The Labrador Retriever was developed in the geographic region of Newfoundland (Labrador and Newfoundland are both in Northeastern Canada), with “St. John’s Water Dog” being a major contributor to the “type” that became the Labrador Retriever of the modern period. With its dense coat of short hair and “otter tail,” the Labrador was capable of swimming and retrieving in frigid waters of Newfoundland, thus becoming a peerless companion to many people, especially mariners and fowlers. Because many of those living in the St. John’s region of Newfoundland were of English origin, Labrador Retrievers were often imported into England (and subsequently the importation of Labradors from England was of fundamental importance in the establishment of the Labrador in the United States). Significantly, the English Kennel Club first recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in 1905. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Labrador in 1917.
