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For the political insult see poodle (insult).

The Poodle is a breed of dog, and is regarded as the second most intelligent breed of dog after the Border Collie, and before the German Shepherd.^[1] The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles are elegant in the conformation ring, having taken top honors in many shows, including “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007.

[edit] History

A 17th-century engraving of a poodle.

Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and can still be seen in that role. The Poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is known as the Pudel. The English word “poodle” comes from the Low German pudel or puddeln [1], meaning to splash in the water. The breed was standardized in France, where it was commonly used as a water retriever.^[2]

The American Kennel Club states that the large, or Standard, Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties^[3] and that the dog gained special fame as a water worker. So widely was it used as retriever that it was bred with a moisture-resistant coat to further facilitate progress in swimming. Thence came the custom of clipping to pattern which so enhanced the style and general appearance that its sponsors, particularly in France,^{[citation needed]} were captivated by it. All of the Poodle’s ancestors were acknowledged to be good swimmers, although one member of the family, the truffle dog (which may have been of Toy or Miniature size), it is said, never went near the water. Truffle hunting was widely practiced in England, and later in Spain and Germany, where the edible fungus has always been considered a delicacy. For scenting and digging up the fungus, the smaller dogs were favored, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet than the larger kinds. So it is rumored^[4] that a terrier was crossed with the Poodle to produce the ideal truffle hunter.

Despite the Standard Poodle’s claim to greater age than the other varieties, there is some evidence to show that the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today. The smallest, or Toy variety, was developed in England in the 18th century, when the White Cuban became popular there. This was a sleeve dog attributed to the West Indies from whence it traveled to Spain and then to England. The continent had known the Poodle long before it came to England. Drawings by the German artist, Albrecht Durer, establish the breed in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the principal pet dog of the later 18th century in Spain, as shown by the paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. France had Toy Poodles as pampered favorites during the reign of Louis XVI at about the same period.^[5]

[edit] Characteristics

A Standard poodle retrieving a gamebird.

The Miniature poodle, which is of intermediate size between Medium and Toy.

A brown Standard Poodle at five weeks.

A Toy Poodle at ten weeks.

[edit] Appearance

Most poodles have a dense, curly, non-shedding coat that requires regular grooming. Since poodles do not have the plush double coat of many breeds, their fur is often referred to as “hair”, a term usually reserved for humans.^{[note 1]} Most poodles are solid-colored, and many registries allow only solid colors in conformation shows. “Parti” (short for parti-colored) poodles have large patches of colors different from the main body color. “Phantom” poodles have the color pattern of a black-and-tan dog, although not necessarily black and tan. Solid-colored poodles may either “hold” their color (i.e., stay more or less the same throughout their lives) or “fade” or “clear” to a lighter shade. Usually the ears and the thicker guard hairs hold more of the original color than other hair.^[6]

The tail is usually poofy, often docked in the US and less often in Europe; the practice is illegal in the UK^[7] and Australia.^[8] Tails, when docked, are left much longer than in the past.^{[citation needed]} “Bunny-like tails” (very short-docked tails) are now rarely seen except among puppy mill pet shop dogs. Poodles have drop ears which are never cropped.

[edit] Poodle sizes

Unlike many breeds, poodles can come in a variety of sizes, distinguished by adult shoulder (withers) height. The exact height cutoffs among the varieties vary slightly from country to country. Non-Fédération Cynologique Internationale kennel clubs generally recognize three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, sometimes as sizes of the same breed, and sometimes as separate breeds. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of one breed, standard, medium, miniature, and toy.^[9] Only the Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes a maximum size for standard poodles. France is the country responsible for the breed in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, and in this country the puppies of all sizes are listed together.^[10]. The terms royal standard, teacup, and tiny teacup are marketing names, and are not recognized by any major kennel club.

All the Fédération Cynologique Internationale poodles are in Group 9 Companion and Toy, Section 2 Poodle. All the Kennel Club poodles are in the Utility Group. All three sizes of poodle for the Australian National Kennel Council and the New Zealand Kennel Club are in the Non-Sporting Group. The Canadian Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club place standard and miniature sizes in the Non-Sporting Group, and the toy size in the Toy Group. The United Kennel Club places the miniature and toy in the Companion Group and the standard poodle in the Gundog Group.

[edit] Coat

Unlike most dogs which have double coats, poodles have a single layer (no undercoat) of dense, curly fur^[12] that sheds minimally^[13] and could be considered hypoallergenic (though not completely allergen free).^[14] Texture ranges from coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. Poodle show clips require many hours of brushing and care per week, about 10 hours/week for a standard poodle. Poodles are usually clipped down as soon as their show career is over and put into a lower-maintenance cut. Pet clips are much less elaborate than show and require much less maintenance. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a poodle every six to eight weeks. Although professional grooming is often costly, poodles are easy to groom at home if one has the proper equipment.

