6 Labrador Retriever Fun Facts (That Are Actually True)

Quick take

• The Labrador Retriever is famous for its friendliness, but its history has more twists than most people expect.
• Several “facts” online contradict each other. Where sources disagree, we say so instead of picking one.

1. It isn’t from Labrador

Despite the name, the Labrador Retriever’s ancestors came from Newfoundland, from a working dog called the St. John’s water dog ^1,3. The name “Labrador” stuck anyway.

2. The breed was shaped in Britain

Modern Labradors were developed in the United Kingdom from St. John’s water dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland ³. British aristocrats, including the Earl of Malmesbury, were involved in building the breed in the 1800s as duck-hunting retrievers. Accounts differ on exactly who did what, so we stick to the broad picture ^1,3.

3. Its ancestor has disappeared

The St. John’s water dog itself died out. Sources disagree on when the last ones were recorded (some say the 1970s, others the early 1980s), so the safe version is that it vanished during the 20th century ³.

4. Recognition came in 1903 and 1917

The Kennel Club in England recognized the Labrador Retriever in 1903, and the American Kennel Club followed in 1917 ^1,3.

5. It topped America’s popularity chart for about three decades

The Lab was the most popular breed in the AKC’s rankings for roughly 30 years. News coverage of the AKC’s 2022 list described the French Bulldog ending the Lab’s 31-year reign ⁴. The count depends on how you measure it, so “about three decades” is the safe description.

6. It’s still near the top

In the AKC’s 2025 list, the Labrador Retriever ranked second, behind the French Bulldog ⁵. Rankings change every year, so check the AKC’s page for the latest.

Thinking of getting a Lab?

Labs are active, food-motivated dogs that need regular exercise, mental work and a healthy weight. See our guides to exercise and mental stimulation and dog nutrition.

Want the full picture? Read our complete Labrador Retriever breed profile.