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Posted by trickster_19
trickste...
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Resolved Question:
What is the difference between
American and European Labrador Retrievers?
Hi there. Labradors are my
specialty so hopefully I can help.
There is often confusion
about Labrador 'types'. American and English is the WRONG terminology. The
correct terminology is 'show' and 'field'. If you think about it, the
American/English terminology does not make sense -- that implies that all
dogs from America are field bred and all dogs from England are show bred.
Not true, as you probably know. The breed split exists on both sides of the
Atlantic.
Show type dogs are bred for
the ring but there are many show breeders who also compete in field work and
other dog sports. Show bred Labs are stockier with more 'bone' and coat.
They usually have larger, blockier heads and otter tails. They are more easy
going and laid back than their field bred counterparts.
Field bred Labs are bred for
working. They are high energy and high drive. They are usually taller and
leaner than show types and tend to have thinner faces.
The most common type of Lab
is the pet bred. Pet breds are not bred for working or showing. They are the
result of back yard breeders, puppy mills or 'one time' litters.
I have three Labradors right
now, one pet bred that descends from mixed show/field lines and two 100%
field breds from excellent working kennels. Labs from each of the 'types'
make fantastic pets providing they are given plenty of physical and mental
stimulation. That said, more than anything, Labradors live for
companionship.
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