[edit] Show clips

Many breed registries allow only certain clips for poodles shown in conformation. In American Kennel Club shows, adults must be shown in the “Continental” or “English saddle” clips. Dogs under 12 months old may be shown with a “puppy clip.” The United Kennel Club (US) allows in addition a Sporting Clip, similar to the puppy clip, with the fur trimmed short for hunting dogs.^[15] The American Kennel Club allows the Sporting Clip in Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes as well.

Some sources believe the show clips evolved from working clips, which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for less drag in the water. Others express skepticism at this theory, instead citing the French circus as the origin of the entertaining and unique clips.

[edit] Second Puppy

A medium sized poodle in the Scandinavian clip

This clip is also called the Scandinavian clip or puppy clip. It was invented by Swedish and Norwegian show groomers in the 1970s. This clip is the most common one in all sizes for shows in Europe, and is allowed for adult poodles to be shown in the FCI countries. The face, throat, belly, feet and the base of the tail are shaved 5 to 7 days before the show to get a nice smooth appearance of the shaved areas. The hair on the head is left to form a “topknot” that is fixed by using latex bands; in most European countries, hair spray is banned. The rest of the dog is shaped with scissors. It makes the parts of the dog look fluffy.

[edit] Continental clip

In the continental clip the face, throat, feet and part of the tail are shaved. The upper half of the front legs is shaved, leaving “fluffy pompons” around the ankles. The hindquarters are shaved except for pompons on the lower leg (from the hock to the base of the foot) and optional round areas (sometimes called “rosettes”) over the hips. The continental clip is the most popular show clip today.

[edit] English Saddle clip

The English saddle clip is similar to the continental, except for the hindquarters. The hindquarters are not shaved except a small curved area on each flank (just behind the body), the feet, and bands just below the stifle (knee) and above the hock, leaving three pompons. This clip is now rarely seen in Standard Poodles.

[edit] Pet clips

Pet clips can be simple or as elaborate as owners wish. The hair under the tail should always be kept short to keep feces from matting in the poodle’s curls. Most owners also keep the feet and face clipped short to prevent dirt from matting between toes and food from matting around the dog’s muzzle. Beyond these sanitary requirements, desired clips depend on owners’ preferences. Some owners maintain a longer clip in winter than summer, which they groom often with a wire slicker brush to remove tangles and prevent matting.

[edit] Corded coat

A corded Standard Poodle

In most cases, whether a poodle is in a pet or show clip, hair is completely brushed out. Poodle hair can also be “corded” with rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly poodle, corded poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. Any poodle with a normal coat can be corded when their adult coat is in. Corded poodles may be shown in all major kennel club shows.^{[16][17][18][19]}

[edit] Temperament

Otherwise notable is this breed’s keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toys will point birds. Classified as highly energetic, poodles can also get bored fairly easily and have been known to get creative about finding mischief. Poodles like to be in the center of things and are easily trained to do astonishing tricks involving both brains and agility. They have performed in circuses for centuries, beginning in Europe, and have been part of the Ringling Circus in its various forms from its inception. The Grimaldis, the famous British clowns Kenneth and Audrey Austin, “developed a stronger circus act” with a clever Poodle named ‘Twinkle,’ the success of which allowed them to continue performing even as octogenarians.”^[20]

Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and generally eager to please. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs, they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session. Most are fairly agile and athletic.

Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. Play time is vital, but one must be sure that they get plenty of rest following long play periods and that fresh water is available at all times.

Housebreaking can be difficult in many dog breeds, but the poodle is one of the easiest to train. Whether going outside or being trained on a pad, they learn quickly where to defecate. They are still animals, however, and they need time to understand what is desired of them. It may take a while, but poodles are quite smart and learn more quickly than most dogs.

[edit] Health

With proper care and nutrition, many enjoy life well into their teens. The Toy Poodle pictured above is 16, and with arthritis medication still has an active life.

The most common serious health issues of standard poodles (listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry (as of August 20, 2007) are Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV = bloat/torsion), thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Standard poodles are also susceptible to some health issues usually too minor to report to the poodle health registry. The most common of these minor issues are probably ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection.

[edit] Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is (as of August 20, 2007) the illness most commonly reported to the Poodle Health Registry. The number of reported cases of Addison’s disease is nearly twice as high as the next most common problem (GDV). Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient production of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocortoid in the adrenal cortex. Addison’s is often undiagnosed because early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Standard poodles with unexplained lethargy, frequent gastric disturbances, or an inability to tolerate stress should be tested for Addison’s. Addison’s can cause fatal sodium/potassium imbalances, but, if caught early and treated with lifelong medication, most dogs can live a relatively normal life.

[edit] Gastric dilatation volvulus

Standard poodle owners should take special note of the high incidence of GDV in this breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog’s stomach causes “bloat.” Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or “torsion”) causes or is caused by excess gas. Symptoms include restlessness, inability to get comfortable, pacing, or retching without being able to bring up anything. The dog’s abdomen may be visibly swollen, but dogs can bloat or torsion without visible swelling. GDV is a dire emergency condition. If you suspect a dog is bloating, you should not wait to see if he improves. A dog with GDV requires immediate veterinary care. The dog’s survival usually depends on whether the owner can get him to the vet in time. It is a good idea for a standard poodle owner to know the route to the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, so time is not wasted looking for directions.

