American Labrador

The American Labradors, also known as ‘Field’ or ‘Hunting’ Labradors, originated in United States and are used more for hunting or field work. Also, they are frequently used in Field Trials or Hunt Test competitions. American Labradors can also be seen in the show ring (or dog shows), but usually don’t do well.

Physical Differences

The American Labrador is more energetic than the English Labrador.They have a longer nose, longer legs, a thinner body and the tail sometimes curls upward and are taller.Probably due to interbreeding, they also come with their own unique set of health problems, including Hip, Eye, Elbow Dysplasia and EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse).EIC is when the dog will just collapse in the field usually after a strenuous exercise.In extreme cases some dogs can even collapse by merely anticipating a strenuous workout. CNM (Canine Neuromuscular Myopathy) which is similar to Muscular Dystrophy in humans. The EIC and CNM do appear more frequently in the American Labradors over the English Labradors.

English Labrador

The English Labrador originated in Canada and was brought to England and are the Show or Bench Labradors. They are usually the Labradors that are seen in the show ring, although they also can perform in the Field Trials or Hunt Tests and also can be used for hunting. They have shorter noses, blockier heads, thicker bodies, they have a thick otter tail and are shorter and heavier. They also have health problems including the Hip, Eye and Elbow dysplasia. But they are now testing them also for the EIC and the CNM.

Crossing the American Labrador or Field Lab to the English Labrador or bench Lab, create a new moderate show dog or field dog.

Personality Difference: English VS American and English/American Bred

I may be new at this myself but if a "breeder" tells you there is no difference between an English and American Labrador, they are one of two things, has zero idea what they are talking about OR they are wanting to push a puppy on you.

There IS a difference. When searching for a Labrador puppy, I suggest as a breeder, to ask if the lines American/Field lab or English? The breeder SHOULD know where the lines come from and know what they are breeding!! Every Lab lover has their own preferences for what they like and don't like in a Labrador (or any other breed)

I've had friends tell me “we didn’t know our lab was field when we bought him, and he was just to hyper for our family and were unable to keep him". A breeder SHOULD explain this to a person for the welfare and well-being of their puppies!!I would think the only reason a breeder wouldn’t take the time to explain is to push that puppy out the door.I would much rather see a person go somewhere else and get a puppy if mine aren’t suitable for that person, than to have the puppy end up in a shelter later on.

 

How can you find out what the puppy is if the breeder doesn't know? ask for pedigree!!

Most labs, if bred from good lines, have champions in their pedigree. Some common abbreviations in the pedigree of English are CH. (show champions) and CD (companion dog).. The most common in American/Field labs are FC, NFC, AFC, and JH, (Field champ, National field Champ, Amateur field champ and Junior Hunter. What if there are no champs of any kind in the pedigrees? Then your guess is as good as mine.

ENGLISH (show/confirmation)

English labs are usually very close to the Lab Breed Standard per AKC/CKC. These are usually the type Labs you see in the Show ring.They are basically the heavier bone frame, with a much squarer head. Therefore the term being referred to as"Blocky & Stocky" build, the thick "otter" tail; wonderful temperament, and are low-key, (less hyper), just overall, very calm natured. They are a wonderful to live with, eager to please, ready to play.

Field Labs tend to be taller, finer boned, a very high energy level referred to as "drive” Their head / skull is more streamlined/ longer than square. Tail is usually medium to skinny and longer in appearance. They can go ALL day. They tend to chew more. They are great if you are into hunting, field trials,or have a super active lifestyle, but as a "house" dog,I personally think they are way to hyper for such.

English lines with American Field Lab as well tend to display the calmness of the English lab and do make great house dogs and calm pets. They may look English or may show the American lab look.

Sire is 100% English AKC/CKC

Dam is English American CKC

If the breeder doesn’t know their dogs lines I would either find another breeder or learn to read the pedigrees. Don’t buy it just because it’s cute. BEST ADVICE