American vs. English Labradors

Labrador retrievers are among the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, thanks to their friendly, even temperament and ease of training. They may be large dogs, but they are loyal, loving, and reliable at all times, making them ideal for families, new owners, determined trainers, and almost every other type of dog owner too. Labradors are a great option, but there are several different types, and knowing which option is right for you is an important step in the process of choosing a dog, no matter whether you are looking to adopt one or buy from a breeder.

Everyone is aware of the obvious difference between chocolate labs, black labs, and golden retrievers (color, as well as a few other details), but what about the differences between American Labradors and English Labradors? Below, we will talk you through the basics of these different types of Labrador, so you have got all the information you need to start making a decision.

American Labradors

American Labrador Retrievers are generally identified as being a little leaner than English Labradors. They have slightly longer legs and a longer neck, giving a different body shape, and tend to be leaner overall. Their shoulders are narrower, and their long necks are thinner. This general shape also applies to their tails, which are a little slimmer and less muscular. Their coats are also thinner, with a smoother and less fluffy feel to them.

In terms of behavior and temperament, there is very little difference. American Labradors are often regarded as being the better option for agility and hunting trials, thanks to their slimmer build, longer legs, and more athletic body type. However, as they are a little different from the official standard, they are often not ideally suited to show performance. That is not to say you can’t show an American Labrador, just that it is likely that a show judge will regard American Labrador body types as deviating from the breed standard.

English Labradors

English Labrador Retrievers are shorter and broader than their American counterparts, with a stockier build in most cases. They have shorter legs and necks, with wider shoulders and more muscle. This gives them a broader build, and they tend to also have a thicker, chunkier tail. Most English Labradors have a longer, fluffier coat than American Labradors, which makes them look even broader and more solid.

Due to their wider build and less athletic body type, English Labradors are generally seen as less good than American Labradors for hunting and agility. However, this variant is the official breed standard, which means that the traits common to English Labradors are the ones that show judges often prioritize. This makes an English Labrador an ideal show dog in most cases, although that breed standard is less important now than it used to be.

Field Labradors

There is a third variety of Labrador that you may not be aware of. Field Labradors fall in between English and American Labrador traits and form a sort of “average” Labrador. Field Labradors are not universally recognized as being different from American or English Labradors, however, and many breeders will not consider them to be a meaningful variety of Labrador. Instead, you might find them classified as either English or American Labradors, despite their more balanced traits.

Field Labradors are often intentionally bred as a cross between the other two varieties, mixing their traits together in order to obtain a specific appearance or build for the next generation. Ultimately, it does not really matter what you call any variety of Labrador, as long as it looks the way you want it to.

What is the Official Difference?

No official organization currently recognizes any difference between American Labradors and English Labradors. All Labradors are simply registered as Labradors, with no distinction between English and American varieties. Both varieties are basically the same for most purposes, with the same even temperament, reliability, and loyalty. There is no particular need to separate the two out, and the distinction is currently not regarded as important by any major organizations such as the Kennel Club.

The biggest difference is simply a geographic one. Most Labradors in the UK are English Labradors, while most Labradors in the US are American Labradors!

Which Labrador is Best?

English Labradors and American Labradors have much the same temperament, and there will be just as many differences between individuals of each type as there are between the two types. That means that it really does not matter very much which variety of Labrador you end up with – the differences are primarily cosmetic.

If you are planning on trying hunting, agility, or show performance with your Labrador, then the differences are slightly more meaningful than they are for pets, but it is entirely possible for an English Labrador to do well at agility or hunting, and an American Labrador to receive a very high score at a show.

Conclusion

If you are looking for more information on the American Labrador and English Labrador, check out the experts at https://chocolatelabradorretriever.ca/american-vs-english-lab in order to find all of the details you need, straight from a professional breeder. Ultimately, the differences between American and English Labradors are much smaller than the differences between chocolate labs, black labs, and golden retrievers, so the decision is a relatively minor one.

It is down to personal preference for the most part, although you may also be limited by what types of Labrador are available in your area at the moment. Unsurprisingly, American Labradors are much easier to find than English Labradors in the US, while English Labradors are more common than American Labradors in the UK! But if you are only able to obtain one variety, do not worry about it too much. All Labradors have much the same traits, and you will get the same great and rewarding experience from both varieties!