[edit] Longevity and causes of death

Standard Poodles in UK, Denmark and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of 11.5 to 12 years.^[21] In a UK survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (30%), old age (18%), GDV (bloat/torsion, 6%), and cardiac disease (5%).^[22]

Miniature and Toy Poodles in UK surveys had median lifespans of 14 to 14.5 years.^[21] In Miniature Poodles, the leading cause of death was old age (39%).^[22] In Toy Poodles, the leading causes of death were old age (25%) and kidney failure (20%).^[22]

Some toy poodles can live up to 20 years, if they have a healthy life and are not overweight.

[edit] Common illnesses

[edit] Poodle mixes

Twelve week old Cockapoo puppy.

Poodles are crossed with other breeds for various reasons, and the resulting puppies (called designer dogs) are described by whimsical portmanteau words, such as cockapoo or spoodle (Cocker Spaniel cross), goldendoodle or groodle (Golden Retriever cross), labradoodle (Labrador cross), pekipoos (Pekingese cross), and many others.

A cross between a shedding breed and a poodle (which doesn’t shed much) does not reliably produce a non-shedding dog. Traits of puppies from crossbreedings are not as predictable as those from purebred poodle breedings, and the crosses may shed or have unexpected or undesirable qualities from the parent breeds.

Poodle crossbreds (also called hybrids) are not recognized by any major breed registry, as crossbreeds are not one breed of dog, but two. If both parents are registered purebreds but of different breeds, it is still not possible to register a puppy as two different breeds. Some minor registries and Internet registry businesses will register dogs as any breed the owner chooses with minimal or no documentation; some even allow the breeder or owner to make up a new “breed name” (portmanteau word).

[edit] Hypoallergenic qualities

Poodles are often cited as a hypoallergenic dog breed. The poodle’s individual hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than that of many other breeds of dogs; combined with the tightly curled coat, which slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls, an individual poodle may release less dander and hair into the environment. In addition, most poodles are frequently brushed and bathed to keep them looking their best; this not only removes hair and dander but also controls the other potent allergen, saliva.^[27]

Although hair, dander, and saliva can be minimized, they are still present and can stick to “clothes and the carpets and furnishings in your home”; inhaling them, or being licked by the dog, can trigger a reaction in a sensitive person. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help clear dander floating in the air.^[28]

The word hypoallergenic, when referring to a dog, is also a misconception; all dogs shed. Poodles shed hair in minimal amounts, and also release dander, but are not as likely to trigger allergies as much as many other breeds.

[edit] Famous poodles

This article may contain excessive, poor or irrelevant examples. You can improve the article by adding more descriptive text. See Wikipedia’s guide to writing better articles for further suggestions. (September 2009)

This “In popular culture” section may contain minor or trivial references. Please reorganize this content to explain the subject’s impact on popular culture rather than simply listing appearances, and remove trivial references. (September 2009)

• Bunyip, resident pooch in Australian TV soap ‘The Secret Life of Us‘

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Caniche

• Poodle at the Open Directory Project
• Dog Breed Profile – Poodle

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. A breed characteristic is webbed paws for swimming, useful for the breed’s original purpose of retrieving fishing nets. This and their subsequent use as hunting companions, gave them the name retriever. The dogs of this breed are very loving, kind and compassionate to their masters. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is, by a large margin, the most popular breed by registration in Canada, the United States (since 1991),^[2] and the United Kingdom.^[3] It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in Canada, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries,^{[citation needed]} as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. Typically, Labradors are athletic, and love to swim, play catch and retrieve games, and are good with young children.^[4]

[edit] History

Nell – A St. John’s Dog circa 1856.

The modern Labrador’s ancestors originated on the island of Newfoundland, now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.^[5] The breed emerged over time from the St. John’s Water Dog, (also a founding breed of the Newfoundland dog) through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the mid to late 16th century.^[5] The forebears of the St. John’s Dog are not known, but were likely a random-bred mix of English, Irish, and Portuguese working breeds. The Newfoundland (known then as the Greater Newfoundland) is likely a result of the St. John’s Dog breeding with mastiffs brought to the island by the generations of Portuguese fishermen who had been fishing offshore since the 1600s. The smaller short-coat St. John’s Dog (also known as the Lesser Newfoundland) was used for retrieval and pulling in nets from the water. These smaller dogs were the forebears of the Labrador Retriever. The white chest, feet, chin, and muzzle – known as tuxedo markings – characteristic of the St. John’s Dog often appear in Lab mixes, and will occasionally manifest in Labs as a small white spot on the chest (known as a medallion) or stray white hairs on the feet or muzzle..

