HISTORY

Labradors originate from Newfoundland, where they helped fishermen to bring fishing nets back on the coast.  They were called the Dogs of St. John there and differed in appearance from today’s Labradors. 
The ancestor of a contemporary Labrador was a dog of middle size, with its tail up, and a dark, often spotted colouring and a curly fur.  English fishermen brought these dogs to Great Britain, where count Malmesbury got interested in this breed. He bought the dogs from the fishermen, got involved in their breeding and called them Labradors.
Till today, none knows whether Labradors were crossbred with other hunting breeds, just like in case of other Retrievers.