Over the past five decades, there have been two distinct varieties of Labrador Retrievers that have emerged – English Labs and American Labs. English Labs are characterized by broader heads, thicker tails, and a barrel chest, while American Labs have a leaner body shape and an energetic temperament with a high prey drive. Today, I will share my insights on the differences between show bred English Labs and working American Labs, helping you choose the best fit for your family. The origins of these Labradors influence their appearance and behavior. English Labs, also known as show Labs, are bred for showcasing and companionship, while American Labs, also known as working Labs, are bred for field work. Labrador Retrievers were developed in the 1800s by English hunters, originally trained as working dogs to retrieve gamebirds. As time passed, Labradors became popular as pets, leading to the divergence between show bred Labs and working Labs. Show breeders focus more on looks, while working breeders prioritize ability. While some Labs were initially dual-purpose, excelling in both show rings and field trials, as competitions became more specialized, breeders began to focus on one specific type of Labrador. Thus, working Labs developed a leaner build and speed, while show Labs became more exaggerated with heavier bodies and shorter legs. Show bred Labs became more popular as pets, leading to a decreased breeding between the two types and solidifying the distinction between show and working Labs. The last dual Champion Labrador passed away many years ago, cementing the separation of the two varieties.
The author’s field-bred Labrador: Bella Distinguishing between English and American Labradors In America, Labradors are often categorized as English (show type) or American (pet type). These terms are used interchangeably with working or field type Labradors for American, and show or bench type Labradors for English. Originally from England, all Labradors, regardless of type, share the same origin. The distinction lies in their intended role rather than their birthplace, with American Labradors typically associated with the working type, and English Labradors with the show type, regardless of location. When choosing a Labrador as a pet, both types offer versatility. While English Labs may excel at fetching birds, American Labs can make excellent family pets. Understanding the unique traits of each type is essential before deciding to bring a puppy into your home.
The writer’s own Labrador, Tess, is a field bred Lab with a classic chiselled Labrador head, unlike the chunkier show Labs seen in competitions. Labradors bred for hunting have not just physical differences from show Labs but also different temperaments. The American type Labrador is known for its quick mind and body, as well as its sensitive nature that thrives on pleasing its owner. These dogs are easier to train using traditional hunting methods, but their sensitivity can sometimes lead to nervousness or reactivity. It’s important to look for confident, non-shy parents when getting a puppy from working lines. American Labradors may have strong hunting instincts and be prone to chasing wildlife, which can be challenging for owners in rural areas. Some of these Labs have so much drive that inexperienced owners may struggle to control them on walks, especially if they are not paying attention to their dog. On the other hand, English type Labs are heavier and shorter in the leg compared to field bred Labs. While they may lack agility, some show Labs have surprised people with their jumping abilities.
Labradors come in different types, with show Labs typically becoming calmer as they get older, while field bred Labs remain energetic throughout their lives. My two Labs, Tess and Rachael, were a perfect example – Tess was sensible early on, while Rachael stayed playful well into adulthood. Young English Labs can be very friendly and easily distracted, making them a handful in busy dog parks. Working Labs in the UK are less likely to whine compared to show Labs, as excessive noise is a fault in field trials and has been bred out to some extent. When choosing a Labrador for your family, it’s important to understand the different types. Many people ask about Drakeshead Labs, but it’s just a well-known British kennel that breeds high-quality working Labs. Other successful breeders specialize in American or field type Labs, both in the UK and the USA. Ultimately, the best type of Lab for you depends on your expectations and location, so take your time to research and find the perfect match for your family.
If you’re looking to engage in Labrador activities or sports, consider opting for a Labrador from working lines. Working bred Labs are known to be responsive to human contact, structured training, and controlled outdoor exercise. American type Labs are ideal for activities and hunting, as they have good focus, respond well to training, and are attentive to their handler’s needs. For dog agility, American Labs excel due to their focus and responsiveness, while English Labs may lack the necessary flexibility and speed. American Labs are great as hunting companions and retrievers. If you’re not interested in Field Trials, a Lab bred for the average hunter or shooter may be more suitable, as they may be easier to handle for inexperienced individuals. English type Labs are known for their classic good looks and are ideal for long family walks in the countryside. Their less intense hunting instincts make them easier to manage outdoors. If you value appearance above all else, an English Lab may be the right choice for you. Some breeders are working towards recreating the dual-purpose Labs of the past, focusing on dogs with thick tails, dense coats, broad heads, and excellent retrieving instincts. Regardless of the type of Lab you choose, it’s important to select a breeder wisely to ensure you get a healthy puppy with the right temperament. When deciding between American and English Labs, consider the intended purpose of the dog. American Labs are great for hunting and agility, while English Labs are more sensitive and trainable. A mix between the two types can also be an option, but be aware that individual personality traits may vary widely within a litter. Overall, prioritize health clearances, temperament, and proper socialization, exercise, and nutrition for your Labrador puppy, regardless of its type.
