Breed History:
The Labrador Retriever orginates from St. John's, Newfoundland where it was known as the St. John's Dog, the black waterdog or the Lesser Newfoundlander and is one of four breeds native to Canada This dog is an extremely versitile animal and has been professionally used as Guide Dogs, Police Drug Enforcement, Cadaver Searching, Fire Arson Investigation and Water Rescue.
Temperament:
His/her gentle ways, intelligence and adapability have done much to increase the Lab's popularity as a pet. Their disposition is kindly and outgoing coupled with an eager-to-please nature and general non-aggressivesness.
Activity Level:
Excelling as a field dog as well as in obedience, the Labrador enjoys exercise and is especially fond of swimming. He'll happily retrieve until your arm gives out. He's a loyal family pet, good with children, that does well in suburban or country settings.
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About Torngat Kennels
Torngat Biography
We are originally from Newfoundland and Labrador where Labrador Retrievers originated.
The Torngat Mountain range is the largest mountain range in eastern Canada and actually is in Labrador. We now live near the largest mountain range in western Canada….hence we registered the name Torngat in 2001.
We are a small hobby kennel having one litter a year. We have been breeding Labrador Retrievers since 2001 and showing since 1997. We breed only for the best temperament, type and breed standard quality. We show Labradors under many different Judges to be sure that we are maintaining quality in the breed.
As with any breed there are known problems. In Labrador Retrievers it’s PRA and Hip Dysplasia. PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) is an inherited genetic eye disease leading to blindness. Labradors must be screened by ophthalmologic veterinarians so that this disease is not carried to unsuspecting puppies and new owners don’t experience the heartbreak of a blind dog. The other known problem with this breed is Hip Dysplasia. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) designates a specific set of xrays and sends them to 3 radiologists, and an average rating from the 3 is the animals score. There are three grades (Excellent, Good and Fair) that pass and 3 grades that fail (mild, moderate and severe). For obvious reasons unfit animals shouldn’t be in a breeding program.
We occasionally have puppies and sell them on CKC non-breeding contracts. We place a two year written guarantee on eyes and hips and specify how an animal must be nourished and raised to achieve their full potential.
A Labrador's colours can only be registered as Black, Yellow or Chocolate - colours such as Silver, White or Fox Red, etc. are designer shades that exist only in someone's imagination.
