History of America's Favorite Dog

"The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC registration statistics." ​Visit www.akc.org to learn more about the Labrador Retriever

     Some historians have traced the Labrador Retriever’s ancestry all the way back to the late 1400’s, where similar dogs were observed on a small island offshore from the Canadian Provence of Labrador. Discovered by European explorers, Newfoundland, was recognized as a premier destination for nations whose prime industry was fishing. International trade soon flourished as Newfoundland became recognized for both its fishing and hunting opportunities, creating a demand for importing sporting and working dogs.
​     Over time, breeding efforts became more specific as the desire for dogs that embodied certain traits and characteristics adaptable to the environment grew. The result of those efforts is the Newfoundland Dog. There were two breeds of the Newfoundland, one was a larger working dog, and the other was slightly smaller, known as the St. John's Dog. Due to its smaller size,this dog was faster and more agile than the larger breed. In addition to its speed, the St. John's dog also had exceptional retrieving skills and a remarkable nose. This, along with its “soft mouth” and willingness to work on all terrains, including the icy waters, made St. John's dog a revered hunting partner on land and by sea. Based on everything we currently know, it is probable that the St. John's dog is an ancestor of the Labrador Retriever. 

     While it is unclear when the proposed ancestor to the Labrador Retriever reached England, it is likely that by the 19th century any importing of dogs became very difficult due to the implementation of the 1895 quarantine law. Around the same period, a very distinctive member of the British aristocracy, took on the formidable task of breeding what we now recognize as the Labrador Retriever. The Third Earl of Malmesbury was at the forefront of this endeavor and he, in conjunction with a number of his descendants, collectively spent nearly a century developing a "pure" breed. A long ancestral line of Malmesbury Labradors eventually made their way to other aristocratic families and were used to establish influential kennels across England and extending into Scotland. It is said that we can trace today’s Labradors back to the kennel of the Third Earl of Malmesbury.
​     The primary focus of these original breeders do not differ from the goals of breeders today. They were committed to fostering specific traits that would be considered breed standards: exceptional sense of smell, endurance, ability to withstand severe weather and difficult terrain, and most importantly, enjoyment of the water. Furthermore, the Labrador was valued for its friendly disposition and intelligence, which made it highly trainable, in combination with their strong desire to retrieve for their handlers. Just as important was the physical stature of the dog. Because they were used for hunting, they couldn't be too large or small, and they had to be able to withstand long, strenuous days hunting. It needed a powerful build not only to get through the rugged terrain, but also to be able to break through the icy waters. Their “soft mouth” enables them to retrieve waterfowl for their handlers without damaging it. 

     Though the Lab has been America's favorite breed since 1991, it was many years before they reached that status. It wasn’t until 1917 that the first American Labrador was registered with the AKC and it took another 10 years for another 23 Labs to join the ranks. Finally, in 1931, the Labrador Retriever Club was officially established in the United States. Despite their slow introduction to America’s households, their popularity began to grow steadily after WWII. Then, during Vietnam, they became useful members of the U.S. Military, as their swimming abilities and retrieving instincts became highly valuable skills that were helpful to the Navy. They made their first appearance in the White House with Bill Clinton, when Buddy became America’s “First Labrador”.
     Today in the US, while most Labradors can be found lounging on the couch or snuggling up to a family member, these Sporting Group dogs are still considered to be esteemed hunting companions. The Lab is also considered regarded as a superb assistance dog - between 60 and 70% of all guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers. What makes this breed so popular in these areas? They are wonderful companions, highly intelligent and trainable, eager to please, and down-to-earth. Furthermore, they excel at retrieving and thoroughly enjoy the water, making them a well-rounded companion for your family. 

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