Labrador Retriever – The most famous dog breed in the USA, has a long history which begins in Newfoundland from St.john’s Dog. These dogs are the ancestors of Labradors.

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St. Johns water dogs are the result of ad-hoc breedings by the people of Newfoundland in the 16th century. There is no data available related to forefathers of water dogs but these are may be the result of cross-breeding between working dog breeds.

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St. John’s Dogs were lived in Newfoundland (a region of Canada) in the 16th century. They were also called water

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These dogs were used for hunting, retrieving and pulling nets. They have characteristics white markings on face, chest, and legs known as tuxedo markings.

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They were favorite dogs of fishermen because they have extraordinary qualities like good temperament and working behavior. Their other qualities were fast running, swimming, and fighting.

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They were short-haired dogs and preferred over long-haired dogs because ice stuck in long hair when they come out of the water after hunting.

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In 1820, St. John’s dogs imported to England, but their reputation was already there. There cross in England results in the origin of Labradors. St. John’s dogs were mainly in black color but others colors like yellow and chocolate also appeared in some litters.

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According to Geologist Joseph Bettle: ‘A thin, short-haired, black dog came off-shore to us today’.

 

When imported to England these dogs were different from typical St. John’s Dogs. They have the different body conformation and characteristics. They were more smart and active than other breeds.