The St. John’s area of Newfoundland was settled mainly by the English and Irish. Local fishermen originally used the St. John’s dog to assist in carrying ropes between boats, towing dories, and helping to retrieve fishnets in the water. The Labrador’s loyalty and hard working behavior earned him a place on many a fisherman’s boat.^[6]

A number of these dogs were brought back to the Poole area of England in the early 1800s,^[5] then the hub of the Newfoundland fishing trade, by the gentry, and became prized as sporting and waterfowl hunting dogs.^[5] A few kennels breeding these grew up in England; at the same time a combination of sheep protection policy (Newfoundland) and rabies quarantine (England) led to their gradual demise in their country of origin.^[7]

A surviving picture of Buccleuch Avon (b.1885), a foundational dog of many modern Labrador lineages.

The first and second Earls of Malmesbury, who bred for duck shooting on his estate,^[8] and the 5th and 6th Dukes of Buccleuch, and youngest son Lord George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott,^[8] were instrumental in developing and establishing the modern Labrador breed in nineteenth century England. The dogs Avon (“Buccleuch Avon”) and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch’s breeding program in the 1880s are considered the ancestors of many modern Labradors.^[9]

The first St. John’s Dog was said to be brought to England around 1820; however, the breed’s reputation had spread to England long before. There is a story that the Earl of Malmesbury saw a St. John’s Dog on a fishing boat and immediately made arrangements with traders to have some of these dogs exported to England. These ancestors of the first labradors so impressed the Earl with their skill and ability for retrieving anything within the water and on shore that he devoted his entire kennel to developing and stabilizing the breed.^[6]

[edit] Early descriptions

Several early descriptions of the St. John’s Water Dog exist. In 1822, explorer W.E. Cormack crossed the island of Newfoundland by foot. In his journal he wrote “The dogs are admirably trained as retrievers in fowling, and are otherwise useful…..The smooth or short haired dog is preferred because in frosty weather the long haired kind become encumbered with ice on coming out of the water.”^[10]

Another early report by a Colonel Hawker described the dog as “by far the best for any kind of shooting. He is generally black and no bigger than a Pointer, very fine in legs, with short, smooth hair and does not carry his tail so much curled as the other; is extremely quick, running, swimming and fighting….and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited….”^[10]

In his book Excursions In and About Newfoundland During the Years 1839 and 1840,^[11] the geologist Joseph Beete Jukes describes the St. John’s Water Dog. “A thin, short-haired, black dog came off-shore to us to-day. The animal was of a breed very different from what we understand by the term Newfoundland dog in England. He had a thin, tapering snout, a long thin tail, and rather thin, but powerful legs, with a lank body, – the hair short and smooth.” wrote Jukes. “These are the most abundant dogs in the country…They are no means handsome, but are generally more intelligent and useful than the others…I observed he once or twice put his foot in the water and paddled it about. This foot was white, and Harvey said he did it to “toil” or entice the fish. The whole proceeding struck me as remarkable, more especially as they said he had never been taught anything of the kind.”

[edit] Name

The foundational breed of what is now the Labrador Retriever was known as the St. John’s Water Dog, St. John’s Dog, or Lesser Newfoundland. When the dogs were later brought to England, they were named after the geographic area known as “the Labrador” or simply Labrador to distinguish them from the larger Newfoundland breed, even though the breed was from the more southern Avalon Peninsula.

[edit] Historical landmarks

The first written reference to the breed was in 1814 (“Instructions to Young Sportsmen” by Colonel Peter Hawker),^[5] the first painting in 1823 (“Cora. A Labrador Bitch” by Edwin Landseer),^[5] and the first photograph in 1856 (the Earl of Home‘s dog “Nell”, described both as a Labrador and a St. Johns dog).^[7] By 1870 the name Labrador Retriever became common in England.^[5] The first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde, kennels of Major C.J. Radclyffe),^[5] and the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903. The first American Kennel Club (AKC) registration was in 1917.^[5] The chocolate Labrador emerged in the 1930s,^[5] although liver spotted pups were documented being born at the Buccleuch kennels in 1892.^[5] The St. John’s dog survived until the early 1980s, the last two individuals being photographed in old age around 1981.^[7]

[edit] History of subtypes

Yellow and chocolate pups, would occasionally appear (although often culled), until finally gaining acceptance in the 20th century.

The first recognised yellow Labrador was Ben of Hyde, born 1899, and chocolate labs became more established in the 1930s.

Ben of Hyde (b.1899), the first recognised yellow Labrador.

Yellow (and related shades)

In the early years of the breed through to the mid-20th century, Labradors of a shade we would now call “yellow” were in fact a dark, almost butterscotch, colour (visible in early yellow Labrador photographs). The shade was known as “Golden” until required to be changed by the UK Kennel Club, on the grounds that “Gold” was not actually a colour. Over the 20th century a preference for far lighter shades of yellow through to cream prevailed, until today most yellow labs are of this shade.^[12]

Interest in the darker shades of gold and fox red were re-established by English breeders in the 1980s, and three dogs were instrumental in this change: Balrion King Frost (black, born approx. 1976) who consistently sired “very dark yellow” offspring and is credited as having “the biggest influence in the re-development of the fox red shade”,^[12] and his great-grandson, the likewise famous Wynfaul Tabasco (b.1986),^[13] described as “the father of the modern fox red Labrador”, and the only modern fox red Show Champion in the UK. Other dogs, such as Red Alert and Scrimshaw Placido Flamingo, are also credited with passing on the genes into more than one renowned bloodline.^[12]

