The Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is widely considered the most popular breed of dog in the world. There is some confusion in the naming of the early breed; the Labrador Retriever was originally called the St. John's dog, or lesser Newfoundland, but these were also considered distinct breeds by other sources. Other origins suggested for the name include the Spanish or Portuguese word for rural/agricultural workers, Portuguese "lavradores" or Spanish "labradores," and the village of Castro Laboreiro in Portugal whose herding and guard dogs bear a striking resemblance to Labradors. Still others say it was named after the territory of Labrador in Canada in error, or since the name Newfoundland was already taken by the larger breed.