The Labrador Retriever Is Originally From Newfoundland Not Labrador

The Labrador Retriever name is a geographical misnomer that has confused dog lovers for generations. Labs actually originated in Newfoundland, not Labrador, where they were bred by fishermen in the 1700s to help with their work. These early Labs, called St. Johns dogs, were smaller than modern Labradors and had a thick water-resistant coat that helped them swim in the cold Atlantic waters. They were expert retrievers, helping fishermen haul nets and catch fish that escaped from hooks. English nobles visiting Canada were impressed by these working dogs and brought them back to England, where the breed was refined into the Labrador Retriever we know today. The name Labrador stuck, possibly to distinguish them from the larger Newfoundland breed. Today, Labs have been the most popular dog breed in America for over three decades.