HISTORY OF LABRADORS

There are two main theories considering the origin of the Labrador-retriever. The first one, the most popular and wide-spread, is English. The second one, less popular in our country but trying to gain self-assertion, is American. According the English hypothesis, the ancestors of Labradors were the so-called waterdogs of the north-American Indians, which helped the aborigines to draw the toils with fish out of the ocean. It is known that the first representatives of this kind of dogs were brought to England from the eastern coast of America, from the Newfoundland Island. They were first mentioned in the "Instructions for Young Sportsmen and Everything about Hunt and Hunting Weapon" written by Peter Hawker (sea captain, who brought to England the pride of black dogs) dating back to 1814. English aristocracy tried hard to develop the race, they were hybridized with pointers and black harriers of saint Hubert, what resulted in the development of fine nose and hunting knack, moreover such qualities of this dog as persistence, stamina, unpretentiousness, love for water, work and wiliness to help and to be helpful were cultivated. The author of the second theory of appearance of this dog was Michel Woods, the professor of English literature in the Historical University. He was born and brought up in Canada, Newfoundland, he still lives here now. Moreover, Michel Woods is the owner of one of the most famous Canadian nurseries "Waterdog"; he is an organizer and judge of the obedience trial. He had access to the rare ancient books in the Research Centre of Newfoundland. These books weren't used by the other writers who wrote about Labradors. Here is his point of view on the problem: "I have quite a different view on History, as I'm convinced that this race not only originated in the Newfoundland but was also decisively formed here. As you know lots of scientists are convenient that the "waterdog", originated here and brought to England, was hybridized in GB with different races and in the end the race which we know now and call Labrador-retriever was derived. This popular mistake lives for such a long period only because it is convenient for the authors, and nobody had contravened it. In reality this conception is as mistaken as a quite popular in past theory that Labrador had come from the Labrador Peninsula, which is considered to be false nowadays…" Mentioning the results of excavation, doctor Woods concludes that the race was decisively formed in the Newfoundland and the dogs, which were brought to England in the beginning of XIX century, were similar to the dogs we can see today. The English, according to Woods, have discovered the race, imported it to England, conserved and ennobled it. There are still other theories, but they do not have sufficient verifications that is why they are less learned and as a result less popular. Let's leave the right to dispute over the paternity of foundation and formation of the race to the English and the Americans. The most important fact is that we have such race as Labrador nowadays. No matter which theory is considered to be right, the most important is the aim that was gained by the men while developing this race. And the aim was to create the priceless helper on the land and in the water. Now let us imagine the north-American Indians. Their dogs should carry the load, collect brushwood for the fire, fight with wolves, protect the habitation and possess an excellent health which will allow them to live in the severe climate. The same we can say about the seamen and fishers. It was very convenient for them to have such hardworking dogs, which will help them to carry the nets full of fish and trail the boats towards the shore no matter how terrible the weather is. The dogs should really possess an excellent health and strength together with the wiliness and readiness to help people. Now what considers the English aristocracy with its orderliness and pedantry. If the bird is wounded it should be found and brought. That is what for the Labrador is used in hunting. This calm and clever dog will find and bring the wildfowl to you now matter how difficult the road is and how many barriers it will encounter on its way. Waterproof fur do not allow it to freeze, big chest allows the dog to swim for a long time and even to dive. It will surely fulfill the task! And to my mind there is another important fact: Labrador loves people, that is why it can't be used as a protective dog. It is said that it can't bite a person. But I don't agree with it. It is known that the earl Marlboro, who was one of the first to bring Labradors to England, was very mistrustful and cautious towards his servants, that it why there were always three dogs in his bedroom, which according to his words were a living shield and the most incorrupt guard. They easily analyzed the background and a person with bad intentions was never allowed to reach the earl. While reading the book "Your Dog is Your Home and Body Guard" written by the famous American handlers K.F.Duette, W.C.Raynolds you can encounter the words that the best guard and nanny for a child is a black labrador bitch. Labrador really loves children, that is why it can easily feel emotions. Labrador will not tear your enemy in fury to pieces, but to please the owner can easily hold on his enemy, or what is more probable to protect and shield its beloved owner with its body in case of danger. Your dog will watch how your neighbour trys to cope with hooligan with interest, but when the hooligan will look at you the dog will be ready to protect you at once. I dont't think that there will be enthusiasts to check how kind your dog is. It's rather difficult to teach Labrador to protect, but if you succeed once you'll have the most devoted bodyguard. This dog lives for you, works for you and insensibly becomes an essential part of your life because most of all in the world it loves you. When somebody propose you to buy a Labrador puppy he'll surely tell you about famous families where such dogs live. And it's true that there are Labradors in the British Royal Family, and also Prince Charles has some. In the times of Mitterrand (the French president) almost all the members of parliament possessed at least one Labrador. The president of the USA Carter gave a present to the president of Russia which was found out to be a very sweet Labrador puppy. Labradors became an essential decoration on the photos of famous musicians, writers, actors, businessmen, royal families and the beloved members of countless families. I'm sure that after buying the brown Labrador called Buddy the future American president Bill Clinton succeeded in the elections, because he showed everybody that he is a normal person as millions of his voters are and loves the same kind of dogs. Also I'm sure that the president of Russia Putin is initially in the better position because his love for his Labrador is initially more arcing and sincere. I know even one case which happened to the famous Russian chemist who came to the symposium in Japan. His opponent became his friend after he had seen the photo of the chemist's family together with their favorite Labrador. If there is a saying 'tell me who is your friend and I will tell who you are", it will be even easier to tell who am I if you know my dog. The race of your dog is a diagnosis. It is easy to tell hundreds of stories about Labradors and how great they are, but it is difficult to believe if you do not owe this dog yourself or haven't seen it with your own eyes.

HANG

Modern Labrador is a kindhearted non-aggressive dog with typical fur which has practically no smell and do not evocate allergy. The dog is hardy and unpretentious, more than other races lasting to cold and respiratory illnesses. It is easily taught, the main kind of training is a game. Its attitude towards people is nice and sometimes according to the character of this or that dog you can judge about the relationship between the members of the whole family. Thanks to its friendliness and friskiness Labrador will be an excellent friend to your children. And because of its intellect this dog will feel himself at ease in the intelligent families where its abilities will be evaluated and cherished.