What is an "English" Labrador?
The term "English Labrador" is a very generic term and often misunderstood by breeders and, most
often, the purchasing public. The term can be used to boost sales when the puppies they have produced
are not true English in type.
“English”, in the broad sense of the word, only means a more substantial, smaller
Labrador with a blocky head. I have seen some American lines that could pass for this type of dog
and also back yard breeders with lines that come from who knows where and so it can be a very misleading term.
Most people think that "English" means the look of the dog and that with this particular look also comes
the gentle disposition and laid back personality they desire. This can be far from the truth. The disposition
of the puppy, energy level and so many other attributes are not linked at all. There is no genetic link between them.
The fact is that many of the dogs in the US that are really “English” are not from English imported lines
at all. They are English in type but primarily out of American show lines that focus on the broad
heads, substantial and stocky bodies and thick otter tails.
Looks and activity level have nothing to do with one another. I have seen many beautiful
Labradors that, by looks, would be considered English in type, but their personality and energy
level were more like the American Field Lines. I have also seen beautiful English dogs that were horribly aggressive!
American type, being the slighter; taller; longer muzzled dog with the thinner tail, is a Labrador type at
one end of the spectrum and the overdone cumbersome Rottie type Labradors with high ear sets and harsh
chiseled expressions are also incorrect and just as detrimental to the breed. What is most important is physical and
mental health which includes a gentle personality and easy going temperament.
A true English type Labrador follows the standard set fourth by the AKC. If you go to my Breed Information
page you will see a PDF link there that shows pictures of what an overdone dog looks like in head and body.
They are slow in the field, not agile or athletic and they are as incorrect by standard as the American bred dogs.
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