Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs American vs. British Labs

I had "American" labs back when I had them, a buddy currently has "British" labs.

The most marked difference I see is in their behavior. My buddy's dogs appear to be much more laid back and quiet while American dogs were much noisier and rambunctious. Much of this may be due to American dogs often being kenneled outside compared to the Brit dogs I've seen. When the dog is next to you, it is much easier to correct it for excessive barking or jumping.

On the same line, the Brits seem to respond better to a gentler touch when training. If one is used to training Goldens, then I think they have the correct mindset for Brits. American lines have developed to handle a lot of pressure when training. That can be handy when one makes a mistake but the dogs seem to test the handler more often. One type is not better than the other, it just means one needs to pick a line that best meets the handler's personality and style.

Body wise, the Brit lines seem shorter and stockier. That makes sense as the breed is used more as a retriever than flusher like here in the States. American lines run more of a gamut of body types of which I preferred the taller and ranger body.

Needless to say, these are some very general observations between the two versions. One still needs to research the breeder to determine if their pup will likely be a good match for you.

British lines will have FAR less genetic issues.

HIPS!!!

I had "American" labs back when I had them, a buddy currently has "British" labs.

The most marked difference I see is in their behavior. My buddy's dogs appear to be much more laid back and quiet while American dogs were much noisier and rambunctious. Much of this may be due to American dogs often being kenneled outside compared to the Brit dogs I've seen. When the dog is next to you, it is much easier to correct it for excessive barking or jumping.

On the same line, the Brits seem to respond better to a gentler touch when training. If one is used to training Goldens, then I think they have the correct mindset for Brits. American lines have developed to handle a lot of pressure when training. That can be handy when one makes a mistake but the dogs seem to test the handler more often. One type is not better than the other, it just means one needs to pick a line that best meets the handler's personality and style.

Body wise, the Brit lines seem shorter and stockier. That makes sense as the breed is used more as a retriever than flusher like here in the States. American lines run more of a gamut of body types of which I preferred the taller and ranger body.

Needless to say, these are some very general observations between the two versions. One still needs to research the breeder to determine if their pup will likely be a good match for you.

The Lab I have now was so well breed, it’s as if she was almost born trained. She was super easy to train. She’s from American hunting and Field trial stock.

This dog has insane energy, but what’s most profound is she can turn it off. Her self control is otherworldly.

I had "American" labs back when I had them, a buddy currently has "British" labs.

The most marked difference I see is in their behavior. My buddy's dogs appear to be much more laid back and quiet while American dogs were much noisier and rambunctious. Much of this may be due to American dogs often being kenneled outside compared to the Brit dogs I've seen. When the dog is next to you, it is much easier to correct it for excessive barking or jumping.

On the same line, the Brits seem to respond better to a gentler touch when training. If one is used to training Goldens, then I think they have the correct mindset for Brits. American lines have developed to handle a lot of pressure when training. That can be handy when one makes a mistake but the dogs seem to test the handler more often. One type is not better than the other, it just means one needs to pick a line that best meets the handler's personality and style.

Body wise, the Brit lines seem shorter and stockier. That makes sense as the breed is used more as a retriever than flusher like here in the States. American lines run more of a gamut of body types of which I preferred the taller and ranger body.

Needless to say, these are some very general observations between the two versions. One still needs to research the breeder to determine if their pup will likely be a good match for you.

I have bred and trained AMERICAN LABS since the 80's. These are Field Trial level dogs that have a lot of drive and look good. British dogs seem to have shorter legs and a more barrel shaped chest - because of this body trait, it is hard to keep weight off them in older years and that leads to hip and joint issues. Different strokes...

Good buddy has had two British labs. Best labs I’ve seen by far.

Ol Tank was stove up from getting run over. He’d still get it done in the field. Great flushing dog and of course an outstanding retriever. Hunted with him just the second part of his life. New pup is about 2 years old now and looks to be everything Tank was.

I’ve never been a big lab fan. These two have changed my mind.

A bit smaller, less leg, more muscle, bit more head. Not as spastic as a lot of labs I’ve been around. Like the coat on his two better as well. Tighter and a bit more slick.

I’d wager the opposite true.

American hunting stock are breed for health and athleticism. I’ve seen more half crippled Labs from “British (Show dog)” lines than any other dog breed. This is not to say there aren’t well bred dogs in the British tradition. There just seem to be lots more hacks breeding Labs in the British (show) style. Likewise, this isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of bubba-ed up Labs bred from hunting and field trial lines.

Get a quality dog from a real real breeder. It can take some effort to find the good ones. Red flags would be prioritizing superficial traits like novel coloring, etc.

The Lab I have now was so well breed, it’s as if she was almost born trained. She was super easy to train. She’s from American hunting and Field trial stock.

This dog has insane energy, but what’s most profound is she can turn it off. Her self control is otherworldly.