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Dog Day
“🎶 If only I could have a puppy
I'd call myself so very lucky
Just to have some company
To share a cup of tea with me"
~ The Puppy Song, Harry Nilsson, 1969
Got a dog in your life? Then you are fortunate indeed! And if you have a Labrador in your doggy acquaintanceship, you have met one of the world's most popular canine companions!
This tartan celebrates the Labrador breed by weaving together its three official colours—black, yellow, and chocolate—enhanced with purple and green to reflect the Scottish landscape and heritage that many Labs and their owners share. Though their roots lie in Newfoundland’s St. John’s water dogs, it was in Britain—and especially Scotland—that the Labrador was refined into the dog we know today. In the early 1800s, noble families such as the Dukes of Buccleuch and the Earls of Malmesbury and Home imported these dogs, admiring their strength in water and their gentle retrieving abilities. The Buccleuch Kennels in Selkirkshire became central to the breed’s history, helping to shape the loyal, eager retrievers we recognize today.
Among the many Labradors who have won hearts worldwide, none is more celebrated than Endal, the yellow Labrador assistance dog to Gulf War veteran Allen Parton. Endal became famous for his extraordinary intelligence and devotion—able to operate ATMs, retrieve dropped items, and even place his master in the recovery position during an emergency. Often called “the most decorated dog in the world,” Endal remains a shining example of the Labrador’s loyalty, service, and spirit.
Dressing up your dog in a bit of tartan today would not be amiss! Woof! Woof! 💚 💜 🖤 🤎 💛 🐶 🐕 🦴
National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse - an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of "man's best friend" in our lives.
This tartan was designed by Maurice Givan to celebrate the history of the Labrador Retriever, introduced from Newfoundland to Scotland in the 1830s by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott.
The Labrador retriever’s story begins not in Labrador, but in Newfoundland. Fishermen working the cold Atlantic waters prized the hardy St. John’s water dogs for their swimming power, soft mouths, and tireless work ethic. These dogs retrieved nets and fish, often leaping into icy seas without hesitation. In the 1800s, British aristocrats recognized their potential as sporting dogs and brought them to England and Scotland, where careful breeding on estates such as the Buccleuch Kennels refined them into the modern Labrador.
Few breeds match the Labrador retriever’s blend of intelligence, loyalty, and playfulness. Known for their boundless enthusiasm and steady temperament, they are equally at home romping with children in a garden as they are working diligently in the field. Their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable, while their affectionate nature cements their place as family favorites across the world.
Beyond their role as beloved companions, Labradors have become indispensable in many fields of service. They excel as guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue animals, using their keen noses and adaptability to help in life-saving situations. Their calm, gentle presence also makes them ideal partners for individuals with physical or emotional needs, where trust and steadiness are paramount.
From literature to film, Labradors have found their way into the cultural imagination. They appear as the steady companions of sportsmen in classic British country life, but also as the stars of popular works such as Marley & Me, where their exuberant nature is portrayed with humor and heart. Their presence in media often reflects their real-life role: loyal, joyful, and central to family life.
Today, the Labrador retriever consistently ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Whether as trusted gun dogs in the Scottish Highlands, therapy animals in hospitals, or beloved pets curled up at the foot of the bed, their adaptability is unmatched. Few breeds embody such a seamless blend of work, companionship, and joy — a testament to why Labradors remain cherished worldwide.
For more about another famous Labrador, Jake, who served as a search and rescue dog following the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, click the three puppies!