What is a British Labrador?

British? English? American? What does it all mean?

The Labrador Retriever was originated from Newfoundland as primarily a waterfowl dog and also was utilized in the fishing industry. What breeds that created the Labrador retriever is up for some debate and not completely clear. In today's world, there are three distinct lines of Labrador Retrievers. Genetically, they are all true labs, but on the surface and in the field they couldn't be more different.

ENGLISH

Typically these dogs are in the show ring or raised by backyard breeders.
Weight ranges 60-100 pounds
Colors are black, yellow, and chocolate
These dogs can be seen in the field hunting but is not as common
Mostly bred for looks such as big body, block head, otter tail, and often look as if they are overweight.

AMERICAN

Typically these dogs are seen in the field trials and hunt tests
Weight ranges 45-100 pounds
Colors are black, yellow, and chocolate
Normally not found in the show ring unless going for dual purpose, these dogs normally are longer legged, thin framed, narrow face but not always.
Build for speed, marking ability, and training tolerance (Higher e collar tolerance)
Most don't have the best off switch but training makes a large difference.
Most are very trainable but generally have a big shaky motor. Noisy at the line is common and in breeding lines.

BRITISH

Originate in the UK and Ireland as their testing standards and competitions help shape the British Labrador to what it is today
Weight ranges 40-75 pounds
Colors are normally black and yellow. There are very few Chocolate field lines at this time.
Field Line of UK Labradors
More of a smaller stature
Calmer by nature, quieter, soft mouth, and high train-ability
They make great family pets as well as gun dogs
High Retrieve Drive

What traits are critical to a true British Labrador?

Cooperation
They are bred to want to work with you and for you. The willingness to please is crucial.

Sound Mind
Its important for the dog to handle pressure from training and while out hunting. Whether being corrected in training or being steady in the blind, the mental quality is very important.

Quiet Demeanor
It is a trademark of the British for their ability to be quiet in the field, on the line, in the kennel, and in the crate. In England, it is a written rule that during a field trial all dogs must remain silent or will be disqualified.

Athletic Ability
These dogs are bred to bust through thick cover, jump fences and stone walls, and be strong swimmers even though water work isn't big in England. Physical soundness is paramount.
You don't see many ACL's blown in the British.

Obsession To Carry
They have a strong retrieve drive that is second to none. This is important part of retriever training and a trait that is never overlooked when breeding.

Lower Tolerance Level
In England, they don't use electronic collars and its actually frowned upon. Therefore, the dogs must be very trainable. They generally don't take more than a voice change to scold or a correction with a lead to get the point across which makes training easier.

Colors, Conformation, Pigment, & Weight

British Labradors come in black and various shades of yellow. Chocolate is a possibility but is rather rare. Up till recently, chocolates were frowned upon in the field work but is being allowed to compete with some success. Pigment is important in any breed. Black pigment around the eyes, muzzle, and nose are important. Females generally range from 45-65 depending on structure. Males range from 55-75 pounds. By a general rule, most British Labrador have a proportionate body, square head, classic otter tail, and a thick double coat.

Gamefinding Ability and Soft Mouth

The British are trademarked by their very animated behavior in the field which makes for a fun show when out hunting. They have a strong scenting ability with athletic strength. They have been bred to have a soft mouth as not to puncture or tear game upon retrieval.