Labrador Retrievers: From Fishing Boats to Suburban Sofas

Hello and Welcome to the very first episode of Doggone History; a light-hearted history of dogs, one breed at a time. I’m your host, Rich Napolitano. Every week I will bring you the story of a specific breed and how they became the dogs we know today.

The first breed to be featured on Doggone History is the Labrador Retriever.

Labs are mainstays in our homes, curled up on our couches, and playing with our children in back yards. They guide the blind, star in movies, and of course, clean up any food that may fall to the floor, and most likely they knocked that food on the floor with their powerful, whip-like tails. But, like many dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever didn’t begin life as a pet.

Its working-class origins were shaped by salt water, harsh weather, and the relentless demands of maritime life.

If you had one guess as to where Labrador Retrievers originated from, what would it be? If you said, “Labrador,” that's a logical guess. But…not correct. Despite the name, their true birthplace is the island of Newfoundland, just slightly southeast of Labrador, in Northeastern Canada. 18th and 19 century settlements in this region were, and still are dependent on fishing the icy seas for survival. Cod fishing dominated life here, and fishermen relied on dogs almost as much as they relied on nets and boats.

These Early dogs were known as St. John’s water dogs, after the capital of Newfoundland, and were descended from dogs brought by English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese settlers. In a 1576 work named, “Booke of Hunting,” by George Turberville, a black hunting dog called a “Saint Hubert’s hound” is described. Some evidence, based on its similar characteristics, points to this dog being the forerunner of the St. John’s Water Dogs.

Medium-sized, strong, and exceptionally tough, St. John’s Water Dogs were trained by fishermen to retrieve fishing lines, haul nets, carry messages between boats, and recover fish, clothing, and virtually anything else that fell into the water. Conditions were brutal, as the dogs worked alongside men in bitter cold, frigid winds, freezing rain and ice to bring home their haul of fish. 

They were highly intelligent, obedient, loyal, calm, and endlessly willing to work alongside humans. They weren’t bred to be ferocious protectors. They were bred to cooperate.

Their physical traits evolved naturally for this work, as the dogs were bred to encourage desirable traits. A thick, oily double coat repelled water, and a short coat was preferable to a long coat that tended to freeze up with ice. Webbed feet made swimming efficient. Its tail, thick at the base, and tapered functioned acted as a powerful rudder.

By the early 1800s, visitors across the Atlantic took notice of these handsome dogs. English aristocrats, especially those interested in hunting and sporting dogs, began bringing these St. John’s Dogs back across the Atlantic. What they saw was a retriever that loved water, learned quickly, and worked tirelessly without aggression.

Irish dog expert H.D. Richardson wrote in 1847, “These dogs are remarkable for their diving powers. I saw one some years ago with an officer, who was quartered at Portobello Barracks, Dublin, which dived repeatedly to the bottom of the canal, between the lochs, when full of water, and fetched up such stones, etc., as were thrown in.”

St. John’s Water Dogs varied in size, with no clear standards. The breed slowly disappeared as larger dogs evolved into what is now called a Newfoundland, and the smaller variety eventually became what we know as Labrador Retrievers. 

The English gentry were passionate about hunting, especially bird shooting. They needed dogs that could retrieve downed game gently, reliably, and in all conditions, and the bold, Canadian water dogs were imported to England. The Earl of Malmesbury was an early fan of the dogs, and he quite rightly determined the dogs would be excellent partners for duck hunting at his Heron Court estate. He said of the breed, their coat “turns the water off like oil” and have a “tail like an otter.” A breeding program was soon established, and the hearty, British version of the Canadian dogs were soon called “Labradors”, thanks to the Earl of Malmesbury.

In Scotland, the Duke of  [buh-CLUE] and Earl of Home [hume], pardon any pronunciation errors, also imported dogs from Newfoundland, but struggled to breed them. In a chance meeting in the  1880s, the two families attended a waterfowl shoot at Heron Court, where they discovered Malmesbury’s dogs. As it turned out, the dogs between the three families shared bloodlines, and were soon bred to produce a solid line of the new Labrador breed.

Specific traits were favored, and breeders focused on producing dogs with a soft mouth, intelligence, steadiness, and responsiveness to human commands. Appearance mattered far less than performance. These dogs weren’t meant to be flashy; they were meant to work.

Over time, the Labrador Retriever took on a more standardized form. Coat colors settled primarily into black, with yellow and chocolate appearing later through controlled breeding. Size became more consistent. Temperament became remarkably stable.

