Getting to Know The Black Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of a number of different kinds of retrievers. The modern Labrador or “Lab” can be traced back to the island of Newfoundland (now part of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada). One interesting characteristic of the Labrador is that they have webbed paws. These paws come in handy, especially with their original “job” of swimming out to retrieve fishing nets or birds, which is probably how they got the name retriever.
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While the Labrador comes in three basic colors: black, yellow (or cream) and chocolate (brown), we are going to get to know a little bit more about the black Labrador Retriever in this post.
Black Labrador Retrievers were originally known as the St. John’s Water Dog or Lesser Newfoundland. It wasn’t until the dogs were brought to England that they gained the name Labrador. The name was given to distinguish them as separate, and different, from the significantly larger Newfoundland dogs.
Chocolate Labs didn’t start appearing until later in the 19th century. The Yellow Labs followed, although it took awhile for them to gain the recognition as Labrador Retrievers. So you could say the Black Labrador Retrievers are the original Labs.
Now, because the color of a Labrador is determined by their genes it is possible for a black Lab to have yellow or chocolate puppies and vice versa. Of the three colors, the black Labrador is still the most popular in the U.S.
Of course, as the black Lab is still a Labrador, they have all the typical Lab characteristics including being lovable, energetic, loyal, sensitive, friendly, playful, patient, etc. They are great around children and adults alike. They are also one of the most popular breeds and are used as service or working dogs due to the fact that not only do they aim to please, but they make compassionate, trust-worthy and reliable companions.
But, no matter which color Labrador is your favorite, you can’t deny the Labrador’s adorable face and pure child-like enthusiasm are truly infectious. Take a look at some of these beautiful black Labrador Retrievers.
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Comments
Great article about the Black Lab! Love the awesome photo’s. best I’ve seen anywhere in one place!!
Thanks for your comment Ron. Very happy that you liked them
hmmm i have a black lab but it’s a fear biter that barks at strangers and has to be locked or tied up if we have guests over. We’ve tried everything but he’s always been like that. we were told that this was a trait specific to black labs. but according to this article labs are great around children and adults alike. is my dog an exception??
Great article and very nice pics!
@Swati – your black lab might be an exception. I’ve seen so many labs including my own black lab… they are all love being around children and adults.
my dog bella use to do that all the time, best thing to do will be when ever somebody knocks at ur door causes any greeft to your guess, you have to submit her, turn her over on her back until her engery level is down. do this repetaly when ever u have an issue
i have a black lab ages 11 weeks and i dont know what to do to stop her biting i have tapped him on his nose but it doesnt work any ideas people?
katie i have the same problem but i think u should punish him by leaving him alone for minutes or something like that