Chocolate labradors

Jack Vanderwyk traces the origins of all Chocolate labradors listed on the LabradorNet database (some 34,000 Labrador dogs of all shades) to eight original bloodlines. However, the shade was not seen as a distinct colour until the 20th century; before then according to Vanderwyk, such dogs can be traced but were not registered. A degree of crossbreeding with Flatcoat or Chesapeake Bay retrievers was also documented in the early 20th century, prior to recognition. Chocolate labradors were also well established in the early 20th century at the kennels of the Earl of Feversham, and Lady Ward of Chiltonfoliat.^[14]

The bloodlines as traced by Vanderwyk each lead back to three black labradors in the 1880s—Buccleuch Avon (m), and his sire and dam, Malmesbury Tramp (m), and Malmesbury June (f). Morningtown Tobla is also named as an important intermediary, and according to the studbook of Buccleuch Kennels, the chocolates in that kennel came through FTW Peter of Faskally (1908).^[14]

[edit] Description

A black Labrador from English stock.

A Black Lab of American field stock

[edit] Appearance

Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 29–41 kg (65-90 pounds) and females 25–32 kg (55–71 lb). Labs weighing close to or over 100 lbs are considered obese or having a major fault under American Kennel Club standards, although some labs weigh significantly more.^[15] The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.

As with some other breeds, the Conformation (typically “English”, “show” or “bench”) and the Field (typically “American” or “working”) lines differ, although both lines are bred in both countries. In general, however, Conformation Labs tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their Field counterparts, which are often bred as taller, lighter-framed dogs, with slightly less broad faces and a slightly longer nose; however Field labs should still be proportional and fit within AKC standards. With field labs, excessively long noses, thin heads, long legs and lanky frames are not considered standard. These two types are informal and not codified or standardised; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia.

The breed tends to shed hair twice annually, or regularly throughout the year in temperate climates.^[9] Some labs shed considerably; however, individual labs vary.^[16] Labrador hair is usually fairly short and straight, and the tail quite broad and strong. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. The webbing between their toes can also serve as a “snowshoe” in colder climes and keep snow from balling up between their toes- a condition that can be painful to other breeds with hair between the toes. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, providing more assistance for swimming.

[edit] Official breed standards

There is a great deal of variety among Labs. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred (bench-bred) lines of this breed in the United States, and are based on the AKC standard.^[15] Significant differences between US and UK standards are noted.

• Size: Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. Males should stand 22.5–24.5 inches (57–62 cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65–80 lb (29–36 kg). Females should stand 21.5–23.5 inches (55–60 cm) and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg). By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22–22.5 inches (56–57 cm) for males, and 21.5–22 inches (55–56 cm) for females.^[17]

• Coat: The Lab’s coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is described as ‘water-resistant’ or more accurately ‘water-repellent’ so that the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow (ranging fom ivory or creme to fox red), and chocolate.

• Head: The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes.

• Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.

• Body: The body should be strong and muscular with a level top line.

The tail and coat are designated “distinctive [or distinguishing] features” of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC.^[15][17] The AKC adds that “true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the ‘otter’ tail.”^[15]

As well, Labradors should not have droopy eyes (like a Basset Hound). The skin should be relatively tight, and you should not be able to see the pinks on the inside of their lids.

[edit] Colour

Different shades of yellow: a usual yellow shade, and a fox red shade.

The three primary colour varieties of the Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are registered in three colours:^[15] black (a solid black colour), yellow (anything from light cream to “fox-red”), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). Some Labrador retrievers can have markings such as white patches on their chest and other areas, but most commonly they are one solid colour.

Puppies of all colours can potentially occur in the same litter. Colour is determined primarily by two genes. The first gene (the B locus) determines the density of the coat’s pigment granules: dense granules result in a black coat, sparse ones give a chocolate coat. The second (D) locus determines whether the pigment is produced at all. A dog with the recessive d allele will produce little pigment and will be yellow regardless of its genotype at the B locus.^[18] Variations in numerous other genes control the subtler details of the coat’s colouration, which in yellow Labs varies from white to light gold to a fox red. Chocolate and black Labs’ noses will match the coat colour.

[edit] Nose and skin pigmentation

Because Labrador colouration is controlled by multiple genes, it is possible for recessive genes to emerge some generations later and also there can sometimes be unexpected pigmentation effects to different parts of the body. Pigmentation effects appear in regard to yellow Labradors, and sometimes chocolate, and hence the majority of this section covers pigmentation within the yellow Labrador. The most common places where pigmentation is visible are the nose, lips, gums, feet, tail, and the rims of the eyes, which may be black, brown, light yellow-brown (“liver”, caused by having two genes for chocolate),^[19] or several other colours. A Labrador can carry genes for a different colour, for example a black Labrador can carry recessive chocolate and yellow genes, and a yellow Labrador can carry recessive genes for the other two colours. DNA testing can reveal some aspects of these. Less common pigmentations (other than pink) are a fault, not a disqualification, and hence such dogs are still permitted to be shown.^[19] The intensity of black pigment on yellow Labs is controlled by a separate gene independent of the fur colouring.^[19] Yellow Labradors usually have black noses, which may gradually turn pink with age (called “snow nose” or “winter nose”). This is due to a reduction in the enzyme tyrosinase which indirectly controls the production of melanin, a dark colouring. Tyrosinase is temperature dependent—hence light colouration can be seasonal, due to cold weather—and is less produced with increasing age two years old onwards. As a result, the nose colour of most yellow Labs becomes a somewhat pink shade as they grow older.^[19]

