Labradors are from Newfoundland and Vice Versa?!?!?

Labradors Are from Newfoundland, and Newfoundlands Are from Labrador 🤯

Yes, you read that right. Labradors are actually from Newfoundland. And Newfoundlands? They’re from Labrador. Confused? Don’t worry, you’re not alone — dog lovers everywhere have scratched their heads at this quirky bit of canine history.

Let’s untangle the tale (or should we say tail).

The Labrador Retriever’s Real Roots 🐕

Despite their name, Labradors didn’t actually originate in the Labrador region of Canada. Instead, their ancestors were bred in Newfoundland in the 1800s.

• Local fishermen used smaller water dogs, known as the St. John’s Water Dog, to help retrieve nets and fish from icy waters.
• These dogs were smart, strong swimmers, and had that classic “Lab look” — short coat, sturdy build, and a love for fetch.
• English nobles visiting Newfoundland fell in love with them, brought them back to England, and refined the breed into what we now call the Labrador Retriever.

So the next time someone says their Lab is from Labrador, you can politely (and smugly) drop some knowledge: “Actually, they’re from Newfoundland.”

And What About the Newfoundland Dog? 🐻

Here’s where it gets funnier. The giant, fluffy Newfoundland dog — the one that looks like a bear in a dog costume — wasn’t actually developed in Newfoundland. Nope.

• Historians believe Newfoundlands came from the Labrador region, where large working dogs were bred to haul loads, pull carts, and help fishermen.
• Over time, these dogs became known as “Newfoundlands” even though their roots trace back to Labrador.

So yes, the breeds basically swapped names. Classic case of “you had one job…”

What Both Breeds Have in Common

Even though their names are all mixed up, Labradors and Newfoundlands share a few key traits:

• Water Lovers 💦 – Both breeds were born to swim and are natural water dogs.
• Working Backgrounds 💪 – Labs retrieved fish and nets, while Newfoundlands pulled carts and rescued people from water.
• Big Hearts ❤️ – Labs are famously friendly, and Newfies are gentle giants. Both are beloved family dogs around the world.

Why We Love Them at Pooch’s Yard

At Pooch’s Yard – Doggy Day Care, we’ve seen our fair share of Labs and Newfies, and here’s what we know:

• Labs bring endless energy, goofy playfulness, and a love of fetch that never ends.
• Newfoundlands bring calm, cuddly vibes (and sometimes drool… okay, lots of drool).

Both breeds thrive in our yard — socializing, playing, and, of course, showing off their water-dog heritage with our splashy activities.

Final Woof 🐾

So yes, it’s true: Labradors come from Newfoundland, and Newfoundlands come from Labrador. It’s a geographical mix-up that stuck, but at the end of the day, who cares where they’re from? These two breeds are proof that Canada gave us some of the best dogs in the world.