Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Distinguishing The English Labradors From The American Labradors

By Amanda Baird


English labradors and american labradors might look the same at first glance, but there are some differences that might not be noticed outrightly. As a general rule, there is just one breed of dogs called labradors. These dogs simply have two distinct types: the English and the American. Both types are genuinely affectionate and good-looking, but some people might actually want to know the difference so that they'd be able to make a better decision on choosing their next man's best friend.

The English lab originally came from England. They are also called the 'show' or 'bench' labradors since they were originally bred for show. Their other name is 'Conformation Labradors'. These labs are considered as medium-sized breeds, with their heights at around 21 to 24 inches. The males can grow up to around 90 pounds, and the females at around 70lbs. They are known to have thick bodies.

Standing at around 27 to 30 inches, the American labrador is considered to be a tall dog. They have a huge amount of energy, as opposed with the English. They were mainly bred for being in the field, and can last for a whole day of playing or working.

Both types come in different coats, like the gold or yellow, chocolate brown, and the black. The high energy of the American lab makes it favourable for people with active lifestyles. The English labradors, however, are more laid-back and relaxed.

The Field labradors are better for field enthusiasts and hunters for their huge amount of drive and energy. They also have thinner coats than the Show labs, and their bodies are typically slimmer. Often times, their tails are curled upwards. Moreover, they make a very challenging pet because of its energy. These labs need hours of exercise or running in a day. On the contrary, English labradors only typically need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise in a day. As such, they are more relaxed than their American counterpart.

Generally, the English types are mellow dogs. They are quite easy to train for both indoors and outdoors, and have medium levels of energy. They both love to play and to just sit down and laze around with their masters. This is probably one of the reasons why they are highly considered as guide dogs in the United States and in Canada.

Choosing the right labrador for you or your family is very important. The needs of each type is different from the other, so a future lab owner should always keep in mind these differences. Both types make great pet dogs, but they have different drives or energy that makes them distinct from each other. Moreover, the differences in their coats and height are also factors, since thick coats generally require more grooming time. The show types also tend to shed more than their field counterparts.

Whether you would be choosing English Labradors or the American Labrador, both will surely be a perfect pet for you and your family. But the distinctions should always be considered to ensure that both the dog and the owners would have the perfect life together.




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