The breed is best known for their obedience, loyalty, and playful composure. Additionally, they are prized as sporting and hunting dogs. Originally used in Newfoundland, as fishing dogs, they would help bring in the fishing nets and retrieve fish that had gotten away.In the 1830s, the 10th Earl of Home and his nephews the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and   Lord John Scott, had imported progenitors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe for use as gundogs. Originally used in Newfoundland, as fishing dogs, they would help bring in the fishing nets and retrieve fish that had gotten away.In the 1830s, the 10th Earl of Home and his nephews the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and   Lord John Scott, had imported progenitors of the breed from Newfoundland to Europe for use as gundogs. Coat: The Labrador Retriever's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat.