Retrievers as a Hunting Dog Breed

A retriever is a family of gundogs that retrieve game for a hunter. These dogs were originally bred to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage. As a result, retrieving breeds have extremely gentle mouths and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. These traits have made retrievers such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever popular as Assistance dogs.

History of Labradors: There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador. The English bred lab comes from English bred stock. Their general appearance is different. The English bred labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky. The Labrador Retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat that does not have any waves and comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also said to be a rare silver or gray color that is referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. This color is controversial

and some claim it is a Weimeriner cross, while others say it is a true mutation. Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the American line of the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The Labrador Retriever did not come from Labrador as his name implies. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. The Labrador gradually died out in Newfoundland on account of a heavy dog tax. With the English quarantine law, that practically stopped the importation's into England. After that, many Labs were interbred with other types of retrievers. Fortunately, the Lab characteristics predominated. Finally fanciers who desired to stop the interbreeding drew up a standard so they would discourage crossing with other retrievers. The Labrador Retriever was first recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The first registration in the AKC was in 1917. In England, no Labrador can become a bench show champion unless he has a working certificate as well. In America, the Lab became primarily a retriever trial and shooting dog, but the duel concept of retriever excellence combined with good looks, style, and proper type was established early.

Hunting Dogs Good Hunter? Gun Dog Breeds Hunting Setter English Setter Gordon Setter Laverack Setter Irish Setter Bracos Hunters Italian Bracos French Braco Saint Germain Braco Auvernia Braco German Shorthaired Pointer or Kurzhaar Hungarian Pointer Epagneul Breton Griffons as Hunters Italian Griffon Spinone Italiano Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or Korthals German Wirehaired German Wirehaired Pointer or Drahthaar Pointers as Hunting Dogs Perdiguero de Burgos or Spanish Pointer Perdiguero Navarro Old Spanish Pointer English Pointer Retrievers as Hunters Labrador Golden Retriever Golden Retriever History of the English Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel English Springer Spaniel Springer Spaniel Labrador Golden Retriever Golden Retriever History of the English Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel English Springer Spaniel Springer Spaniel Hounds as Hunters Porcelaine History of the Harrier Harrier Beagle Beagles Ibizan Hound Podenco Ibicenco Ibizan Hound Sicilian Greyhound Cirneco dell' Etna Sicilian Greyhound Training Hunting Dogs Why train hunting dog puppies New Puppy Puppy Hunting House training Puppy Potty Training Hunting Name Dog Training Come Command Puppy Stay Accidents & illnesses Rabies symptoms Canine distemper Canine Leptopirosis Internal parasites Types of Worms Hydatid cysts External parasites Ears-Eyes Care Emergencies Care Resuscitating a dog Types of Dog Skin Injury Hunting dog hemorrhages Correct Nutrition Nutrition Hand feeding Puppy Food Breed Reproduction Breeding Cycle Spaying Mating When to Breed Pregnancy of the female dog Birthing puppy dogs Dog Kennel