I want to know if a English Labrador Retriever is better, or American Labrador Retriever is better. I know that American labs are taller, and skinnier, and English Labs are shorter, and bulky. But I wanna know the differences in temperment. Is one easier to train, is one more affectionate than the other, stuff like that.
When I say train, I mean obedience training, like sit, stay, come, lie down, shake, maybe even roll over. I dont go hunting or anything like that. And is one more playful than the other?
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It shouoldn’t matter! And if you are going to get a dog, go on Petfindr.com! Because there, you will be SAVING a dog…
The english labrador is more friendly but the american labrador has a better capability to train due to its light body. Hope this is what you were asking.
There is only one breed, Labrador Retriever, though there may be variation in “TYPE” in different countries, the breed, which originated in Labrador (believe it or not) is the same.
You will find differences in type of pure working and pure show lines also.
It depends what you want the dog for, obviously a dog from working lines will be more athletically built and bred for it’s working ability, so therefore it should be more receptive to training. However, it’s the trainer that makes any dog good.
ETA: Any dog should be able to master basic obedience, all Labs are playful clowns, and juvenile delinquents until they are about 3 years of age! LOL
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English labs are more heavy set and thick. They have otter tails, a dense coat, short muzzles, and a wide head. English ones are much more calm.
American labs are thin and tall. They have a long thin tail, a fine coat, a long face and round head. They are more high strung and calm down slower than the English one.
So if you’re looking for the more energetic, common in the US, playful dog, get the American lab.
They’re both very smart. The english however is better in the show ring. They’re also both very affectionate.
There is ONE labrador retriever.
Anyone who tries to sell you one of different “lines” is scamming you.
Really, what you’ve described is the difference between a show bred lab and a working bred lab.
ADD: @ Chaos, I KNEW I was on to something. Pretty good assumption, I’d say, for someone who doesn’t know a thing about labs!
The proper terms would be “show/Bench” and “working/Field”. As both England and America have both types. There is only ONE breed though and it is the Labrador Retriever.
I personally prefer the “show” as it looks like the dog that can be used for it’s original purpose of water work. A lot of “field” dogs don’t have the proper thick “otter” tail for heavy water work. Remember this breed was developed in Newfoundland (I believe), Fishing is a main source of food, there really was not much need for a field dog. I don’t like the overly tall, skinny minnie labs.
This is personal preference though.
Well, they are both pretty much the same (except for thier looks). They both have the same temperment (very sweet dogs) and are both pretty easy to train, though it IS best to train them when they are young. Hope this helps!
Usually the field or “American” type is more playful then the show “English” style. In general, they all are about the same as far as personality or trainability. Its more of what style you like better.
I suggest you either look in your shelter (tons of labs or lab mixes) or Labrador Rescues to find a pet that fits your lifestyle. There are so many byb’s breeding Labs that never should be bred.
American labs are from America. English labs are from England.
If we’re talking the difference between field and show, there are some general differences (as there are with many, many breeds). A field labrador is likely going to be more active, have more energy, and more drive. Personally, if you just want a pet, I would get a dog from show lines. Unless you’re very active, and want your dog to be equally active, I wouldn’t recommend field lines. Both varieties should fit within the written standard.
Both should be very trainable, friendly and playful. Any young labrador, from any background, is going to be an energetic sporting dog and isn’t always the best fit for many homes.
If you’re not a hunter, nor competing in hunt test competitions, there’s no need to a hunting dog- stick with a pet dog from a breeder who titles his/her animals and does the necessary health checks and guarantee.
Good Luck!
I got my lab from a whole family of breeders, show handlers, champion lines, yada, yada, yada.
I was told by the breeder that my Lab is “purely pet quality”… she told me like 100 times and had me sign a spay contract. She is a Field Lab, ie;, looks more like an American Lab.
Personally, I like the looks of the American Lab better. I think either can fit your qualifications.
Either way you go, start training early. I took my pup to Puppy Kindergarten and she did magnificent. I’ve heard that the English Labs are more laid back but my pup, although she loves a good romp in the park, still lays down and chills out and she’s only 5 months old.
If you want a good quality Lab, seriously look into a breeder. It’s not *that* expensive for a “pet quality” Lab. Everyone says get one from a shelter, and I have had my share of shelter dogs but this is going to be a member of your family for years to come. You have the right to choose.
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