Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Qualities Of English Labradors

By Alyce Powell


Anyone looking for a great family dog should consider English Labradors. These beautiful and intelligent animals are well known for their great temperaments. They love to be around children and are extremely playful. Most of the breed are also very healthy and can live well into their teenage years.

The modern Labrador is descended from the St Johns water dog of Newfoundland, Canada. The breed was developed by mixing the best characteristics of many other dogs. The early settlers from Portugal bought their animals with them and slowly over time they developed a type of dog that was highly intelligent, hard working and trust worthy. Visitors were so impressed with the dogs that they began to bring them back to England and start breeding program.

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.

The Labrador is known for being highly intelligent and easy to train. They are also very loyal and obedient. Many dogs today are trained for a specific job. Working as an assistant to a blind or deaf person is one of the jobs that a Labrador is ideal suited to. They are also used by the police and border services to sniff out drugs. The dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and can find even the best concealed of items.

The foundation stock of the modern English Labrador were two animals named Ned and Avon. From these humble working dogs came the breed we know today. They were much smaller and plainer in looks. Some had white markings on the chest and feet. Occasionally the white chest marking, known as a medallion, will appear in a puppy today.

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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