Back in the 1700s, on the cold Canadian coastline, the now extinct St. Johns dog aided fishermen in retrieving nets and fish from the icy waters of Newfoundland. These dogs were revered for their exceptional work ethic and retrieving abilities in harsh, frigid temperatures, earning admiration from locals and foreigners alike.

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In 1807, a ship called the Brig Canton set sail from Newfoundland and was headed for Poole, England. Aboard the ship, accompanied by fishermen and sailors, were multiple St. Johns dogs. Once the dogs arrived in England, their workability was praised by locals after seeing their willingness to fetch any item for their handler. The exchange of these dogs gradually became a major enterprise for sailors traveling to and from the Canadian shores, leading to the widespread exportation of the St. Johns dog.

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The Earl of Malmesbury had a special admiration for the St. John's dog, recognizing their potential for game retrieval. As early as 1809, he and his family would go on to be the most influential people in establishing the Labrador Retriever breed through selective breeding. Other nobles from Scotland also favored these dogs, importing them from Newfoundland and establishing their kennel with great purity. By the 1880s, almost if not all of the St. John's dog lineage had died out in England, and the establishment of the Labrador Retriever for duck retrieving had been made. After some time, the Labrador Retriever was officially established as a breed in 1903 by the Kennel Club of England.

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While to this day, we are saddened by the extinction of the St. John's dog, it highlights the importance of keeping history alive through our love of purebred dogs. Many other breeds, such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, and Curly Coated Retriever, can attribute their creation to the famous St. John's dog.

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The Earl of Malmesbury, all the way back in the 1800s, described the Labrador as having a "thick otter-like tail" and a "coat that turns water off like oil," which is still true to the core characteristics of the breed today. Breeders who strive to preserve their breed are also preserving a piece of history. Keeping the integrity of our Labrador is essential to keep the rich history of the breed alive.

 

A heartfelt acknowledgment is extended to the St. Johns dog and all those who, centuries ago, played a role in establishing the Labrador Retriever, giving us the loyal and hardworking companions we cherish today.