The Labrador Retriever has remained one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for decades, and for good reason. Labradors are wonderful companions, and most Labs, our own included, have never met a person or animal they didn’t think was their best friend. Their intelligence, affectionate nature, and desire to please have made them exceptional guide dogs for the blind, members of search-and-rescue teams, narcotics detection dogs, therapy dogs, and beloved family companions. They are eager to learn, thrive when given the opportunity to work alongside the people they love, and are happiest when they are simply part of everyday family life.
The American Kennel Club recognizes three accepted Labrador colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Although there is only one official AKC Labrador Retriever standard, Labradors in the United States are often described as either American or English in type. These are not separate breeds, but rather general distinctions based on the characteristics breeders have emphasized over many generations.
American Labrador Retriever
American Labrador Retriever
(Field Bred Lab)
English Labrador Retriever
Retriever
'
(Show/Bench Bred Lab)
American Labrador Retriever vs. English Labrador Retriever
Not all Labrador Retrievers in the United States are American...So then why do they call them American Labradors? Are English Labrador Retrievers found only in England? Do they bark with an accent?
It is a distinction based on the job these dogs are bred to perform. American Labs tend to be lighter weight and have longer legs. The dogs' muzzles are longer and their heads tend to be narrower than those of English Labrador. Their coats are not as thick as the English Labrador Retriever, and their tail is thinner. These characteristics enable the American Labrador to excel at field activities, and although some may be very calm; they are bred to perform well in agility and hunting. They are usually bred to be more energetic than the English type of Labrador Retriever.
Labrador Retrievers that have bloodlines from stock in England are known as English type Labs. These Labradors tend to be stockier, that is heavier and shorter, than the field type and have a thicker coat and tail. The physical difference between the two types of dogs is usually obvious in the head. The English Labrador Retriever tends to have a larger broader head and shorter muzzle. English Labrador Retrievers tend to be calm and mellow because they have not been bred to perform in the field. This is not to say that English Labs cannot make excellent hunting companions.
Please remember, these distinctions are general characteristics. While both of these types of Labradors are suitable for certain individuals as pets, we believe that the English type of Labradors usually make a better choice for a family pet for most people, because they possess a calm yet playful, gentle, loving spirit. We are breeding the Labrador Retriever with the goal of producing top-quality, highly intelligent, well-mannered pets! For this reason, as a breeder, we have decided to concentrate on selectively mating dogs whose pedigrees include top AKC English bloodlines.
Regardless as to whether you decide upon an American or an English Labrador as your new companion, you will be welcoming a new friend into your life for a long time. Please research carefully, and be sure that you are prepared for a great commitment. Although, the exuberance of a cute puppy can be adorable... it can also be catastrophic when that same puppy exhibits those behaviors and is now a robust 85 pounds. Many puppies who were bought with intentions of lifelong love are now languishing alone in shelters.
At Kingridge Kennels we believe that prospective owners should be well informed about the puppies they are considering. To create a match made in heaven, we strive diligently to blend the personalities of families and puppies. The initial match between owner and prospective puppy at the start is key to the lifelong relationship with your new dog!
This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His
Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10