All About The British Labrador Retriever

The British Labrador Retriever is a well-loved breed of dog, and one of the most popular breeds for families when they're ready to add a pet to their families.

The American Labrador are easy going and loving nature, as well as their ability to be easily trained, makes them an ideal pet for most families.

Though many people think of a Lab as one type of dog, known for its loyalty, friendliness, and ability to be trained well, there are different types dog within the breed.

The American and the English Labs, though similar, have significant differences that gives uniqueness to each breed, and allows them to stand apart from each other.

One of the key differences between the two kinds of dog is their temperaments. They are bred differently, so while both types are friendly, loyal, and respond well to training, the American labs are bred to be big, strong, and aggressive when bred for hunting.

The English lab, on the other hand, is bred to be alert but not nervous, quiet and still, and good game retrievers. They are also strong swimmers, which makes them a good breed for hunting waterfowl.

A Great Friend, Hunter and Family Dog

For hunting, many prefer the English lab because of their calmness and laid back nature. They can wait patiently and quietly beside their hunters, even when hundreds of pheasants are flying overhead.

English Labs also mature quicker than their American counterparts which means they can be trained at a younger age. Because of their calmness, they are an ideal companion for people of all ages.

The calmer temperament of the English lab leads some people to prefer it as a pet over the American lab.

Not only do British Labrador retrievers mature more quickly, allowing them to be trained earlier, but because they are, overall, a quieter breed, they may be better for families with younger children.

Their temperament has led to the English lab to becoming one of the more popular breeds of dog in countries throughout the world.

There are also physical differences between the British Labrador retriever and the American breed.

The English lab is shorter and slimmer. Like the American lab, the English lab is bred in black and yellow, but instead of chocolate, the British Labrador retriever is also bred in a dark red-yellow known as 'fox red.'

They also have finer features than American labs.

Their faces, for example, are not as wide. The scenting ability of the English lab is considered superior to all other breeds, as well, making them exceptional game dogs.

The English Lab and its American cousin may well share the name "Labrador retriever," and they may look similar, even indistinguishable to some people, but they are very different breeds.

Their temperaments and physical appearances give each type of Labrador retriever different strengths as a family pet, as well as for the companions of the elderly and infirm.

For some, this makes the British Labrador retriever a more desirable pet for families, especially those with young children.

Related Articles 

History Of The British Labrador Retriever 

Choosing A Lab Puppy 

English Labs And Their Coat Colours 


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