The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada before the 19th century. When exactly they came to exist is unclear, but it is known that in the early 1800's, English nobles visited Canada and brought the Labrador Retriever's ancestors back to England. These dogs were descendents of the St. John's Water Dog, a breed that was essentially a smaller Newfoundland. Once in Europe, the Labrador Retriever was refined to a friendly and hardworking gundog. Their name is the result of a bit of a mix up, as they are actually from Newfoundland, not Labrador. However, the modern day Newfoundland is from Labrador. Today, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States and serves as a therapy dog, service dog, seeing eye dog, police dog, and hunting dog.