Of course, these things are all relative, and the field Lab is still a robust and sturdy looking dog! At the back, working lines are increasingly losing the classic Labrador otter tail too, in favor of a much slimmer tail.īy comparison, show Labs are bred to exemplify the physical description in the breed standard, which is shorter, stockier, and still in possession of a wide-based otter tail. Front-ways on, their face and neck tend to look more slender and elongated. They can seem subtle at first, but if you’re lucky enough to meet a lot of Labs, you’ll soon discover that you can tell them apart quickly – like meeting human twins.įield Labs are taller, longer, leaner, and more athletic looking than show Labs. So how can you tell a American-type field Lab and an English-type show Lab apart? Well, there are tell tale differences in the way they look, and also in their temperaments. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t meet them in other areas of the world today, or that every Lab you meet in America is necessarily American-type! How Does A Field Lab Compare To A Show Lab? The better known name ‘American Lab’ is used because they were developed in the United States.

It’s used because these Labradors are most often seen out working in the field on a hunt.

and American Labradors, also known as working Labradors, or field Labradors.įield Labrador is another name for the American Labrador.English Labradors, also known as show Labradors, or bench Labradors (after the show bench).Not least because each type of Lab is known by multiple names! The two Labrador types are: This is frequently confusing for prospective owners researching their first Lab. But selective mating choices in different breeding lines have gradually created two distinct types of Lab. There is only one Labrador Retriever breed. Some field Labs and their owners take part in field trials, and earn championship titles which can be included on their pedigree. Field Labs are taller and longer than English, or show-type, Labs. Field Labrador is another way to describe a working, or American-type, Labrador.

Lab puppy muzzle