Introduction
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful family companions, service dogs, and hunting dogs. The Newfoundland is another large retriever-type dog breed that originated from the Canadian island of Newfoundland. Given their similarities in appearance, function, and geography, a common question is whether the Labrador Retriever descended from the Newfoundland. In this article, we will explore the histories of both breeds and examine the evidence regarding their relationship and development over time. Understanding the origins of dog breeds provides insight into their typical traits and temperament, and unraveling the ancestry of the Labrador Retriever helps highlight why it continues to thrive as one of the world’s favorite purebred dogs.
Origins of the Labrador
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada where it was used as a working dog by fishermen. The breed’s roots trace back to the 1500s when European fishermen sailed to the island of Newfoundland with their dogs. These dogs, known as the St. John’s dogs or Lesser Newfoundland, excelled at retrieving fish and equipment that fell overboard in the icy waters (AKC).
The St. John’s dogs were mixed breed dogs, but it is believed they had some ancestry from Portuguese Water Dogs that also worked alongside fishermen. Over time, these dogs developed into excellent swimmers and were able to withstand the frigid waters. Their weather-resistant coats, webbed paws, and innate love of water made them the ideal fishing companions.
In the early 1800s, the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury and other Englishmen noticed the skill and potential of the St. John’s dogs. They employed these dogs on their hunting excursions and then selectively bred them to develop the Labrador Retriever’s hunting ability and obedience. The dogs excelled at retrieving downed fowl on land and in water. The name Labrador was likely derived from the Portuguese word ‘laboreiro’ meaning one who works.
Origins of the Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog breed originated from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. There are several theories about the exact origins of the Newfoundland breed. Some believe the breed descended from Tibetan Mastiffs brought to Newfoundland by Vikings in the 11th century, while others think the breed arose from crosses between native Newfoundland dogs and Mastiffs, retrievers, sheepdogs or hounds brought to the island by European settlers in the late 17th and 18th centuries.
References to large black dogs on the island date back to the 16th century. These big dogs, called Greater Newfoundlands, worked alongside fishermen hauling nets and lines, and helping with many tasks. Their webbed feet and swimming abilities made them excellent water dogs.
The St. John’s Dogs or Lesser Newfoundlands were smaller black dogs bred as companions. When Greater and Lesser Newfoundlands bred, they produced the modern Newfoundland breed. The breed became renowned for their sweet temperament, giant size, tremendous strength, and ability to rescue people from water.
By the 19th century, the Newfoundland was well established as a breed. They were exported around the world and popularized by tales of their exploits as lifesavers and companions.
Sources:
https://topdogtips.com/newfoundland-dog-breed-profile/
https://biggentledogs.com/products/the-newfoundland-gentle-giant
Shared History
The Labrador Retriever and the Newfoundland dog share much of the same ancestry and origins. Both breeds come from the Canadian island of Newfoundland off the northeastern coast. Newfoundland was originally home to a breed of working dog used by fishermen to help haul nets and retrieve fish. These dogs became known as the St. John’s water dog or Lesser Newfoundland. They were medium-sized, powerful, and loyal working dogs adept at swimming in icy waters.
According to the Bil-Jac article, when the British began colonizing Newfoundland in the late 1700s and early 1800s, they brought larger hunting and gun dogs from Europe. These dogs bred with the local St. John’s water dogs, producing larger offspring. Over time, through continued breeding, two distinct breeds emerged – the greater Newfoundland which was even larger, and the Labrador Retriever which retained some of the smaller St. John’s water dog characteristics.
So while the Labrador and Newfoundland eventually diverged into separate breeds, originally they came from the same roots – the hard-working water dogs of Newfoundland island. Their shared ancestry is the reason the two breeds have similar traits like webbed feet, water-resistant coats, innate swimming skills, and an ability to retrieve.
Differences Emerge
Although Labradors and Newfoundlands share common ancestry as working dogs in Newfoundland, Canada, the two breeds began to diverge in the 19th century as they were selectively bred for different purposes. Labradors were bred as Retrievers, prized for their friendly nature, high energy, and strong retrieving instincts. Newfoundlands, on the other hand, were bred as water rescue dogs, selected for their massive size, web feet, water-resistant coats, and calm temperaments.
