Labrador Retrievers have become one of the most sought out dog breeds around the world and there is a good reason for that. Labs are prized for their good temperaments, intelligence and flexibility in being good pets. While known for their friendly nature, there are much more interesting facts about the Labrador Retriever to discover beyond what everyone knows! This loveable breed may surprise you in some of the following unexpected companies.
1. The Labrador’s Deceptive Label, Further Explained by Their Origin Story
You may know this already, but many do not: The Labrador Retriever is actually not from Labrador, Canada where it got its name. In actuality, this bread is from Newfoundland, an even more eastern island from Labrador. In the 1700s, fishermen in Newfoundland used these dogs to help them retrieve the fish that fell off fishing lines, naming them for the capital of their province at St. John’s dog. With their water-resistant coats, and ability to swim like no other, they were great aids in the water.
These dogs were later brought to England in the 19th century, and the British aristocracy perpetuated their breeding by refining them more and calling them “Labradors.” This line of work is as hunters retrievers on the hunting fields and thus their ancestry lies in Newfoundland while these skills were established, hence when they became known for it the name was tagged along.
2. Loving Water: Ergonomics of The Swimmer
Although all Labrador owners are aware that their dogs adore water, few realize the exact physical characteristics that enable them to be superb swimmers. Labradors have naturally webbed toes, which function as good flippers for them to swim faster. Thick, water-resistant double coat keeps them warm and dry in cold waters Their otter-like tail propels them through the water
These 2 traits combined make Labradors one of the most effective water dogs as well, and is why they were historically used by fishermen and are now a popular breed for search and rescue operations in the water.
3. Not Just About Color of a Lab Coat
The Labrador Retriever’s coat is one of its most defining characteristics and, while most people associate the breed with typical Black, Yellow, or Chocolate variations in coloring, there’s more to it than that. This is rather intriguing as black Labradors were preferred over others by original breeders since they performed better in the field. Yellow Labs and chocolate Labs were frequently destroyed or not bred at all because they were considered undesirable hunting dogs.
In the years that followed, however, chocolate and yellow Labs became more fashionable especially in show circuits and as family pets. Besides the original colors, some specific variants like the “Fox Red” Lab (a darker yellow) and the “Silver” Lab (diluted chocolate Lab) have appeared, although they are sometimes not universally accepted within kennel clubs.
4. Versatile Working Dogs Are More Than Hunters
Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to assist in hunting and fishing, however they have evolved to become one of the most versatile working breeds. With high intelligence and readiness to change working fields, an amazing sense of smell, police departments have proven them well worth the investment! They are often utilized as service dogs for the blind and visually impaired, service dogs for people with disabilities.
And they have good full faith and have better noise too, which is great for search and rescue operations, bomb detection, or even to detect medical conditions like seizures or diabetic episodes. Their loving nature makes them the perfect emotional assistance, whether at hospitals or nursing homes.
5. The reason Why Labradors Get Fat
One of the lesser-known characteristics of the Labrador Retriever is their tendency to become overweight. This is largely due to genetics (a genetic mutation that many Labradors possess). After conducting extensive research, the University of Cambridge published a study that revealed that some Labs carry a gene POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin), which results in them never feeling full. Thus catching the reason why if you see many Labs, they are literally devouring whatever comes their way.
This means that owners must closely monitor the diet of their lab. Most Labs love to eat and two meals a day, correctly sized, is preferable for both adult Labs: combined with regular exercise to maintain an ideal weight.
6. Soft Mouth of Labradors
A retrieving dog, Labradors are well-known for their “soft mouth”. A dog that has a soft mouth does not damage items that it is carrying; such as game birds, balls etc. Most Labradors are natural retrievers and this quality is one of the reasons they are so good at retrieving work be it in a shooting field, on a game shoot or even just playing fetch another ball in the park.
A properly trained lab can carry an egg with her mouth and it will not break inside! This gentleness in carrying is testament to how smart they are, as well as their training, and which makes them even more of a perfect companion for hunting and families.
7. Never ending puppy energy is a lab.
One of the most surprising attributes for first-time Lab owners could be how energetic these dogs can get, especially when young. When we think of Labradors, most of us envisage serene and docile dogs — but only in the end. But Labs, especially those who are not spayed or neutered in their first few years of life, can be exuberant little rascals sometimes For those unfamiliar with Labs, know that they typically have crazy amounts of energy for at least two to three fine out-of-their skull dog-craze years.
Regular exercise and stimulations is a must if you want to avoid boredom with young Labradors. They need to exhaust their seemingly endless energy by running, swimming and doing agility exercises. These hyper little guys are often completely out of sorts trying to fit into a house filled with adults who have either forgotten how to laugh or had enough laughter in their lives. Owners who foster that vitality, who understand this natural energy, practice controlled socialization and use good canine communication will find that most grow up to be very good-natured easy going dogs in a home where they have no reason to fear the world around them.
8. Highly social and emotional ~ Labs
Labrador Retrievers just love being around other humans. They are not a good apartment dog and do not like to be alone for long periods. Labradors can develop anxiety, depression and destructive behaviors from extended isolation. They have an amazing emotional intelligence, feeling the emotion of their owners and comforting them like no other creature can.
Labradors are pack animals, so they love being involved in family activities, whether it be out for a walk at the park, road tripping across Australia or just chilling at home. This desire for attachment is what makes them great therapy and emotional support dogs.
9. Labradorian in Popular Culture
Because of the friendly nature and beautiful looks, labs are all over in popular culture. Labradors often appear in movies, TV shows and commercials as the perfect family dog and continue to cultivate a well-earned reputation for loyalty and affection.
Probably the most famous Labrador was “Marley” from the book and movie Marley & Me which showed just how crazy and fun-loving a Lab can be. Labradors are also commonly found in commercials and ad campaigns for dog food, training programs — you name it!
Conclusion:
Labrador Retrievers are very special dogs, not just because of their good nature but by all the interesting features that make them a truly unique breed. With such out-of-the-box roots (Newfoundland, if you were wondering) and a vast array of skills as working dogs, Labs never fail to surprise or amaze. The unknown facts of the mighty Labrador Retriever — a family pet, a working dog and your BFF!