English vs American Labrador: The Main Differences (With Pictures)

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Have you ever noticed that Labradors seem to come in two body types? Well, you’re not wrong. Within the breed, there are two distinct forms, though both are Labrador Retrievers. Sometimes referred to as American or English, working or show type, field or bench, one thing that both types of Labrador have in common is that they make wonderful, loving, and loyal pets.

Let’s take a closer look at what distinguishes one type of lab from the other, and which might be best suited to your home.

Visual Differences

Upon first impression, the differences between the English and American Labrador may not be all that obvious, but when you look a little closer, you’ll see what we’re talking about.

The American lab, also known as the field or working type, tends to be leaner, with a more narrowed muzzle, and little to no furrowing of the brow. They can be a little taller than their English counterparts, but the height range of both forms can be quite variable, so it’s not a reliable way to tell them apart.

Compared to the American lab, the English lab, also known as the bench or show-type, has a broad, stocky build, shorter legs, a wider muzzle, and usually sports a furrowed brow.

Both types can come in any of the Labrador coat colors – yellow (including fox red), black, and chocolate, although you are more likely to see a yellow English lab than an American one. Although the black coat color is the dominant trait, yellow labs were favored in the show ring, so this coat color became more prominent in the English variety.

At a Glance

English Labrador Overview

English Labradors are show dogs through and through. It’s why they’re known as the “bench” variety of labs – short for benchmark. Their features tend to adhere more strictly to the Kennel Club breed standard, as this is what they have been bred for.

They’re high-energy dogs, but they don’t have nearly the same stamina as an American Labrador. While that’s a huge part of what makes an English Labrador an English Labrador, that’s not all that they’re known for.

Training

English Labradors are extremely intelligent and loyal dogs. They love to please their masters, and as such, they’re relatively easy to train as long as you stay persistent. Stick with positive reinforcement and keep the training sessions short.

If you want the best results, you need to ensure that your English Labrador is getting enough exercise. While they don’t have the same stamina that an American Labrador has, they’re still high energy and are prone to destructive boredom behaviors if they don’t get enough exercise.

Breeding

With the English Labrador, it’s all about breeding specs. Therefore, they’re typically far more expensive, but it also makes it much easier to know what you’re going to get, even when they’re a puppy.

Pups that don’t fit squarely in the acceptable height, weight, and other dimension ratings by the kennel clubs don’t get bred, which means you get consistent physical results time after time.

The English lab is particularly prone to hip dysplasia, and all registered breeders should be hip-scoring their dogs prior to breeding.

Temperament

The English Labrador is one of the most loyal and loving dogs that you can find. They’re affectionate and easy-going, and these traits make them great family dogs. They’re also extremely intelligent, so if you’re trying to train them to complete certain tasks, they make an outstanding choice.

Their more easygoing nature has made them the most recognizable guide dog breed in the world.

Suitable For:

Due to their lower exercise requirements, the English Lab is a better fit for a family that doesn’t need a working dog or those who don’t want a running companion.

Still, English Labs need space, so you should have a fenced-in yard and give them plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Finally, they do well in noisy and busy households and with children of all ages.

American Labrador Overview

The American Labrador is sort of like the English lab’s working-class cousin. They may not adhere to all the strict breed standards, but they were bred to work! These dogs are equally comfortable picking up gamebirds on a hunt or sniffing out contraband at the airport.

Exercise Requirements

Since they’re working dogs, the American Lab has far more energy and stamina than an English Lab. When breeders were selecting desirable traits from the parent, they looked for functionality over club standards, which has resulted in a more sporty-looking dog.

While an English Lab can get by with only about 1 hour of activity a day, if you own an American Labrador, you’ll want to aim for at least 2 hours of rigorous physical activity. It’s a much larger time commitment, but if you need a dog out in the field or an enthusiastic running buddy, then that’s exactly what you want!

Training

While both the English and American labs are highly trainable and eager to learn, the working variety is more likely to get bored and frustrated if you don’t give them a challenge.

Due to their high energy, loyal nature, and high intelligence, the American Lab is the perfect working dog. Just keep training sessions short, and keep in mind that your American Lab wants to learn. Once they realize what you want, you shouldn’t have any problems getting them to do it.

Personality/Temperament

Just because the American Labrador is a working dog doesn’t mean they’re no-nonsense. They make great family dogs, and they love being in the thick of things. The busier the house, the better, and they’ll fit right in.

They’re loving and affectionate, and they do great in homes with kids of any age or size. Although they make excellent hunting companions, farm workers, and exercise buddies, they also perform extremely well as assistance dogs and therapy animals.

Suitable For:

The American Lab is an excellent choice for those looking for a working farm dog or a more rough-and-ready companion for running, hiking, and energetic lifestyles.

They’re great with those with plenty of work for them to do or those with a busy lifestyle where they can take their dog with them.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

But if you want a dog with a little more energy or if you’re looking for a farm dog, there’s no doubt that the American, or working Labrador is a better choice.
No matter which one you choose, you will be bringing home a loving, dedicated, and affectionate dog who will do just about anything for a scrap of food!

See also:

• 10 Best Foods for Yorkie Puppies
• 10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies at Walmart

Featured Image Credit: 1 – English Labrador: voodoo96, Pixabay | 2 – American Labrador: fsHH, Pixabay