Labrador Retriever History

The Labrador Retriever, despite his name, did not come from Labrador, but from Newfoundland. The area was populated with small water dogs, who, when bred with Newfoundlands, produced a breed referred to as the St. John's Water Dog, a prototype for the Lab of today. Early in the 19th century, the Earl of Malmesbury reputedly saw one of the dogs of this type and had it imported; in 1830, the noted British sportsman Colonel Hawker referred to the Lab as "the best for any kind of shooting...generally black and no bigger than a Pointer, very fine in legs, with short, smooth hair...is extremely quick running, swimming, and fighting...and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited."  Initially, the dogs were not known as Labradors until the Duke of Malmesbury admitted that he "always called [his] Labrador dogs." However, the breed eventually died out in Newfoundland due to a heavy dog tax and quarantine law. Many Labs were interbred with other types of retrievers, but luckily, the breed prevailed and fanciers drew up a definitive standard. Accurate pedigrees of today's Labs go back as far as 1878. The Lab was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration of Labradors by the AKC was in 1917, and from the 1920s through the '30s, there was a great influx of British dogs that formed the backbone of the breed in this country.

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Labrador Breed Standard is from www.akc.org ,click link to see complete breed standard for the Labrador Retriever .  
General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.
Above all, a Labrador Retriever must be well balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloddiness. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.                                                            
Size, Proportion and Substance
Size--The height at the withers for a dog is 22" to 24" inches; for a bitch is 21" to 23" inches. Any variance greater than 1/2 inch above or below these heights is a disqualification. Approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working condition: dogs 65 to 80 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds.
The minimum height ranges set forth in the paragraph above shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.
Proportion--Short-coupled; length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump is equal to or slightly longer than the distance from the withers to the ground. Distance from the elbow to the ground should be equal to one half of the height at the withers. The brisket should extend to the elbows, but not perceptibly deeper. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight, free and efficient stride; but the dog should never appear low and long or tall and leggy in outline. Substance--Substance and bone proportionate to the overall dog. Light, "weedy" individuals are definitely incorrect; equally objectionable are cloddy lumbering specimens. Labrador Retrievers shall be shown in working condition well-muscled and without excess fat.
Temperament
True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult should be severely penalized.
Disqualifications
1. Any deviation from the height prescribed in the Standard.
2. A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment.
3. Eye rims without pigment.
4. Docking or otherwise altering the length or natural carriage of the tail.
5. Any other color or a combination of colors other than black, yellow or chocolate as described in the Standard.

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Pictures of labs from the past :

Whygin Royal Rocket                             ~  Whygin Poppit , John Duck and Robroy

Lawnwoods Hot Chocolate                         ~ Campbellcroft Angus


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NEW LINK - Labrador Retriever Origins and Time Line . Very good information, also has pictures of early Labs / St. Johns Water Dogs

Additional Labrador Retriever Information- From the "LabbyFan" website- owned by our daughter.

What can I say about the Labrador Retriever that hasn't already been stated ? I guess not very much but I'll still add this . just to state it again.. First let me start by stating , once again, that the Labrador is a wonderful breed, dual purpose; loyal and loving ! If your looking for a hunting pal and you want a family companion too, a Lab can still suit you. If you want to show , hunt and do all the dogs sports you can imagine, the Lab may still suit you. Labs were bred to be a Dual Purpose Breed. From retrieving loose nets, rounding up loose Cod, retrieve fallen objects from a boat, save a crew member , protect and be a companion for his master, and for hunting ! They make excellent family companions, loyal, intelligent, calm and even tempered. They love to please and love to gain your approval . Labs are great with children and get along well with other pets when properly socialized. Grooming is not very complicated , a brushing once a week and a monthly bathing does the job well . Shedding is ranked moderate ; Labs blow their coats about 2 times a year and shed slightly all year round.

Click --> The Labrador Retriever AKC Breed Standard

Labradors are not for Every One

Yes, its states true with every breed. Not all breeds are for every-one, not even the wonderful Labrador Retriever. Although they are easily trained, they are an energetic breed which require exercise and daily care. Not many people take this into question when looking for a breed, especially when questioning rather or not to get a Lab. All puppies are cute but that puppy will grow up and need guidance in-order to become a well behaved member of your family. In saying that, some fail to see that Labs are family dogs, they can't stay out all day with out human companionship, they need training(Dogs Do Not train them selves), socialization and exercise to keep their minds entertained or else they will adopt a destructive behavior such as chewing, digging or barking. Labs need regular exercise and a proper Diet to keep them fit and trim ; Labs are gluttons and would eat them selves to death if given the chance. Labrador retrievers are also "pack" dogs and require to be with the family to be happy. Moreover Labs do NOT make great kennel dogs and should live in the home with it's family. One point, Labs do great with other Animals, but Please make sure the breeder has socialized the puppies well and the puppies have stayed with their litter for At-Least 7weeks. If a puppy leaves it's whelping box to soon, it may develop social problems with other dogs. Reason being is that puppies learn allot from their dam and litter mates between 6 to 8 weeks, including basic "Doggie Manners". Also, it is up to YOU to continue your puppies socialization when it's with you. Don't think socialization is over when your puppy leaves the breeder ; it's vital that you continue so your puppy can grow up confident with new sights, sounds and smells, new people and new dogs.

How  Big do Labs get ??
Labs range from 55 to 85lbs - 22-1/4" to 24"1/2" from the ground to the withers- some stay within the height, but can weight up to 95lbs. *** Labs should NOT be purposely bred to weigh 100+lbs !!! This can cause serious stress to the joints and it is Out of Standard. Do NOT, at a moment, believe X-Large labs are "In" !

What are the Colors ?
Labs come in Black (ALL black) , Yellow (from light cream to an almost Reddish darker shade, and Chocolate (from light to dark).

Health Problems in the Labrador Retriever
While few, Labrador Retrievers do have their share of Congenital defects. From the publication printed by Ralston Purina Company, here is a short list :
Cataracts > Retinal Dysplasia > Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) >Cystinuria(Excess cystine in the urine predisposing to calculi or stones) > Hemophilia > Myopathy > Carpal Subluxation and Cryptorchidism.

resource; The Book Of The Labrador Retriever