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If you have been reading about Labradors, you have noticed mention of two types of Labs: English Labradors and American Labradors.

Labrador Retrievers originated in the Newfoundland and Labrador regions of Canada and were imported to different parts of the world. Labradors were especially popular in England and other European countries. Dog lovers there took a keen interest in these dogs. Based on their breeding and local conditions, a new Lab subtype called English Labradors emerged.

The terms American Labradors and English Labradors are not official. However, they are universally recognized and the distinction is visible in the body built of dogs.

Within Labrador Retriever breed type there are variations in body style which have evolved to suit the use of the dog, as well as the preferences of individual breeders and owners. In the United States, the general public has begun to label these variations mistakenly as English or American types. Perhaps a better description of the two variations in style would be “breed standard-compliant” or “working-field” styles.

Dog lovers widely use the terms American Labrador and English Labrador as labels or nicknames for Labradors with lineage from their respective countries and there is a reason for that due to differences in physical variations.

The History of Labradors

The original Labrador Retriever was neither English nor American. The breed originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where their ancestors the St. John’s Dog, helped fishermen pull nets and retrieve fish escaping from fishing lines.

The English colonial officials saw the robust ability of the dog to work in a cold environment and water. Impressed with these qualities, they took a few the St. John’s Dogs to England, refined, and developed the breed through interbreeding with spaniels, setters, and other retrievers in the early 19th century.

American Labrador Retrievers

The American Labrador is primarily utilized for fieldwork and hunting. This type is often called “American Labradors” because they were more common in North America.

When compared to English Labrador, the American Labrador has distinctive physical traits, such as

• taller with a standard height varying from 21.5 to 24.5 inches
• longer legs
• slimmer and more athletic build
• finer bone structure
• more agile appearance
• narrower head
• longer muzzle
• longer and thinner neck
• thinner coat
• thinner, less ‘otter-like’ tail

American Labradors or field-type Labradors are bred for working ability rather than for show or pets. This indicates the lack of willingness on the part of American Lab breeders to strictly follow the breed standards set by kennel clubs. They focused more on their utility needs than on set parameters.

English Labrador Retrievers

This type of Labrador has been labeled “English” since they were originally more common in the United Kingdom. English Labradors are more suitable for show and for pets.

Compared to the American Labrador, the English Labrador has following diverse physical features:

• shorter body and legs with a standard between 21.5 and 22.5 inches
• stockier, blockier, and heavier built and bone structure
• barrel chests
• wider heads with a more pronounced and defined stop
• thicker neck
• thicker fur
• fuller face
• shorter muzzle
• thicker and straighter tail

Since English Labradors were bred for conformation, they appear a great deal closer to Labrador breed standard set by various kennel clubs.

Compare English-type Labs to American-type

Aside from the physical variations mentioned above, the difference between English Labradors and American Labradors is also visible in their temperament, energy levels, and activity.

• Temperament: The English Labrador is generally calmer, sweeter, and more docile than the American Labrador, which is a field dog. American Labs are also smarter and more headstrong.
• Energy Level: Since American Labradors are working dogs, they have a higher energy level than their English counterparts. However, this does not mean that the latter are lazy. Both types need regular exercises to stay fit and get adequate physical and mental stimulation.
• Activity: Because it is a gun dog and more suitable for hunting, the American Labrador is more high-strung and in constant need of activities.

Generally, English Labradors are show dogs while American Labradors excel in hunting and fieldwork. But there is no restriction when these dogs swap their jobs. The terms “American Labradors” and “English Labs” are not official or absolute. These terms are a mere guide in determining the type of Lab available. As long as an American Labrador meets the breed standards set by the AKC or any other kennel club, he can join a dog show. Similarly, English Labradors may also work in field trials and hunt without any constraint. There is only one breed of dog known as the Labrador Retriever, described by the AKC standard of the breed.

The distinction and difference between English Labradors and American Labradors exist because of decades of specialized breeding. American Labradors were selectively bred for their working skills. They possess higher energy and drive, agility, athleticism, and slimmer built, which makes them more common as working dogs. The breeding focused more on their ability to work than the breed standards.

The English Labrador were selectively bred for their looks and temperament, key considerations to participate in conformation competitions. Breeders were very careful in selecting the lines they wish to interbreed their Labradors with to end up with offspring that could perfectly match the breed standard and win awards in the ring.

Should I Buy an American Labrador or an English Labrador?

Are you planning to have a Labrador as your pet but confused on what type to get?

American Labradors are very active and will need lots of mental and physical stimulation. If you like a higher level of activity or hunting games, the American Labrador might be the better choice. However, if you want a Lab that does not too much activity, an English Labrador may be more suitable.