Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

Seeing how I’m a lab owner along with thousands of other people across the world, I thought it would be interesting to do a little research on the most popular breed of dog in the world.

Lab’s originated on the island of Newfoundland, what is now Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The present day labrador has evolved from St. John’s Water Dog through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers in the mid to late 16th century.

Orginally the St. John’s dogs were used by fisherman to bring in the nets from the water (might explain why labs love the water 400 + years will do it). A number of the dogs were brought back to England in the early 1800’s, where they became prized sproting and waterfowl dogs.  Luckily so, as sheep protection laws and rabies all but wiped out the breed from Newfoundland.

The modern Labrador emerged in the late 1880’s through a breeding program by the Earls of Malmesbury and the Dukes of Buccleeuch, who bred for duck shooting. Two dogs are considered the oldest ancestors of the modern Labrador, Avon and Ned who were given by Malmesbury to The Duke of Buccleuch.

All three colors of labs can be traced back to the original St. John’s dogs. Also, a black and tan occasionally appeared. The black lab was the most preferred color until the 20th century.

The first recognized yellow lab was Ben of Hyde, born in 1899. The chocolate lab became more establised in the 1930’s.

If you haven’t owned a lab, get one. They are great companions, great hunting or sporting dogs, great with kids, and, in my opinion, the best breed of dog there is.

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• TPWD seeking dove leases Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking to lease some more dove land for its public land. Landowners interested can click HERE for more information or call 512/389-4505. This a great opportunity for farmers to make some short term cash. The state generally pays about $5 per acre of land......
• Effects of Drought on Dove Hunting Blistering heat, dead or failing crops, dead lawns, and burn bans pretty much describe this summer here in Texas. Most say this year's almost fourteen inch shortfall of rain is a curse, but I say it's great news for dove hunting. Before you call me crazy, let me explain. “In......
• 5 Things To Do in the Off Season Early July, probably the most boring time for a sports fan and hunter like myself. No football, basketball, dove hunting, or anything else to entertain me on the weekends. I've even caught myself trying to get in to soccer, but it's not working. The best sport on right now is......

• Review: The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn By: Marcia, guest reviewer Grace Eversleigh has a problem.  She is in love with a highwayman and a Duke.  Neither is marriage material since socially the highwayman with beneath her and the Duke is well above her.  The fact that they are both the same man does not help......
• Stamps of Newfoundland Stamps -> Worldwide Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves......
• Restoring Tubs and Sinks Whether you have a fiberglass tub or sink or vitreous china, it doesn’t take long before stains start to appear. This is particularly true if you have hard water. While these unsightly stains can be frustrating, there are actually a few ways that you can easily get rid of them,......