..Labrador Origins....

Labradors are believed to have originated from Newfoundland (off the coast of Canada) and were taken to England on fishing boats in the early 19th century. In England they were developed as a hunting dog, and were being used for retrieving game in icy waters and rugged terrain. They were popular as they were tough, strong dogs with excellent scenting powers and a strong desire to please. Which is probably why even today Labrador Retreivers are one of the most popular breeds with shooters and are also used extensively as guide dogs, police dogs, drug detection dogs, and assistance/therapy dogs. The Labrador Retriever is a breed that is known as a great family dog. They are gentle with children and the elderly although Labrador puppies are full of energy which should be kept in mind when considering a labrador as a pet. Their lifespan is between 12-15 years of age. The Labrador Retriever has a stable temperament and adapts to new surroundings easily. It is not an aggressive dog, but more of a "warning dog" and will bark to ward off strangers. The official description of a Labrador Retriever from the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) is as follows; Height: Dogs 56 - 57 cms (22 to 221/2; ins) at withers Bitches 54.5 - 56 cms (211/2 to 22 ins) at withers
Colours The Labrador Retriever coat colours are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other colour or a combination of colours is a disqualification for the pedigree breed. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. See our Labrador Colours section for more information
There are some great links which give us an insight into the origins of the Labrador Retriever as a breed. Below are some links to sites, books or articles that I have stumbled across or been given over the years.. Some of the sites are from the English origins of the Labradors and some are from the American origins but it all makes interesting reading. Lorken Farms - Labrador origins and timeline - including photos & information on the Eng Ch Banchory Bolo - from Lorken Labradors USA Australian National Kennel Council - Breed Standard

Labradors are believed to have originated from Newfoundland (off the coast of Canada) and were taken to England on fishing boats in the early 19th century. In England they were developed as a hunting dog, and were being used for retrieving game in icy waters and rugged terrain. They were popular as they were tough, strong dogs with excellent scenting powers and a strong desire to please. Which is probably why even today Labrador Retreivers are one of the most popular breeds with shooters and are also used extensively as guide dogs, police dogs, drug detection dogs, and assistance/therapy dogs.

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that is known as a great family dog. They are gentle with children and the elderly although Labrador puppies are full of energy which should be kept in mind when considering a labrador as a pet. Their lifespan is between 12-15 years of age.

The Labrador Retriever has a stable temperament and adapts to new surroundings easily. It is not an aggressive dog, but more of a "warning dog" and will bark to ward off strangers.

The official description of a Labrador Retriever from the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) is as follows;

Height:

Dogs 56 - 57 cms (22 to 221/2; ins) at withers

Bitches 54.5 - 56 cms (211/2 to 22 ins) at withers

Colours
The Labrador Retriever coat colours are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other colour or a combination of colours is a disqualification for the pedigree breed. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. See our Labrador Colours section for more information

There are some great links which give us an insight into the origins of the Labrador Retriever as a breed. Below are some links to sites, books or articles that I have stumbled across or been given over the years.. Some of the sites are from the English origins of the Labradors and some are from the American origins but it all makes interesting reading.

Lorken Farms - Labrador origins and timeline - including photos & information on the Eng Ch Banchory Bolo - from Lorken Labradors USA

Australian National Kennel Council - Breed Standard