THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER
The Labrador originally came from Newfoundland as an important helper for fishermen and was brought to England in the 18th century. There, attention was paid to the properties and characteristics that are required for work, and working dogs and hunting dogs were bred according to these guidelines. But there were also breeding shows and even then the show type developed from this and the dogs “after the old breed” developed into the working type.
The working lines are preferred for breeders whose main goal is to use the Labrador on small game hunts and field trials, but also to run it in working tests. Show lines are preferred for breeders who value good results at shows.
In the breed standard, the Labrador is described as a balanced, very alert dog with an excellent nose, a soft mouth and an enthusiastic joy in water, which is probably in its genes from its origins. He is intelligent, eager and willing, so he can also be used as a guide, rescue and last but not least as a tracking dog for the police and customs. How much enthusiasm there is in a Labrador is only revealed when the dog is being worked.
Last but not least, his friendly nature with no signs of aggressiveness or clear shyness and his innate will to please his owner and to be a devoted companion make him an excellent family dog, whether from show or work lines.
-> Find the FCI breed description of the Labrador Retriever here
