Piper Welsh - Lets Hear It for Labrador Retrievers

Content Area Vocabulary:

Read the list. What do these words mean?

calm

commands

disabilities

gentle

guide

instincts

obedient

purebred

training

undercoat

Before reading a book, it is important to tap into what your child or students already know about the topic. This will help them develop their vocabulary, increase their reading comprehension, and make connections across the curriculum.

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PHOTO CREDITS: Cover, Bonzami Emmanuelle; : Erik Lam

Edited by: Luana Mitten

Cover design by: Renee Brady
Interior design by: Ashley Morgan

Library of Congress PCN Data

Welsh, Piper.

Lets Hear It For Labrador Retrievers / Piper Welsh.

p. cm. -- (Dog Applause)

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-62169-865-4 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-62169-760-2 (softcover)

ISBN 978-1-62169-966-8 (e-Book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013936476

Rourke Educational Media

Printed in the United States of America,

North Mankato, Minnesota

rourkeeducationalmedia.com

PO Box 643328 Vero Beach, Florida 32964

Table of Contents

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are big, gentle dogs with great instincts to retrieve. Retrieving dogs are especially good at being trained to bring objects back to their owners.

Many Labradors were used as bird hunting dogs because of this excellent retrieving instinct. But Labradors make fantastic companion dogs too.

Labradors are fun-loving, athletic dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are easily the most popular purebred dogs in both the United States and Canada. American Kennel Club (AKC) records show that Labs took the number one position in 1991. They continue to hold it into the new century and they are still the number one breed today.

Look at Me!

Labs have short, straight coats over dense undercoats. The undercoat keeps them warm in most weather conditions.

The early Labs were black. In more recent years, breeders have developed yellow and chocolate Labs, too.

Labs have broad heads with floppy ears and strong, fairly square jaws. Their tails are long and straight, and rounded like a flagpole.

Many people describe the Labradors personality as easy going, meaning that most things do not upset them.

If theres water you can usually count on playtime for a Labrador. In general, Labs love to splash and swim.

History of the Labrador

Labrador is a large territory in eastern Canada. One can certainly find Labrador Retrievers there. But the first Labs were from Newfoundland. Newfoundland is a province in cold, foggy northeastern Canada.

Young Labradors can have lots of energy so it is important that owners give them plenty of time to exercise.

With their dense, black coats, the first Lab-like retrievers were true water dogs. They retrieved ducks, geese, and even fish. They also pulled small fishing boats in icy water.

These dogs of the early 1800s were called St. Johns Newfoundland dogs. St. Johns is the largest city in Newfoundland. Curiously, dogs of this type began to die out. One reason was a costly dog tax in Newfoundland.

Labrador puppies are affectionate and playful.

Labradors respond quickly in the field. This quality makes them prized sporting dogs.

Many of the St. Johns Newfoundlands, however, had been taken to England in the early 1800s. English dog breeders mated some of many years, the result of their work was the modern, water-loving Labrador Retriever.

In Newfoundland, Canada, people are proud of their role in the development of two fine canine breeds, the Labrador and the Newfoundland.

Labradors will retrieve and carry just about anything. So, if you are thinking about owning a Lab, be ready to play.

The Perfect Service Dog

Labs are one of just three dog breeds commonly used as guide, or service, dogs for people who are blind. These dogs undergo almost two years of training at special schools. Then they can begin work with their masters who are visually impaired. Other Labs are trained to work with people who have other disabilities, such as epilepsy.