Oldest Known Picture of a Labrador Retriever
Oldest Known Picture of a Labrador Retriever
A surviving picture of Buccleuch Avon (b.1885), the foundational lab puppies for sale of most modern Labradors.The first and second Earls of Malmesbury, who bred for duck shooting on his estate,7 and the 5th and 6th Dukes of Buccleuch, and youngest son Lord George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott,7 were instrumental in establishing the Labrador breed in nineteenth century England. The puppies for sale Avon (”Buccleuch Avon”) and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch’s breeding program in the 1880s are usually considered the ancestors of all modern Labradors.8
Early descriptions Two early descriptions exist. In 1822, explorer W.E. Cormack crossed the island of Newfoundland by foot. In his journal he wrote “The labrador puppies for sale here are admirably trained as retrievers in fowling, and are otherwise useful. The smooth or short-haired labs for sale is preferred, because in frosty weather the long-haired kind become encumbered with ice upon coming out of the water.” 9
Another early report by a Colonel Hawker described the hunting dogs for sale as “by far the best for any kind of shooting. He is generally black and no bigger than a Pointern, 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….” 9
