| As origins go, the one of Labradors (or Labrador | | | | play!" A Retriever requires time and effort from you. |
| Retriever as they are more correctly known) is | | | | Also, this is not a breed that deals well with |
| rather remarkable--most people assume that the dog | | | | separation. Labradors want to be with you... at all |
| comes from Labrador. This, of course, is inaccurate. | | | | times. Whether you're stepping out to get the paper |
| This breed's origins start in Newfoundland (the actual | | | | or going to the store, your pet will want to be a part |
| name 'Labrador' may come from the Labrador | | | | of it. And, since this is not always possible, a |
| Current found nearby or the Portuguese word | | | | Labrador may stoop to tearing or clawing. Not |
| 'labrador', meaning laborer). Not so remarkable yet, | | | | everyone can deal with this. And, if you are looking |
| but the difference between the Retriever's origins | | | | for a protector, this is not the proper dog. While a |
| and other breeds is that no one is certain what dogs | | | | Labrador will bark and is fiercely loyal to its owners, it |
| were crossed to create it. Most assume that the | | | | is not an aggressive breed by nature. This type of |
| Greater Newfoundland played a part, but the rest is | | | | dog would be more likely to lick a stranger than bite. |
| speculation. What is known is the instant popularity of | | | | As watchdogs, they fair better--but, for those |
| the breed.Just as it is today, the Labrador Retriever | | | | seeking something with a stronger temperament, this |
| was immensely popular. Its versatility, stamina and | | | | is not the breed.Still, if you are looking for a constant |
| eagerness to please marked it as the perfect | | | | companion, this is the perfect dog. Its sweet nature |
| companion for both worker and noble. Fisherman | | | | and high intelligence make it easy to train (even if it |
| would take these dogs in their boats to retrieve fish | | | | does have a stubborn streak) and its playful |
| that escaped the nets; landowners would use them | | | | temperament makes for a perfect "family" dog. |
| for hunting parties and as companions. Whatever the | | | | Labradors are especially good with children and other |
| situation, the Labrador Retriever seemed more than | | | | animals.The great difficulty in finding a Labrador (after |
| capable.That seems to still be the opinion for the | | | | you have decided that it is the right dog for you) is |
| Retriever is most popular of all dog breeds. But why? | | | | finding a credible breeder. Due to its popularity, |
| Why the devotion to this particular dog?It's actually | | | | Labradors have been the long-time favorites of |
| quite simple: Labradors have the unique ability to be | | | | puppy mills and breeders more interested in selling |
| workers and playmates. Their sweet natures and | | | | you a dog, then making sure it's a proper one. These |
| loyalty make them ideal for families; their physical | | | | mills do not check for lineage or even diseases. |
| abilities make them perfect for those needing help | | | | Instead, they breed as many pups as possible for |
| with herding, fishing, hunting, serving as guide | | | | profit.You must avoid these mills at all costs! The |
| dogs, etc. And, with its willingness to do whatever is | | | | Labrador you would be sold would not--in almost |
| required of it, this is a breed equally suited for | | | | every case--be a healthy, normal pup. Instead, it |
| watchdog or traveling companion. It only wants to be | | | | would be more prone to diseases and temperament |
| with you; the rest is just extra.With this in mind, | | | | complications. You must, instead, seek out reputable |
| many believe the Labrador to be the only dog breed | | | | breeders who scan for all problems and only produce |
| to consider. After all, it is the most popular and how | | | | pups that will be a credit to the breed.Labradors, |
| can so many people be wrong? This is never the | | | | while not perfect for everyone, are some of the |
| way to think when preparing to buy a dog--what | | | | most versatile and loving dogs. If you find a place for |
| works for one family may not work for yours. The | | | | them in your home, they will be devoted to you and |
| truth is: despite their multiple advantages, the | | | | your family.Rich Cussons is a champion for dogs of all |
| Labrador is not right for all. It is a highly energetic | | | | breeds and Labradors in particular. You will find out |
| breed and requires regular exercise and activity.This is | | | | more about Labradors at the Labrador Savvy |
| not a dog to simply lock in the yard and say, "Go | | | | website. |