by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: November 09, 2009

The Labrador Husky of Coastal Labrador is not, as many people would assume, a mix of the Labrador and the Husky, but is truly a pure breed. It is believed that these dogs were brought to Labrador by the Thule Inuit people sometime around the 1300s. They were often allowed to breed with the native wolves of the area. Like many of the other Northern breeds, the Labrador Husky of Coastal Labrador was used for pulling sleds with heavy weight on them. Today, they are not needed to carry the heavy loads on the sleds as they once were, but they are still used for sledding by some and kept as family pets and companions.

Today, this breed is accepted for registry in the Dog Registry of America, or the DRA. They are classified under the "northern" dog category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the monetary value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her.

According to breed standards, the Labrador Husky of Coastal Labrador should be between sixty and one hundred pounds. Males will almost always be larger than females, in both height and weight. They have many characteristics that look very similar to the wolf and indeed, there is almost always some wolf somewhere in the bloodlines from the days when this breeding was common. The breed has a well-muscled and nicely proportioned body. The triangular ears are held in the upright, pricked position and are placed rather far apart. The nose is black or pink in color and the muzzle is rather long. The eyes are widely set, almond and slightly round in shape, holding an expression of sensitivity and intelligence.

The Labrador Husky of Coastal Labrador has a short to medium length coat of thick fur. Their grooming is quite easy. A weekly brushing with a stiff, rubber-bristled brush and a shampoo when absolutely needed will suffice. They are medium shedders. When well-maintained, the coat of this dog is very beautiful.

Labrador Husky of Coastal Labradors are highly intelligent dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is good human to canine communication. Training must be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. They should never be allowed to take on the role of the "alpha" in the home. If you are firm, consistent and calm, the dog will usually respond well to training and learn quickly.

These dogs have an enormous amount of energy, stamina, and strength. They must have at least a brisk walk daily and some time for running and playing off the leash. This breed should be kept stimulated, both mentally and physically, to prevent them from becoming bored, which can lead to some very undesirable behaviors. A bored dog may become destructive or even aggressive. They love being with their family and friends, and tend to do fine with both children and other animals, as long as they are well-trained and socialized. They are excellent watch dogs, being very loyal to their families. They will also guard the family fearlessly.

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