It is important to know that all labs are not created equally. The differences between the types of labs are so vast that many experts have suggested splitting the breed.

A brief visit to your local shelter and you’ll see many Labrador Retrievers, purebred labs, given away because they had too much energy, grew too big, or developed an affinity for chewing valued possessions. Currently the most popular breed in the United States, people are drawn to their fantastic temperament, loveable personalities, and keen intelligence but are not always prepared for some of their more negative characteristics. The truth is the “all-American dog” is not always a good fit for the sedentary American lifestyle. If you’ve researched labs and are willing to take the good with the bad, next you’ll need to decide what type of lab best suits your own temperament. Yes, you finally decided on a breed and now you have to decide on the type of breed. It seems like a lot of decision making, but understanding theses types can help ensure you choose the right dog and your new friend stays in your home, not in a shelter.

Labs can be categorized in many different ways, but most people (including the President of The Labrador Club) use three different terms: English, American, and Field. Here’s a simple breakdown of the characteristics of each type:

English Labs

Sometimes referred to as show labs

Heavy set

Thick

Otter Tail

Dense Coat

Short muzzle

Wide (square) head

Calm

American Labs

Sometimes referred to as field labs

Thin

Tall

Long, thin tail

Fine coat

Long face

Round head

High strung

Field labs are dogs trained solely for field trails.

These are generalizations, of course. However, if you are getting your dog registered from an accredited breeder, s/he will probably specialize in one type or another. Look for one who breeds the type of dog you would like. These dogs are different in appearance, but more importantly they are different in attitude. Field labs really need to be in the field, American labs are incredibly intelligent but are boisterous and stubborn, and English labs are more laid back, but can be much larger (up to 100lbs) and therefore harder to handle.

Unfortunately, the differences within the breed have sparked quit a controversy among lab lovers across the country, with champions of each category proposing that the standard should be changed to fit the characteristics of their favored lab. For each breed, a standard has been set that includes height and weight restrictions, as well as a host of other standards like head size and expression. In 1992, a new standard for labs was accepted by the AKC, but many people contend this standard does not accommodate all types of labs. For this reason, there has been much discussion about splitting the labs into two different standards, the American and the English.

Those in favor of the split believe two different standards will help people searching for a lab make the best decision because the distinction will be clear. The other side argues that some of the best labs are mixes of the different types. If the breed splits, you could not buy a registered dog that was part American, part English.

Whatever your position on the controversy, it is important to decide which type of lab best fits your personality and lifestyle. Be sure to buy from a reputable breeder and ask the right questions. You’ll be happier and so will your four-legged friend.