We all know that Labrador Retrievers come in three different colors - black, yellow, and chocolate. But did you know they also come in three different "types" - American, English, and the rarer British?
Well, they do, and before you pick out the Lab of your dreams, it might be a great idea to educate yourself on the differences in the types. They're important, and choosing the right style for your family will help make the match perfect.
The Labrador Retriever was developed in Newfoundland to help early settlers hunt and fish in the cold, northern climate. There was only one type of dog.
This was the case until around the 1940s, when showing dogs became more popular. Two types of Labradors were then bred for.
The traditional Lab continued to be developed for its working abilities. They have more energy and more drive, and they have a slimmer build that enables them to be more agile. This type of Lab is called the American. They excel at hunting and taking part in field trials.
The new Lab in town was developed from the traditional and bred for appearance and to excel in the show ring - these are known as English Labs and are not particularly bred for work.
The British Lab is somewhere in-between!
Let's dig a little deeper to find out more!
If you're looking for a working Labrador, look no further than the American. They were specifically bred to hunt and later to perform well in field trials. It's worth noting that a A good American lab will have Field Trial Champions in his pedigree.
Even though English and British Labradors can do well as working dogs, the American lines are Olympians in that arena and performance-tested to excel.
So, what are the traits of a working wonder dog? If you look at the photo above, compared to an English Lab, you will see:
The American Labrador retriever is best for an active and fit family. Or use the American Lab to be your highly successful hunting partner.
Roll out the red carpet for these gorgeous dogs. English Labradors are selected for their show-stopping looks to appear in movies and on TV ads. And they're definitely more likely to win an Oscar than master an Olympic sport!
English Labradors were bred from the working Labrador lines to perform well in the show ring and dazzle us with their good looks!
So how does the English Lab differ from the American?
English labs are much better for less-active families or those that want everyone to compliment them on their dog's movie-star looks!
You won't be surprised that British Lab lines are often confused with English Lab lines. Despite the name, British Labradors are actually European imports coming from European hunting lines. If you study their pedigrees, most of them come from Ireland, Scandinavia, and France. What do we know about the British Lab?
Labrador Retrievers are widely regarded to be the most popular dogs in the world. And it's easy to see why.
Intelligent, funny, family-friendly, easily trainable, loving and loyal with an intense desire to please, although they have their differences, ALL Labs share these wonderful qualities.
Of course, it's a trade-off when it comes to Labs. Each type is a Lab through and through, and the only differences lie in what they do best.
People love English Labs because of how they look and don't need as much exercise. Hunters and active families will look to the American. The British might be perfect for others.
Any Lab will enhance your life; you just need to find the one that best suits your pack!
Silver labs are often offered as something rare or special. Well' they are no labs! They are crosses between a lab and a weimaraner and should be sold as such. Not only is their coat different, so is their behavior and conformation. Well, weimaraners are nice dogs too but no one is marketing a labradoodle as purebred. On the east coast they are sold as "Georgian Bay Sporting Dog" or "Georgian Bay Retriever"
Below some videos with Stonnie Dennis.
He explains in detail the differences between the lab lines.
He also has plenty of great training tips.