighter. Some yellows have a mask of darker yellow hair around the muzzle sometimes reaching up as far as the brows. If this gives a hard, atypical look and ruins expression, it should be penalized. Yellows with bad coats tend to have soft, fluffy coats with plenty of undercoat but no hard guard hair. Occasionally blacks with poor coats tend to have single, shiny coats with no undercoat. Black and chocolate coats are particularly affected by the sun. Black coats will typically take on a brown cast and chocolate will look very faded and patchy. Coats with brindle or tan markings are totally unacceptable and should be so severely penalized as to be unworthy of an award. Some Labradors have cow-licks which should only be considered faults if they interfere with expression.

               HEAD

The skull should be wide, giving brain room; there should be a slight stop, i.e. the brow should be slightly pronounced, so that the skull is not absolutely in a straight line with the nose. The head should be clean-cut and free from fleshy cheeks. The jaws should be long and powerful and free from snipiness; the nose should be wide and the nostrils well developed. Teeth should be strong and regular, with a level mouth. The ears should hang moderately close to the head, rather far back, should be set somewhat low and not be large and heavy. The eyes should be of medium size, expressing great intelligence and good temper, and can be brown, yellow or black, but brown or black is preferred.

 

Commentary
The forechest is well developed, but the prosternum is not exaggerated. The chest is of medium width and should not be pinched or narrow. Neither should it give the wide appearance of a bulldog type front. The chest should taper between the forelegs which permits unrestricted foreleg movement. In mature dogs the chest will usually reach to the elbows and will be approximately the width of a man’s hand between the forelegs. There is a greater spring of ribs in the breed than in other retrievers, but the ribs should not be completely barrel shaped. The ribs spring from the backbone like the staves in a barrel but then should narrow to a “keel” where they meet the breast bone. In cross section the ribs would look more round than oval as they spring from the spine. Slab sided or barrel-shaped Labradors are very undesirable. This greater spring of rib produces a wide, strong back that does not narrow appreciably through the loin.
There should be no noticeable appearance of a waist on a mature dog when viewed from above. The loins should be short, strong and wide. The ribs run well back, and the Labrador is more short coupled that other retriever breeds. The back is level and there is no slope to the loin. The back should not be slack, roached or swayed.
Soft, dipped, top lines are all too common in the breed. Bitches will be a little longer cast than males. The underline has a very slight curve from the bottom of the chest to the loin, but there should be no apparent tuck up, particularly in a mature dog. Sometimes immature bitches in particular will have a tuck up but this should disappear as they mature and have a litter.

                HINDQUARTERS

Stifles well turned, and the hindquarters well developed and of great power. The hocks should be well bent, and the dog must neither be cowhocked nor be too wide behind; in fact, he must stand and move true all around on legs and feet. Legs should be of medium length, showing good bone and muscle, but not so short as to be out of balance with rest of body. In fact, a dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects.

Differences between Labradors and Golden Retrievers

Labrador vs Retriever – What’s the Difference?

Retrievers are a group of dog breeds originally developed to retrieve game for hunters, both on land and in water. Labradors fall under this group. In fact, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most well-known retriever breeds. Other types include Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and Irish Water Spaniels. There are even breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, recognized by other kennel clubs.

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Do Labradors Shed?

Yes, Labradors shed. They have a dense double coat that protects them from water and cold. Most Labs will “blow” their coat twice a year, but mild shedding can happen all year round. While they shed less than heavy-shedding breeds like the Malamute, you’ll still find some fur around the house.

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Grooming Needs

Labradors need weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. A slicker brush works best. Their nails should be trimmed regularly—ask your vet to show you how if you’re unsure. Baths aren’t needed often; a full shampoo is only necessary if your dog smells or is very dirty. Overbathing can remove natural oils, which help keep their coat water- and dirt-resistant.

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Are Labradors Hyper?

Labradors are energetic, especially when young, but they’re not meant to be hyper. Poor breeding practices may result in overly excitable dogs. A well-bred Labrador with proper training and exercise should be calm and balanced. They mature slowly and can act like puppies until about age three. With consistency and patience, they grow into loyal, well-behaved companions.

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Popularity and Demand

Labradors are among the most popular breeds in the world. This popularity can lead to irresponsible breeding focused on profit over quality. Always research breeders, ask for references, and avoid buying from someone who cannot clearly explain the price or show proof of health testing.

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Guarding Abilities

Labradors aren’t natural guard dogs. They may bark at unusual sounds or strangers, but they are more likely to greet someone with a wagging tail than aggression. If you want an alarm barker rather than a protector, a Lab fits the role.

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What Can Labradors Do?

Labradors are versatile and intelligent. They excel in hunting, field trials, and family life. They’re commonly used as service dogs, therapy animals, and in search and rescue. Their strong nose and trainability also make them excellent detection dogs for narcotics, explosives, and arson work.

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Are They Good with Kids?

Labradors are generally great with children. They are patient and playful but should still be supervised around young kids. Puppies can be clumsy and may knock children over during play. Training both your dog and your child on how to interact safely is key to a good relationship.

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Do Labradors Like Water?

Most Labradors love to swim, though some puppies may need a gentle introduction. Never force them into water. Let them explore at their own pace, preferably in a safe, shallow area. If you have a pool, teach your dog how to safely exit and always supervise.

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Golden vs Yellow Labradors

There’s no such thing as a “Golden Labrador.” Labradors come in three official colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Yellow can range from nearly white to a deep fox red. Golden Retrievers are a completely different breed, though the names often get confused.

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Are There Other Labrador Colors?

Only black, chocolate, and yellow are accepted colors. Some Labs may appear lighter or darker, but anything outside these shades—like silver or blue—is not recognized and often results from crossbreeding. Be wary of breeders selling “rare” colors at a premium.

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Color Genetics

Labrador puppies can be born in any of the three colors, depending on the genes of the parents. Two yellow parents will only produce yellow puppies. Two chocolate parents can produce chocolate or yellow pups, but not black. Genetics dictate color—not behavior or talent.

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Are There Temperament Differences by Color?

No. Coat color does not affect temperament or ability. All Labs, regardless of color, can be equally talented and affectionate. The idea that certain colors behave differently is a myth.

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What’s a Dudley Labrador?

A “Dudley” is a yellow Lab with pink or light-colored pigmentation on the nose and around the eyes. While this isn’t ideal for show purposes, it doesn’t affect health or personality.

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What About Pink Noses?

It’s normal for some Labs, especially in winter, to have lighter noses. This seasonal fading happens in other breeds too and is harmless. To tell the difference between this and a Dudley, check the eye rims and gums—true Dudleys lack pigmentation in those areas.

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Do Labradors Bark a Lot?

Labradors typically don’t bark excessively. Most will alert you to strangers or strange sounds, but they are not known to be yappy.

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Male or Female – Which Is Better?

Both sexes make great pets. Males are usually more affectionate and clingy, while females can be more independent. It depends on your personal preference and lifestyle.

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How to Choose a Labrador Puppy

Decide what you want in terms of sex, color, and temperament. Then, find a responsible breeder who understands their puppies and can help match you with the right one. Breeders often know their litters well and can guide your decision.