Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Well which of us dog lovers would not like to own one. The reasons are not very far to search as you take a first look at this extremely cuddly,loyal,gentle and intelligent dog with probably the most adorable eyes second only to a spaniel.Technically a labrador retriever is any of a breed of dog originating in Newfoundland, having a short, yellow, black, or brown coat and a tapering tail and used in hunting to retrieve felled game.The days of game hunting are well over but they used to make excellent companions on a hunt especially when the quarry needed to be retrieved from marshy bogs or streams.
The labradors , affectionately labelled "labs", are a breed of large sporting dog whose immediate ancestors were developed in Newfoundland and brought to England in the early 1800s. It stands about 23 in. (58.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 75 lb (27.2?34.1 kg). Their bodies are covered with a dense, short coat which is flat and oily and it protects them against cold weather and icy water.The colour of the coat may be black, chocolate, or yellow. These dogs are expectionally intelligent,fast learning and take to water like ducks.
History:
The origin of the Labrador is believed to be the island of Newfoundland, now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The name Labrador was given to this dog by the Earl of Malmesbury and other breeders in England.Another school of thought about the origin of the name "Labrador" is the Spanish or Portuguese word for rural/agricultural workers. The Portuguese called them the "lavradores" and the Spanish called them "labradores".Yet another possibility is suggested by village of Castro Laboreiro in Portugal whose herding and guard dogs bear a "striking resemblance" to Labradors.
By 1823, it appears the breed was already firmly established.This is borne out by the fact that a sporting artist Edwin Landseer, painted a black dog with white markings titled "Cora. A Labrador Bitch," According to the American Kennel Club, pedigrees exist back to 1878. The Kennel Club recognized the Lab in 1903. In 1917 many English dogs were imported post World War I and these formed the foundation of the American variety.
It is no wonder then that the Labradors are a very popular selection for all age groups being a well-balanced and remarkably versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. They are easily trained and are a very obedient breed. We wish more of us were like the "Labs" because they are not prone to territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits.
The Labradors have a reputation of being excellent family dogs and are loved by the elderly and kids alike. Also they have also shown great athletic ability and speed.Children just cant help falling in love with their fun-loving boisterousness and their desire for games and frolic.One of the most endearing feature of the Lab is its apparent love for human companionship.Labs are built for swimming what with their webbed feet interwoven coat and otter like tail.
Being gods creatures they also share a weakness with us humans: the urge to gorge themselves with food.It is not uncommon to find Labs with rather generous waistlines with adds to their easy going image.Labrador life expectancy is generally 12 to 13 years and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems.Labs are somewhat prone to hip dysplasia and ear infection.Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems and the overweight ones are more prone to arthritis.
How is it Chocolate:
The color is determined primarily by two genes, the B locus, which determines the density of the coat\'s pigment granules, the denser the granules the darker the colour). The second gene,E locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive E will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus.Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat\'s coloration, which in yellow labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Yellow labs can have black or pink noses; chocolate and black labs\'s noses match the coat color.
The Chocolate of a labs coat can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. The Lab\'s head is broad and clean-cut, with ears that hang close to the head. Chocolate wasn't always recognized as an acceptable coat colour, although now it is accepted in dog shows.
There are some other Labrador variants in the chocolate colur.Chocolates possessing the dilution factor are called "silver Labradors". The "silver" colour is not officially recognised.The Labrador Retriever Club believes that the "silver" labrador is a result of cross-breeding chocolate labradors with the weimaraner."Silver" is technically classified as chocolate) is any deviation from a hazel or brown eye color. Many "silver" labradors have blue eyes, just like the weimaraner and unlike any other variety of standard labrador. There is no genetic basis for the silver gene in Labradors.
Different Breeds of labs:
Breeding of Labs revolves around what requirements they cater for.Dogs meant for field work are built for speed and are hence light of limb whereas those bred specifically to be show dogs are rather stronger looking with squarer heads and heavier limbs.
Similarities and Distinguishing Features Vis a vis Golden Retrievers:
The Lab is quite similar to the Golden Retriever in size, general shape, and general color, especially when young and especially to those Goldens with lighter coats. Their personalities are also quite similar.The most obvious difference is the short straight coat of the Labrador Retriever (the Golden has long wavy fur) and the Lab\'s thick, otter-like tail compared to the Golden\'s plumed tail.
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