According to the AKC, the first Labradors were imported to England in the 1830s by British nobles who developed them into skilled gun dogs for hunting waterfowl. They had a strong drive to retrieve downed birds from land or water with a soft mouth grip. In contrast, Newfoundlands had been used for centuries by fishermen in Newfoundland to haul nets and rescue people from the frigid North Atlantic waters. Their giant size, swimming ability, and courage made them ideal water rescue dogs.
By the late 1800s, the Labrador and Newfoundland breeds were clearly diverging. While Labradors were refined as land Retrievers, smaller in size with a field-bred focus, Newfoundlands became even larger, specialized for their work in the water. The breeds followed different breed standards and purposes, despite their shared ancestry as working dogs in Newfoundland.
Modern Distinctions
Today, there are some clear differences between Labradors and Newfoundlands in terms of their appearance, temperament, and common uses. https://www.loveyourdog.com/newfoundland-vs-labrador/
In appearance, Labradors tend to be medium-sized dogs with a relatively short, dense coat that comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate colors. Newfoundlands are much larger, often weighing over 100 pounds, and have a long, thick, double coat that is usually black, brown, gray, or white.
Temperament-wise, Labradors are known for being friendly, energetic, and eager to please, making them great family pets and service dogs. Newfoundlands are also friendly but tend to be more laidback, calm, and loyal. They make excellent therapy and water rescue dogs.
The most common uses of Labradors today include as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, bomb and drug sniffing dogs, and household pets. Newfoundlands are still used in water rescues but more commonly kept as gentle companion pets. Both breeds are highly intelligent and trainable.
DNA Connections
Recent DNA analysis has uncovered clear genetic links between the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland breeds. A 2019 study published in the journal Animal Genetics analyzed the genomes of over 200 dogs from Newfoundland and Labrador. The results showed the Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever dogs clustered together and were distinct from other retriever breeds (1).
Another DNA study in 2013 compared Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, and other retriever breeds. It found Newfoundlands and Labradors shared more DNA segments with each other than with other retrievers. The research indicates Labradors descend from Newfoundland stock. There is a strong genetic connection between the two breeds (2).
Overall, the DNA evidence demonstrates Labrador Retrievers originated from the same founding population as Newfoundland dogs. The genomic analyses provide scientific proof of a close ancestral link between the two breeds.
Sources:
(1) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230515131627.htm
(2) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/dna-reveals-newfoundland-mystery-1.5098101
Consensus Among Experts
Most experts and breeders agree that the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland breeds share common ancestry from founding stock in Newfoundland, Canada, but have diverged significantly over the last few centuries. According to the American Kennel Club, while the breeds share some history, the Labrador originated on the coast of Newfoundland, whereas the Newfoundland dog was more isolated in fishing villages and retained more mass and size. Other sources concur that both originated from the same stock, but selective breeding led the Labrador to become a medium-sized Retriever and the Newfoundland to develop into a much larger, long-haired working dog. Most kennel clubs register them as distinct breeds. While their origins intersect, experts widely accept the Labrador as a separate breed from the modern Newfoundland with its own breeding history and standards.
Other Influences
While the Newfoundland and St. John’s dogs are considered the primary ancestors of the Labrador Retriever, some experts believe other breeds likely influenced the lineage as well. According to the American Kennel Club, during the 1880s, the Earl of Malmesbury imported some Labradors to England from Canada and bred them with existing retrievers and water dogs, possibly incorporating some bloodlines from the Flat-Coated Retriever (After a modern-day brush with extinction, Buccleuch Labradors are still being bred to this day.) This intermixing with local British breeds helped establish and refine the traits of the modern Labrador Retriever. Additionally, some claim traces of Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and other working retriever breeds can be found in Labrador lineage, though the extent of these influences is debated.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundland dogs have a closely intertwined history. While both breeds trace their ancestry back to working dogs originally found in Newfoundland, over time distinct bloodlines emerged. Today’s Labradors and Newfoundlands are recognized as separate breeds with notable differences in size, coat, temperament and working roles.
Genetic studies confirm the two share common foundations but have diverged as their popularity grew around the world. Experts widely agree that the Labrador Retriever descended primarily from the smaller St. John’s water dogs of Newfoundland, while today’s Newfoundland breed was more heavily influenced by mastiff blood from Europe. Though related, selective breeding has created the lovable family-friendly Labs and the massive, powerful Newfoundlands we know today.
To summarize, while Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands share common ancestors, they have developed into two distinct dog breeds. However, their shared heritage and history as hard-working dogs is still evident in their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism.