CHAPTER XXX THE LABRADOR We are so accustomed to regard only the more ornamental varieties of dogs, and perhaps chiefly those to be seen at shows, that there still are breeds which are as caviare to the multitude. The Labrador is one of these. This fact is to be regretted, because the Labrador dog is one of the finest of workers known to sportsmen, and as hardy and persevering as are the inhabitants of the country that gave him birth. Occasionally in newspapers dealing with kennel matters there is a passing reference to the breed, as well as in some of the more modern works. Nevertheless, considering the splendid working qualities, and the exceptional performances of the breed during the last three-quarters of a century, it is somewhat remarkable, to say the least, that those gentlemen who are so enthusiastic over a good working dog should remain more or less apathetic over the Labrador. It is true, there are some gentlemen in this country who have championed the cause of, and taken a keen interest in, the breed; but as compared with the vast number interested in the more popular Retriever, they are so few as practically to be lost sight of. The Labrador is no new breed. It was introduced as long ago as the thirties, when it was brought hither in some of the vessels that at the time traded between the Labrador country and Poole, in Dorsetshire. Among its earliest patrons were the Earl of Malmesbury, the late Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Lord John Scott. As the merits of the dog as a sporting animal got noised abroad, this list of patrons was increased by the names of the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Verulam, Lord Wimborne, Sir Frederick Graham, Mr. Montague Guest, Mr. Arthur Wood, the present writer, and others. It has, however, at no time of its existence been what may be termed popular, the reason for this being the scarcity of the breed. A great deal of misconception with regard to the modern Labrador has arisen. It is asserted that, owing to the difficulty experienced in keeping the breed pure in this country, an outcross is frequently resorted to. This is erroneous. For a very long time it has been the endeavour of Labrador breeders of any standing to keep out of their kennels any flat-coated cross, as such, in their opinion, tends to the production of a "soft" article. Moreover, they regard the present-day dog as a lineal descendant of those first used for sporting purposes by the Earl of Malmesbury. That the dogs of to-day differ somewhat in conformation from those earlier ones of which we have heard admits of very little FIG. 75. THE HON. A. HOLLAND-HIBBERT'S LABRADOR SENTRY. doubt; yet such differences are merely Time modifications that must exist in any variety kept for a specific purpose over a long period. There are some present-day breeders (the Duke of Buccleuch, who is the owner of the finest kennel of Labradors, being one of them) who incline to the belief that the old-time Labrador was heavier than his modern counterpart, and that he had smaller ears. The writer is of opinion that the modern dog is rather longer in the leg and narrower in the head than the first imported ones, although two pure-bred specimens he himself imported ten years ago were practically identical in type with the English Labradors of to-day. About the size of the ears opinions differ materially, some asserting that they have got larger, and others that the reverse is the case. The writer inclines to the latter belief. Many old writers upon dogs have confused the Labrador with the larger and bulkier Newfoundland, and one at least has described the dog as the Lesser Newfoundland. Colonel Hawker distinguished between the two; whereas Mr. Charles St. John, though apparently referring to the smaller animal, dubbed it a Newfoundland. Colonel Hawker describes the original Labrador as oftener black than any other colour, and scarcely larger than a Pointer. Further, he states that the dog was made rather long in the head and the nose, pretty deep in chest, very fine in legs, with a short or smooth coat, and a tail that was not carried as gaily as in the case of the Newfoundland. Whatever may have been the colour of the dog in the early days, black prevails in the present-day Labrador, though occasionally a liver-coloured specimen is born. In an experience as a breeder extending over seventeen years, the writer has had but one such coloured pup and has known of two others. The dogs that were possessed by the Earl of Malmesbury were described as the best of workers-equally good on the moors, on partridge, rough turnips, in water, and in the covert. Were any one to ask the writer if the modern representative of the breed is possessed of an equally good all-round character, he would unhesitatingly answer in the affirmative. As a water-dog the Labrador has a splendid reputation: he will remain in the water for a month if need be, will dive after duck, and it is doubtful if a better breed of water-dog exists. Again, in endeavouring to institute a comparison between the Labrador and the ordinary Retriever, all that one can say is that he compares just as a thorough-bred horse does with a less well bred one-he is higher couraged. Many writers assert that the Labrador takes more breaking to begin with, because of his high courage. This is contrary to experience, which goes to show that the dog's extra intelligence leads to quicker obedience. That fine sportsman Colonel Hawker was evidently much impressed with the working capabilities of the old-time dog. He suggests that his "sense of smell" was highly developed, while his discrimination of scent was remarkable. Thus the dog would follow a wounded pheasant through a whole covert full of game, or a pinioned wildfowl through a furze-brake or a warren of rabbits. Laudatory as this character of the Labrador of sixty years ago appears to be, yet such a character might with equal truth be given to the dog as we know him to-day. The writer's opinion (and it is one shared by all who own and work these dogs) is that no known breed of Retriever can equal the Labrador for speed, nose, and endurance. Their short coats enable them to work on the hottest day, while in winter weather their coat is too short to |
