It is theorized that the modern-day Labrador retriever descends from the St. John's Dog aka the Lesser Newfoundland.  They would have had the heavy, short coat that repelled the icy waters needed when working with local fishermen.

 

In the early nineteenth century the Lab began to flourish as word of the breed's capabilities spread among sportsmen.  The breed was developed and refined in England, where the name "Labrador" was finally settled on.  During the 1840's the dog was unknown as a companion dog.  Labs were bred exclusively for work for many generations, usually by wealthy sportsmen who maintained large kennels of shooting dogs.

 

By the 1880's , word of the breed spread beyond the aristocracy's private kennels to sportsmen throughout England.  In the 1920's the Lab began gaining a foothold with American sportsmen.  During this time they were referred to as "English retrievers".  Over the next 20 years the Lab established itself in championships and shows throughout America.  This became the point that the Lab was seen as not just for hunting, but also a companion pet.

 

In recent years the Labrador has been among the top five most popular dogs in America.  The temperment of today's Lab is of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and nonaggressive.  The dog has much that appeals to people; its gentle ways, intelligence, and adaptability making it an ideal dog.  From these traits the Lab has been found to be excellent in working as a guide for the blind, companion and therapy dog, military and police work, aiding the handicapped, and disaster work.