A lot of dog lovers would want to have a Labrador Retriever. No surprise there! The Labrador Retriever is not only America’s Most Popular Dog Breed for 30 years running (according to the American Kennel Club); it is also considered to be THE family dog for the whole family.
If you’re reading this article, you must be one of those dying to have a loyal Lab for a pet. That is, until you read or heard that you actually have the choice of getting either an English Labrador or an American Labrador. You are probably wondering which of these two types of Labs should you get.
Well, wonder no more. Let’s take a look at the differences between the English Labrador and American Labrador as well as some things you should know about the two breed types.
1) Price Differences
Actually, whether you get an English or American Lab, they follow the general price tag of the Labrador Retriever as a breed. So, regardless of the type, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 for a Lab puppy. The price shoots up depending upon the dog’s lineage. If the Lab puppy belongs to a champion or winning bloodline, you can expect to pay $2,000 or much higher.
2) Size Differences
In general, Labs stand 22.5-24.5 inches in height for males and 21.5-23.5 inches in height for females. In terms of weight, males are heavier at 65-80 pounds while females are 55-70 pounds.
However, there are noticeable size differences between the English and American Lab. The English Lab (also known as “Show”, “Bench”, or “Conformation” Lab) is slightly shorter in height at 21.5-22.5 inches. The American Lab (also known as the “Working” or “Field” Lab) is taller at 21.5-24.5 inches. In terms of weight, both types fall in the standard weight range defined by the AKC. But, English Labs have a tendency to be heavier than American Labs.
3) Appearance Differences
In terms of physical appearance, English Labs look blocky, heavier and chunkier, with solid bodies and barrel chests. They have a broad head with a well-defined stop, a full face, and shorter muzzle. They have shorter bodies and legs. English Labs have a thicker neck, coat and “otter tail.”
On the other hand, American Labs are lighter and leaner in body. Their heads are narrower than the English Lab and with a longer and streamlined muzzle. They have longer legs, thus making them taller than their English counterpart. Last but not least, they have thinner coats and otter tails.
4) Temperament Differences
As a breed, Labrador Retrievers are good-natured, loyal, friendly, and intelligent dogs, characteristics which can be found in both the English and American Lab.
However, because they are athletic, undergo field trials, and enjoy high energy activities, American Labs are considered to be more stubborn, requiring a strong owner to keep it well-behaved. English labs are said to be more laid back and calmer, making them suitable as household pets for families with kids.
5) Nutritional Requirement Differences
There are no differences in the nutritional requirements of both types of Labrador Retrievers. On average, a Lab can consume three cups of food a day.
But, given that the American Lab is more energetic, it may have to feed more. An English Lab is fed less than the American Lab. This because, with its heavier build, there is the tendency for it to become overweight or obese.
Both types will require the addition of glucosamine or chondroitin supplements in their diets in order to maintain healthy joints.
6) Health Differences
Both English and American Labradors, while considered healthy dogs, are prone to the same problems that commonly afflict the Labrador Retriever breed as a whole.
Just some of the diseases that can afflict your dog include bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Exercise-Induced Collapse.
While both dogs are prone to overweight or obesity, there is a higher risk for English Labs because of their chunkier bodies and lower energy levels. So, it is commonly advised to watch the diets of English labs and not overfeed them.
7) Activity Level Differences
Because they are developed for field trials and as working companions for their owners, American Labradors have higher activity levels than their English counterparts. While trainable because of their intelligence, their higher activity levels may make American Labs more stubborn and headstrong.
In contrast, English Labs have lower activity levels so that they are calmer and less demanding than American Labs. This does not mean, though, that English Labs don’t share the same love of fetching, swimming, and other fun activities as the American type. English Labs also need the same physical and mental stimulations for their bodies and minds.
8) Exercise Requirement Differences
Because of their higher activity levels, American Labs need to be exercised more in order for them to release their energies. While an hour a day is the least amount of time recommended for the breed in general, American Labs may need exercise for an hour or more twice a day. Not giving your American Lab enough exercise and playtime may lead to boredom, frustration, and destructive behaviors.
Because of their sedate and more laidback personalities, English Labs are advised to be exercised for an hour at least once a day in order to maintain their healthy weights and prevent obesity from setting in.
9) Trainability Differences
Since they belong to the same breed, both American and English Labradors are both trainable due to their intelligence, although there is a slight difference in their trainability.
English Labs – owing to their mellower dispositions – are easier to train. On the other hand, American Labs are a bit harder to train. This is because they are more independent-minded, headstrong, and are easily distracted during training.
10) One Last Thing You Should Know
Your decision to get an English Lab or an American Lab largely depends upon your (and your family’s) lifestyle. If you prefer having a calm, affectionate dog who can serve as a loyal companion to you and your kids, the best choice would be an English Labrador. If you are also thinking of showing off your dog in conformation competitions, again, the ideal dog for you is the English Lab.
For individuals and families with active lifestyles and can keep up with their dog’s higher energy levels, then the American Lab is the best for you. You might want to get your dog additional expert training if you are planning to have them participate in prestigious field trials.