A seven-week-old Dudley Lab. The nose and lips are pink or flesh-coloured, the defining aspect of Dudley pigmentation.

A colouration known as “Dudley” is also possible. Dudleys are variously defined as yellow Labs which have unpigmented (pink) noses (LRC), yellow with liver/chocolate pigmentation (AKC), or “flesh coloured” in addition to having the same colour around the rims of the eye, rather than having black or dark brown pigmentation.^[9][19] A yellow Labrador with brown or chocolate pigmentation, for example, a brown or chocolate nose, is not necessarily a Dudley, though according to the AKC’s current standard it would be if it has chocolate rims around the eyes (or more accurately of the genotype eebb). Breed standards for Labradors considers a true Dudley to be a disqualifying feature in a conformation show Lab, such as one with a thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment along with flesh coloured rims around the eyes. True Dudleys are extremely rare.^[19][20]

Breeding in order to correct pigmentation often lacks dependability. Because colour is determined by many genes, some of which are recessive, crossbreeding a pigmentation non-standard yellow Labrador to a black Labrador may not correct the matter or prevent future generations carrying the same recessive genes. For similar reasons, crossbreeding chocolate to yellow labs is also often avoided.

[edit] Show and field lines

Chocolate Labradors from field-bred stock are typically lighter in build and have a shorter coat than conformation show Labrador.

There are significant differences between field and trial-bred (sometimes referred to as “American”) and show-bred (or “English”) lines of Labradors, arising as a result of specialised breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and field-trial work are selected first for working ability, where dogs bred to compete in conformation shows are selected for their conformation to the standards and characteristics sought by judges in the show ring.

Head and muzzle appearance: American or field (left), and English or show (right), showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and “pronounced” stop of the latter.

While individual dogs may vary, in general show-bred Labradors are heavier built, slightly shorter-bodied, and have a thicker coat and tail. Field Labradors are generally longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build. In the head, show Labradors tend to have broader heads, better defined stops, and more powerful necks, while field Labradors have lighter and slightly narrower heads with longer muzzles.^[21][22] Field-bred Labradors are commonly higher energy and more high-strung compared to the Labrador bred for conformation showing, and as a consequence may be more suited to working relationships than being a “family pet“.^[21][22] Some breeders, especially those specialising in the field type, feel that breed shows do not adequately recognise their type of dog, leading to occasional debate regarding officially splitting the breed into subtypes.^[23]

In the United States, the AKC and the Labrador’s breed club have set the breed standard to accommodate the field-bred Labrador somewhat. For instance, the AKC withers-height standards allow conformation dogs to be slightly taller than the equivalent British standard.^[24] However, dual champions, or dogs that excel in both the field and the show ring, are becoming more unusual.^[25]

[edit] Temperament

A Labrador participating in dog agility

Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive, hypersensitive, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds. As the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. Labradors instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it).^[26] They are also known to have a very soft feel to the mouth, as a result of being bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl. They are prone to chewing objects (though they can be trained out of this behavior). The Labrador Retriever’s coat repels water to some extent, thus facilitating the extensive use of the dog in waterfowl hunting.

Labradors enjoy playing with water

Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog (including a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals),^[9] but some lines (particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance) are particularly fast and athletic. Their fun-loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand—an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Females may be slightly more independent than males.^[9] Labradors mature at around three years of age; before this time they can have a significant degree of puppy-like energy, often mislabelled as being hyperactive.^[9][27] Because of their enthusiasm, leash-training early on is suggested to prevent pulling when full-grown.^[28] Labradors often enjoy retrieving a ball endlessly and other forms of activity (such as agility, frisbee, or flyball).

Although they will sometimes bark at noise, especially noise from an unseen source (“alarm barking“), Labs are usually not noisy^[9] or territorial. They are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as guard dogs.^[9]

Labradors have a well-known reputation for appetite, and some individuals may be highly indiscriminate, eating digestible and non-food objects alike.^[26] They are persuasive and persistent in requesting food. For this reason, the Labrador owner must carefully control his/her dog’s food intake to avoid obesity and its associated health problems (see below).^[26]

The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue, detection, and therapy work. Their primary working role in the field continues to be that of a hunting retriever.

[edit] Exploration

A wet black Labrador exploring the beach.

