Meet Our State Dog: The Labrador Retriever

Did you know that we  have a Very Good Boy as our state dog? That’s right! Our number one canine is also America’s favorite dog: the Labrador Retriever, or simply lab. In this article, a Sandstone, MN veterinarian puts these amazing pooches into the spotlight.

Basics

Fido originated in Britain, and is a descendate of fishing dogs from Newfaouloud. He got his name from the Labrador region of that province. The lab can grow quite large: it’s not uncommon for them to weigh 80 pounds or more. It’s worth noting that these cute canines have incredible memories. That’s one reason they are so trainable. (Tip: Fido may remember his training sessions better if you make a habit of playing with him after class.)

History

This fun-loving pooch first bounded into our hearts back in the 1830’s, when the 10^th Earl Of Home brought pups back from Newfoundland. He collaborated with The 2^nd and 3^rd Earls of Malmesbury, who were also interested in breeding gun dogs that were adept at retrieving water fowl. That mission, as you can probably guess, was a smashing success.

Temperament

As far as temperament goes, well, you really couldn’t ask for a better dog. Fido is generally super friendly, playful, and intelligent, not to mention ridiculously cute. Labs are known to both love and excel at swimming. In fact, they have webbed paws and water-resistant fur. (There is an adorable but messy downside here: Fido loves splashing in mud puddles.)

Work

While Labs love to play with their humans, they can also be quite serious. They’re often used as service dogs. Many also excel at doggy sports such as dock diving and agility. However, one thing Fido’s not so good at? Being a guard dog. Your canine pal may bark when there’s someone at the door, but he’s probably more likely to run up to an intruder with a wagging tail than chase one off.

Color

The Labrador Retriever officially has three outfits: yellow, chocolate, and black. There are also silver labs, though the official registry doesn’t recognize that color as an option for purebreds.

Famous Lab

Fido has certainly made his mark in movies. Labradors have starred in some of the best dog movies of all time, including Air Bud, Marley and Me, and The Retrievers. These are all great options for family movie nights! 

Do you have questions about caring for your Lab? Contact us, your local Sandstone, MN pet hospital, anytime!