Across the Atlantic in Newfoundland, the St. John’s Water Dogs faced a bleak outlook. Strict dog taxes in Newfoundland were enacted to encourage the breeding of sheep instead, and a British quarantine was enacted on imported dogs to prevent the spread of rabies. These factors drastically reduced the population of the St. John’s Dogs. By the 1970’s, the last of the St. John’s Water Dogs were found in a remote area of the island. Both were males, and so the breed faded out of existence. However, the larger, longer coated Newfoundland dog and the St. John’s Dogs have common ancestors. 

By the early 20th century, the Labrador Retriever was formally recognized by kennel clubs in the United Kingdom and, soon after, in the United States.

As Labradors crossed the Atlantic once again, this time into American homes and hunting fields, the breed flourished. After crossing the Atlantic, and then returning again, the working spirit and gentle nature inherited from St. John’s water dogs remained in the hearts of Labrador Retrievers. 

The coat is short but dense, layered to insulate against cold water. The oils in the fur repel moisture, allowing Labs to dry quickly even in winter conditions.

Their feet are partially webbed, giving them an advantage in swimming. Their broad heads and strong jaws allow them to carry objects securely but gently,a trait known as a “soft mouth,” essential for retrieving game undamaged.

And then there’s the tail.

Often described as an “otter tail,” it’s thick, muscular, and incredibly expressive. In water, it provides balance and propulsion. On land, it becomes a powerful and swift mood indicator, often clearing coffee tables in a single joyful swing.

But what truly defines the Labrador Retriever is its nature.

Labs are famously friendly, not suspicious, and will welcome strangers the same as well-known friends. For Labradors, there are no strangers - just friends they haven’t met yet. They are not the best guard dogs, but are absolutely exceptional companions.

They are intelligent, eager to please, and deeply motivated by food. That combination makes them highly trainable, but also prone to overindulgence. Labradors will eat first, ask questions later, and then keep eating. Hmm…reminds me of a certain beagle I know…

Without proper exercise and structure, Labs can become overweight, restless, or destructive. They are working dogs in family-dog clothing, and require a lot of physical activity, long walks, play time, and mental engagement to thrive.

When those needs are met, few breeds are as adaptable.

Though many Labradors now live as a member of the family, their working instincts remain powerful.

In hunting, Labs are still among the most popular retrieving dogs in the world. They excel at retrieving fallen game, following hand signals, and working calmly alongside other dogs and hunters.

But perhaps their most meaningful modern work happens outside the field.

Labradors are among the most common service dogs globally. Their temperament, intelligence, attentiveness, and attention to commands makes them ideal for guiding the blind, assisting people with mobility challenges, and supporting individuals with PTSD and other emotional needs.

They are widely used in search and rescue, capable of working long hours in difficult terrain without becoming overwhelmed. Their scenting ability, paired with their desire to work cooperatively with humans, makes them invaluable in disaster zones.

Labs are also commonly used in detection work, locating drugs, explosives, and even medical conditions like low blood sugar or seizures.

In every role a Labrador serves, they operate as a willing and eager partner.

After World War II, suburban life expanded. especially in North America. Families wanted dogs that were safe with children, adaptable to indoor living, and friendly to neighbors. The Labrador Retriever fit perfectly.

By the late 20th century, Labs were appearing everywhere, in television shows, movies, advertising, and public service campaigns. They became shorthand for trust, warmth, reliability, and synonymous with “happy family life.”

The Labrador Retriever was ranked as the most popular dog breed in the United States for 31 years in a row, according to the American Kennel Club. It wasn’t until 2022 when the French Bulldog took the top spot. Still, the Labrador Retriever has been in the number two spot since then.

Some famous Labrador Retrievers include President Bill Clinton’s Chocolate Lab Buddy; Prince William’s Black Lab Widgeon, Marley from the book “Marley and Me” and Jake, the National Canine Hero who performed 400 search and rescue missions over 10 years, including the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Although modern Labrador Retrievers typically live more comfortable lives in our homes than their ancestors did, they still show the same essential qualities.

The eagerness to please. The loyalty. And a readiness to work alongside humans, whatever the task may be.

From the decks of Newfoundland fishing boats to living rooms around the world, the Labrador Retriever has never stopped doing what it was bred to do; be dependable, be joyful, and just be with us.

If you are interested in owning a Labrador Retriever, please search for a Labrador Retreiver rescue organization near you. Links are provided in this episode’s show notes.

I strongly urge anyone seeking to add any pet to their home, to contact their local SPCA, Humane Society, or other animal shelters, where millions of adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to find their forever home. And please, spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the homeless animal population.

Now, it’s time to announce the next dog to be featured on Doggone History…I’ll start the randomizer, and here we go…It’s the revered ancient hunter, the Saluki!

Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by me, Rich Napolitano. Original theme music is also by me. All episodes, show notes, and more can be found at doggonehistory.com. 

Please join me again next time. But until then, say hello to your dog for me, won’t you?