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 sports- 

 men, 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, consider- 

 ing the splendid working qualities, and the exceptional perform- 

 ances 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 



