The birthplace of the Labrador Retriever was in Newfoundland, Canada. According to researchers and historical document's, Labrador's originated from the St. John's Water Dog. The St. John's dog was known to be able to withstand the cold and icy conditions of Newfoundland's waters and were primarily used in the line of work of local fisherman. These dog's were often sent to retrieve fish which would fall out of the fisherman's nets as well as buoys and other objects which might float out of the fisherman's reach. Labrador's are recognized by three colors according to the AKC; black, yellow, and chocolate. Blacks are solid black, yellow's may range from a fox-red color to a lighter cream or yellow, chocolate may range from a dark to light chocolate color. Dilute colors, including silver, charcoal, and champagne are not recognized as a stand alone color and are the result of breeding two dog's together which both posses the recessive gene. According to the standards, Labrador Retriever's should be strongly built, medium in size, athletic, even tempered and well-balanced in proportion. Labrador's should have a love for the water, be strong swimmer's, and posses a drive and heart for retrieving both upland and waterfowl.