Heroic Labrador Retriever Jumps Into Action
We have limited information and facts as to how this incident took place, but according to Rumble.com, a black Labrador Retriever swam to rescue a small canoe with two dogs trapped inside. The small boat was sitting on a gravel bar when a gust of wind jarred it loose. As it starts to float slowly downstream, a heroic Labrador Retriever jumps in the water. The stream’s current is obviously strong but the black lab eventually reaches the boat. The dog somehow manages to grab a rope attached to the boat and then pulls it to safety.
Why Are Labs Such Good Swimmers?
The labrador is perfectly designed for swimming. The breed’s predecessor helped fisherman in Newfoundland with retrieving fish that had fallen of the hook and nets and they also hauled in fishing lines from the frigid Atlantic sea. The breed has powerful webbed feet and long toes (only the Newfoundland dog breed has longer toes). The dog’s otter like tail helps guide them through the water and acts much like a boat rudder. The breed has a dual fur coat – helping to waterproof and insulate him from the elements. The Labrador’s undercoat is soft and it allows the body’s natural oils to block out moisture, therefore providing protecting from extreme cold temperatures. The outer coat is coarser and longer.
Also Read: How To Teach Your Dog To Swim
Labradors have been well known for their water rescues and they are often used as search and rescue dogs. They seem to have a natural instinct for swimming and helping people. In 2012, a black labrador named Soot, was awarded the Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Humane Association. No wonder this breed has remained at the number one spot for most popular breed in the U.S. for the past two decades.