They do not typically jump high fences or dig. Because of their personalities,(like swimming, playing, running, sleeping, and eating) some Labs climb and/or jump for their own amusement. As a breed they are highly intelligent and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus if motivated or their interest is caught. Therefore, with the right conditions and stimuli, a bored Labrador could “turn into an escape artist par excellence“.^[9][29]

Labradors as a breed are curious, exploratory and love company, following both people and interesting scents for food, attention and novelty value. In this way, they can often “vanish” or otherwise become separated from their owners with little fanfare.^[30] They are also popular dogs if found, and at times may be stolen.^[31] Because of this a number of dog clubs and rescue organisations (including the UK’s Kennel Club) consider it good practice that Labradors be microchipped, with the owner’s name and address also on their collar and tags.^[30][32]

[edit] Use as working dogs

Labradors are a very popular selection for use as guide dogs.

Labradors are an intelligent breed with a good work ethic and generally good temperaments (breed statistics show that 91.5% of Labradors who were tested passed the American Temperament Test.^[33]) Common working roles for Labradors include: hunting, tracking and detection (they have a great sense of smell which helps when working in these areas), disabled-assistance, carting, and therapy work.^[34] Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in Canada are Labradors; other common breeds are Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs.^[35]

The high intelligence, initiative and self-direction of Labradors in working roles is exemplified by dogs such as Endal, who during a 2001 emergency placed an unconscious human being in the recovery position, retrieved his mobile phone from beneath the car, fetched a blanket and covered him, barked at nearby dwellings for assistance, and then ran to a nearby hotel to obtain help.^[36] A number of labradors have also been taught to assist their owner in removing money and credit cards from ATMs with prior training.^[37]

[edit] Health

Many dogs, including Labs such as this twelve year old, show distinct whitening of the coat as they grow older; especially around the muzzle.

Labrador pups should not be brought home before they are 7–10 weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally 10 to 12 years,^[1] and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to health and well-being include:

[edit] Inherited disorders

• Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia,^[38] especially the larger dogs,^[39] though not as much as some other breeds.^[40] Hip scores are recommended before breeding and often joint supplements are recommended.
• Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
• Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts,^[41] corneal dystrophy^[38] and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
• Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre. Symptoms include a short stilted gait or “bunny hopping,” and in rare cases ventroflexion of the neck accompanied by a kyphotic posture.^[42]
• There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or later in life.^[16]
• Labradors often suffer from exercise induced collapse, a syndrome that causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise.^[43]

[edit] Other disorders

Labs are sometimes prone to ear infection, because their floppy ears trap warm moist air. Labs who spend a lot of time in water are additionally prone to infection. This is easy to control, but needs regular checking to ensure that a problem is not building up unseen. A healthy Labrador ear should look clean and light pink (almost white) inside. Darker pink (or inflamed red), or brownish deposits, are a symptom of ear infection. The usual treatment is regular cleaning daily or twice daily (being careful not to force dirt into the sensitive inner ear) and sometimes medication (ear drops) for major cases. As a preventative measure, some owners clip the hair carefully around the ear and under the flap, to encourage better air flow. Labradors also get cases of allergic reactions to food or other environmental factors.

[edit] Obesity

Labradors can easily become overweight, due to their enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and endearing behaviour towards people. Lack of activity is also a contributing factor. A healthy Labrador should keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of hip dysplasia or other joint problems and diabetes, and also can contribute to general reduced health when older. Osteoarthritis is common in older, especially overweight, Labradors. A 14 year study covering 48 dogs by food manufacturer Purina showed that labs fed to maintain a lean body shape outlived those fed freely, by around two years, emphasizing the importance of not over-feeding.^[44]

[edit] Appearance around the world

In the United States, the breed gained wider recognition following a 1928 American Kennel Gazette article, “Meet the Labrador Retriever”. Before this time, the AKC had only registered 23 Labradors in the country,^[7] in part because US and UK hunting styles had different requirements.^[45] Labradors acquired popularity as hunting dogs during the 1920s and especially after World War II, as they gained recognition as combining some of the best traits of the two favourite United States breeds as both game finders and water dogs.^[45]

Outside North America and Western Europe, the Labrador arrived later. For example, the Russian Retriever Club traces the arrival of Labradors to the late 1960s, as household pets of diplomats and others in the foreign ministry.^[46] The establishment of the breed in the Commonwealth of Independent States (ex-USSR) was initially hindered by the relatively small numbers of Labradors and great distances involved, leading to difficulty establishing breedings and bloodlines;^[46] at the start of the 1980s, home-born dogs were still regularly supplemented by further imports from overseas.^[46] Difficulties such as these initially led to Labradors being tacitly cross-bred to other types of retriever.^[46] In the 1990s, improved access to overseas shows and bloodlines is said to have helped this situation become regularised.^[46]

[edit] Demography

The Labrador is an exceptionally popular dog. For example as of 2006:

