History

Early in the 1800s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America (mostly Canada) by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined (probably with some flat-coated retriever input) into the breed we recognize today.

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As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs.

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The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles!

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Physical Appearance

Adult males stand roughly 23 inches at the highest point and generally weigh 70-100 pounds when fully grown. Females are roughly 21 inches in height and generally weigh 55-80 pounds at adulthood. 

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Labrador Retrievers are widely recognized in three colors; Black, Chocolate, and Yellow. Those colors are also known as "Parent Colors." The colors Silver, Charcoal, and Champagne are not "new" coat colors, or the result of "mixed breeding." Black is the parent color of Charcoal, Chocolate is the parent color of Silver, and Yellow is the parent color of Champagne. The variations of coat color comes from the dilute gene. A dilution gene is any one of a number of genes that act to create a lighter coat color in living creatures. The dilute gene is not subjected to only Labrador Retrievers. Other breeds such as French Bulldogs, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahua, Mastiff's and many more have also been known to carry the dilute gene. The most popular opinion of Silver Labs are that they are mixed with Weimaraner's, and that is just simply not true. DNA testing has been done on all of our dogs and they come back 100% Labrador Retriever. There was once a time when Black and Yellow were the only accepted colors, and Chocolate wasn't. Time went by and Chocolate was finally recognized as a color by the AKC. As history repeats itself, these colors are newer and that is the ONLY reason they are not recognized. Our hope is that one day these beautiful purebred labs will be. 

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The Lab in the Home

Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs.

Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead.

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The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs (American Labbs) can run all day, whereas show line dogs (English Labs) only need moderate exercise.

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Health

Dilute Labs suffer from the same health issues as other purebred Labs. Including a predisposition to joint problems and to over-eating! Two studies record Labrador lifespan at between 11 and 12 years of age and Labs also have a higher rate of cancer (at 31% of all deaths) than some other breeds. On balance though, Labs are a fairly healthy and well constructed breed, free from some of the disabilities that plague some other purebred dogs. There is a potential health issue associated with the coat color dilution gene which you need to be aware of:

Color dilution alopecia

The color dilution gene, that dd which gives us the pale silvery coat, is sometimes associated with skin problems. Specifically, it may be linked to a kind of hair loss. The problem is known as “color dilution alopecia” and is more common in dogs that have the color dilution gene, dogs like Weimaraners, and now, Silver Labradors. It isn’t usually a life threatening condition, but it also isn’t curable. It can lead to progressive hair loss in young dogs and potentially recurrent infection in the hair follicles.

Coat dilution do not always lead to skin problems. Not all dogs with the dd gene carry the faulty alopecia version and most silvers are, in fact, free from alopecia. This condition can be tested for and all of our breeding dogs are tested and clear from alopecia prior to breeding. In most respects therefore, Dilute Lab health is much the same as that of any purebred Labrador.

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Labs and Children

Labradors are known to be terrific with children. They are America's number one dog breed for a reason!  Their chill, take-it-all-in-stride temperament and typically low aggression levels mean they are usually OK with being petted, cuddled and occasionally prodded. This easygoing attitude also means most Labradors will get along with other pets. Pictured below is Piper, one of Rolling Hills Ranch and Kennels very own. One of Piper's favorite things to do is watch over her new baby!

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American Labs vs. English Labs

What Does A Typical English Or Show Type Labrador Look Like?

• Looks more substantial with a heavier look about them. Blockier and bigger built with barrel chests, they’re noticeably wider and more ‘solid’ looking.

• Has a wider head with a more pronounced and better defined stop, a fuller face and a shorter muzzle which further adds to their more solidly built appearance.

• Has a thicker, more powerful looking neck.

• Has a very noticeably thicker coat.

• Has a wider, thicker and generally straighter tail than their American cousins.

• Has shorter legs and hence don’t stand quite so tall.

• Has a shorter body.

• Bred for conformation they’re usually far closer to how the breed standard is written than the American type.

What Does A Typical American Or Field Type Labrador Look Like?

When compared to an English type lab, the American type:

• Has a lighter, slimmer looking body. With a more athletic build, lithe and finer boned, they look more agile and ‘ready to go’.

• Has a head that’s not as wide as their English cousins. The skull and face are noticeably narrower, and their muzzle more streamlined and longer than the English lab.

• Has a thinner and longer neck which adds to their more lithe and athletic look.

• Has a noticeably thinner coat.

• Generally has a tail that is thinner and less ‘otter like’ than an English Lab. It looks longer and some even have a little curl to them.

• Has longer legs and so are taller when compared to an English lab. In combination with their slimmer build, this further adds to their look of athleticism.

• Bred for working ability, there’s far less desire for breeders to aim for the breed standard so they’re almost always less closely matched to how the breed standard is written.

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Difference In Energy Levels, Disposition And Overall Temperament

Although not always true and there are exceptions, generally speaking there is a profound difference in the temperament and energy levels of the American and English type labs. As a rule they’re bred for work and field trials, so the American Lab has a higher energy level and ‘drive’ than their English cousins.

They’re noticeably more active and ‘always on the go’.  But of course higher energy levels are needed in a dog with such demands placed on them as working all day. The higher energy levels and drive have earnt them the label of being more high-strung as they really are always active and need constant exercise and attention. In terms of temperament and perhaps due to the mix of high intelligence and high energy, they’re considered more head-strong and need a more experienced and strong-in-character owner to achieve control and a well-behaved and balanced pet than does an English Lab.

Without a doubt, the American type is more suited to life as a working dog than as a relaxed family pet.

 

English Labs Energy levels And Temperament

The English Lab is considered calmer, less active and quieter in nature than the American Lab.

More often described as sweet, mellow, extremely relaxed and quieter when compared to American labs, they’re considered easier to train and to live with for less experienced and laid back owners.

Although still ‘driven’ and suitable for life as a working dog, if a family pet is what’s desired, the English lab is far more likely to slip into this role as they’re far less demanding when it comes to activity and will more readily chill at your feet at the end of a hard day.

 

Temperament and personality traits common to both breeds

Regardless of type, when it comes to being loving, affectionate and an immense desire to please, both the American and English Labradors are equally matched. True to the breed standard and part of what makes a Lab a Lab, both the American and English types are highly intelligent, keen and biddable. Very kind in nature, bold and confident whilst void of any aggression. But you should be aware that differences in energy, ebullience, being head-strong and controllable do exist between the two types.

 

Reasons For The Difference Between American vs English Labradors

The reason for the difference between the English lab vs American lab is due to many decades of specialized breeding. Labradors bred especially to hunt and compete in field-trials are selectively bred for their working abilities. Higher energy, higher drive, more athletic, slimmer built and agile dogs, these are the most desirable traits in a working Labrador. They’re bred with far less regard for conformity to the breed standard and more for their ability to perform than a Labrador bred for show.

Labradors bred for show in conformation competitions are selectively bred for their looks and temperament alone, with the Labs most closely matching the breed standard and winning awards in the ring going on to be used in breeding programs. Their ability to perform in hunting and field trials is secondary at best. It used to be a Labradors conformation and working ability were equally important, with many breeders aiming for the prestigious ‘double champion’ who would win in both the ring and out in the field. But the two disciplines have become so specialized and competitive in recent decades that double champions have become rarer and rarer with breeders having to concentrate on just the one area to stand any hope of success. And this is what’s lead to the branching off of the two distinct types and the trend is likely to continue and the differences likely to become even more pronounced.

 

Why You Might Choose An American, Field-Trial Type Labrador

Especially bred to have the qualities needed in a successful working dog, the American type is very active, with boundless energy, stamina to match and an adventurous and strong-minded attitude.

As a comparison to humans they’re much like an Olympic athlete and truly physically elite.

An American Lab is suitable if you’re looking for a hunting partner, want to get involved in field trial competitions or have a very active outdoor lifestyle. However, as a family pet and house dog I think they have way too much energy and are too hyper-active than the average family can handle.

They need a lot of exercise, constantly need to have their minds occupied and hence will take up a lot of your time. If you’re not ready for this and cannot provide the level of activity they need, you may find they get bored and try to entertain themselves and this is when people say they have a problem Lab on their hands. Perhaps then an English Lab would be more suitable…

 

Why You Might Choose An English, Show Type Labrador

Especially bred for looks and temperament to match as closely as possible to the official breed standard, the English type Lab is perfect if you have any intentions to compete in conformation shows or wish to go into breeding. But they’re also far less exuberant, less full of energy and aren’t as highly strung when compared to an American type Lab. They tend to calm down after puppy-hood much sooner and are more eager to please and easier to train as a well-behaved companion. This is because they haven’t been bred for high drive, courage, dogged determination (pardon the pun) and peak physical performance.

So if you’re looking for a Labrador that won’t be too high energy to manage, is easier to train, less demanding of activity and time and more suited to life as a family pet, then you should choose an English Labrador. Please don’t take this to mean that an English Lab is low on energy and easy to manage!

They’re still highly intelligent and energetic dogs that need regular exercise and their minds to be occupied, but compared to an elite American field trial or hunting Lab? Well, they’re worlds apart!

An English Lab is far more suited to life as a family pet. But a high energy family all the same :-)

 

Will There Ever Be An Official Split Of The Two Types?

The split of Labradors between the English and American types, or the field trial and show types, is very ingrained and accepted terminology within the Labrador world in general even if not with the official parent clubs and kennel clubs of the world. But the differences that exist between American and English Labs is undeniable and becoming more prevalent as the breeding lines of those for show and those for working Labs become ever more separated. Some breeders, particularly those from the American field-trial genre feel that the show ring no longer gives their dogs the recognition they deserve.

The more ‘true to standard’ English labs always win in the ring leaving field trial champions to be less and less recognized in show.

 

Conclusion

There are quite considerable differences between ‘American type’ and ‘English type’ Labradors, both in looks and disposition. So which type is best for you? This depends on your lifestyle and what you want from your dog. American type Labradors are generally more athletic, energetic, more highly driven and better suited to an outdoor life of hunting and sports, or for families with a great deal of energy and real outdoor types. English type Labradors are blockier and bigger built, calmer, more docile and better suited for life as a family pet…but still an active family nonetheless. To choose between the types, do a little research, be honest with yourself about which would best fit into your pace of life and try to meet a few of each type to see which you prefer. If you know what you’re after before you ever approach a breeder then you’re much more likely to end up with a Labrador that best suits you, and a Labrador will end up with an owner that is best for them. American types’ aren’t always more energetic and demanding, ‘English types’ aren’t always more relaxed and easier to handle, but the types are true enough to be a good guide and a place to start.