Labrador Retriever

Many often get misled by the name “Labrador” and assume it comes from such a place. But contrary to its name, the Labrador Retriever actually originates from Newfoundland.

Labrador Retrievers were first noted by a visitor in Newfoundland around 1822.  As to what original breed the Labrador comes from, no one really knows. A theory goes on that the breed orginally came from the Greater Newfoundland, a large built heavily coated dog being used as a draft dog for hauling fish, and the Lesser Newfoundland, a smaller breed with smooth coat and well known for its stamina.

The fishermen then needed a certain breed which was strong enough to haul fish, yet small enough to fit in a boat. And there you have the Labrador Retriever with its short dense oily coats that is water resistant and good for retrieving fish that fell off the nets when hauling. Their special coat was also made especially for retaining heat and repelling ice cold temperatures as well as having that people-pleasing attitude in such a situation. It is no wonder everyone loves the people-pleasing Labrador.

Labradors in England

It was around 1830 when the second Earl of Malmesbury had these dogs imported to England.  His motivation to get such dogs was born when he saw these “Little Newfoundlers” as he termed, playing with sticks and abandoned fish being thrown around by small children. He concluded they make excellent waterfowl retrievers. It was this earl who spent a good part of his life making the first kennel of Labradors which was then succeeded by his son. In fact, there are those Labradors who can trace their ancestry all the way to this line. It was the sixth Earl of Malmesbury who coined the name “Labrador Dogs” in one of his notes.

Other early breeders were the fifth Duke of Buccleuch in Scotland and John Scott who was also an early breeder. The tenth Earl of Home was also another early breeder of the Labrador.

If not for the fancy of these three noblemen, the Breed would’ve died out.

Until now the Buccleauch Kennel still exists while maintaining its highly pure line of labs.

(sources: Terra Nova Books: The Labrador Retriever Chapter 1)

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