• Widely considered the most popular breed in the world.^[47][48]
• Most popular dog by ownership in USA (since 1991),^[49][50] UK,^[51] Australia,^[52] New Zealand^[53] Canada,^[54] and Israel.^[55]
• In both the UK and USA, there are well over twice as many Labradors registered as the next most popular breed.^[49][51] If the comparison is limited to dog breeds of a similar size, then there are around 3 – 5 times as many Labradors registered in both countries as the next most popular breeds, the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.^[49][51]
• Most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities.^[4] Approximately 60–70% of all guide dogs in the United States are Labradors (see below).^[35]
• Seven out of 13 of the Australian National Kennel Council “Outstanding Gundogs” Hall of Fame appointees are Labradors (list covers 2000–2005).^[56]

There is no global registry of Labradors, nor detailed information on numbers of Labradors living in each country. The countries with the five largest numbers of Labrador registrations as of 2005 are: 1: United Kingdom 2: United States and France (approximately equal), 4: Sweden, 5: Finland.^[57][58] Sweden and Finland have far lower populations than the other three countries, suggesting that as of 2005 these two countries have the highest proportion of labs per million people:

Country	Population (millions)	Labrador registrations	Registrations per million pop.
Finland	5.2	2,236	426.0
France	60.5	9,281	153.4
Sweden	9.0	5,158	570.5
United Kingdom	59.7	18,554	311.0
USA	298.2	10,833	36.3

OFA statistics suggest that yellow and black labs are registered in very similar numbers (yellow slightly more than black); chocolate in lesser numbers.^[57][58]

Note: number of registrations is not necessarily the same as number of living dogs at any given time.

[edit] Famous labradors

As both the most popular breed by registered ownership and also the most popular breed for assistance dogs in several countries, there have been many notable and famous labradors since the breed was recognised.

A selection of a few of the most famous labradors within various categories includes:

Endal wearing his PDSA Gold Medal.

Assistance dogs

• Endal, a service dog in Britain. Among other distinctions, “the most decorated dog in the world” (including “Dog of the Millennium”^[59] and the PDSA’s Gold Medal for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty),^[60] the first dog to ride on the London Eye and the first dog known to work a ‘chip and pin‘ ATM card. By Endal’s death in March 2009, he and his owner/handler Allen Parton had been filmed almost 350 times by crews from several countries, and a film of a year in Endal’s life was in production.^[61][62]

Police, military, rescue and detection dogs

• Zanjeer, a detection dog who detected arms and ammunition used in 1993 Mumbai (Bombay) serial explosions. During his service, his haul was excellent. He helped recover 57 country-made bombs, 175 petrol bombs, 11 military bombs, 242 grenades and 600 detonators. His biggest contribution to the police force and the city was the detection of 3,329 kg of RDX. He also helped detect 18 AK-56 rifles and five 9mm pistols.

• Lucky and Flo, twin Black Labrador counterfeit detection dogs who became famous in 2007 for “sniffing out nearly 2 million pirated counterfeit DVDs” on a six-month secondment to Malaysia in 2007.^[63] Following the multi-million dollar, 6-arrest Malaysian detection, they became the first dogs to be awarded Malaysia’s, “outstanding service award”,^[64] and software pirates were stated to have put a £30,000 contract out for their lives.^[65][66]

• Sabi, an Australian special forces explosives detection dog that spent almost 14 months missing in action (MIA) in Afghanistan before being recovered safe and well in 2009.^[67][68]

Pets

• Former President of the United States Bill Clinton‘s Labradors Buddy and Seamus.
• Former Russian President, and current Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s Labrador ‘Koni‘.

Fiction and media

• Labradors have featured variously as pets and significant characters in sitcoms and other TV shows, as well as other portrayals in the media. Bouncer in Neighbours, and Luath in The Incredible Journey, are two TV examples.
• Marley is an American Labrador featured in Marley & Me, a best-selling book by John Grogan, and a subsequent film based on Grogan’s life and times with Marley.

Mascots and advertising

• Since 1972, a yellow Labrador pup known as the Andrex Puppy has been an advertising symbol for Andrex (Cottonelle) toilet tissue.
• Michigan State University has an ongoing tradition of Zeke the Wonder Dog. The original “Zeke” was a yellow Lab, as is the current “Zeke III”, and “Zeke II” was a black Lab.

[edit] Significant crossbreeds

The “Labradoodle” is a popular “designer dog” that is a cross-bred Labrador and Poodle. Originating in Australia, the intent of breeding this cross was to try and create a service dog suitable for allergy sufferers. However the current fashionability of labradoodles has resulted in indiscriminate breeding, and there is no guarantee such a cross will inherit the hypo-allergenic poodle coat.

Some assistant-dog groups use Golden Retriever / Labrador Retriever hybrids (unofficially called a Golden Labrador Retriever) because they believe this cross produces dogs with a excellent temperaments.^[69] However, such crossbreeds are not immune to many of the problems suffered by purebreds, as Golden Retrievers and Labradors have similar health problems.

The assistance dog organization Mira utilises Labrador-Bernese Mountain Dog crosses (“Labernese”) with success.^[70]

[edit] See also

• Labrador Retriever coat colour genetics

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Labrador Retriever

• Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0-7525-8276-3.
• Fergus, Charles (2002). Gun Dog Breeds, a Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing Dogs. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-618-5.