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Many debates and conversations arise about the difference between Labradors
from American/field backgrounds and Labradors from English/show
backgrounds. Although the American Kennel Club does not classify or
separate the Labrador Retriever into two different groups, there is a distinct
difference in looks between the Labrador out of American/field lineage and one
out of English/Show lineage. If you do not have a preference of looks, either
background makes a wonderful pet/companion. Either background can be a
highly suitable gun dog or hunter. AKC Field Trial history dictates that
Labradors of American/feld lineage have dominated the AKC field Trial circuit. It
could be argued that Labradors of the American Field lineage can handle a
higher level of intense training to compete at this level. It has been said that
field dogs are the athletes and show dogs are the models of the breed. It's
highly likely that you will not see a Labrador Retreiver of AKC Field Champion
background be titled to and AKC Show Champion.
The American Field background Labrador is taller than the AKC show standard,
their tails longer and thinner and their heads not as blocky. Although there is an
AKC title of Dual Champion, historically there have not been that many. As
stated the American field Labrador does not meet the show standard. On the
other hand, It has been a long time since a show champion Labrador could be
titled to the harsh competition of an AKC field champion
Some English/Show people believe that the field Labradors have a hyper,
overactive temperament. This is a myth, we own and train both field and show
Labradors. The correct terminology should be that the field Labradors have a
higher energy level while training. These same incredible athletes are some of
our biggest couch potatoes in the house. Any Labrador, or any animal period,
that is not properly socialized as a puppy and or obedience trained at an early
age will be an excitable, overactive and unmanageable household pet. Some
field people believe that many show bloodlines have lost their hunting and
training ability. The truth is that many show type dogs are adequate hunters.
Many show dogs go on to become AKC master hunters or therapy dogs which
either avenue involves a very high level of training. For sure, there is a
difference in looks between the two types, and it's something a buyer may want
to take into consideration before buying their new puppy.
Central New York Waterdogs owns and breeds both American/field lines and
English/show lines. Some of our breedings are field to field, some of our
breedings are English to English. We also do what is considered Dual-Purpose
breedings: one parent filed, one parent show. These breedings can offer you
the best of both worlds. What we notice a lot, is that some people like a fairly
square head on their Labrador but do not always like the short squattier build
of the show dogs. Dual-purpose breedings may be what your looking for.
In summary, the American/field Labrador is a taller leaner more muscular build (
thinner in the muzzle ) English/show Labradors have the blockier heads,
shorter build, shorter thicker tails. Both are wonderful companions, pets or gun
dogs.