There is a historical reason why there are so many different types of labradors today. The main reason why different varieties of labrador have started to appear is the search for working dogs or, rather, the preference for companion dogs. When we talk about working dogs, we are talking about animals that perform different functions, such as breeding, hunting or tracking. In Labrador’s case, his initial functions were to be hunting dog and shepherd. In these cases, they looked for the most active, predisposed and alert individuals. Subsequently, he began to be introduced to homes as a pet dog, in this case looking for quieter, more affectionate and docile dogs. In these dogs, what the breeders were looking for were as similar strains as possible to the ideal standard of Labrador, looking for an exposed dog, not an extremely active dog. So how many types of labradors are there? There were two basic types of labradors: work, which are American labradors, and exhibition/business, which are English labradors.
After providing all this information, it is important to note that this differentiation is not official, since there is only one recognized breed like Labrador Retriever. Therefore, in this article of Animal Expert, we will talk about the varieties of the breed that arise without deviating from the official standard developed by the International Cynological Federation [1]. Then, let’s look at the types of labrador dogs that exist due to the needs outlined above.
- The first thing we usually think about when we talk about an American labrador is that the breed was born in America.
- But that is not the case.
- Although there are American and English labradors.
- The difference between them does not really depend on the country.
- But in the two types mentioned above.
- Labor and exhibition laboratories.
- Specifically.
- Americans are working labradors and the British are display dogs or destined to be pets.
The American labrador is a dog much more athletic and stylized, with a more developed and powerful musculature than that of English. In addition, it has thinner and longer limbs, such as its snout, much longer than in the English labrador.
In addition to appearance, this type of labrador also changes character, since the American is more active and energetic, needing to perform physical exercises of moderate intensity daily. It is oriented to the activity, since it is traditionally bred to work as a hunting dog and work. As a result, it is quite hectic and this can make your training difficult when it falls into the hands of an ineperienced coach. If this is your case and you would like to adopt this type of labrador, do not miss our article in which we explain how to form a labrador.
English Labrador is the aforementioned Labrador company or exhibition, being quite different from American Labrador, despite sharing the original nationality. These dogs are generally quieter, quieter and more familiar, and prefer rest activities to intense sports, unlike American labradors.
The English Labrador is the one that has preserved the classic aspect of the breed, because it is the one that received the most work in terms of breeding to have the appearance dictated by the official standard of the breed. On the other hand, it should be noted that it is a late ripening dog, but as it grows it develops a very thick body, with a tail also thick and relatively wide legs. These legs are also a little short and have a medium to small head with a medium-length snout.
The character of the English Labrador is a delight, because it is a friendly and playful dog, who likes to give and receive affection. It is considered an excellent babysitting dog because it is passionate about children, whether children or puppies or any other animal. In addition, it tends to get along very well with other dogs.
In fact, the Canadian labrador is not a type of labrador per se today, that is, again, it is no different because it refers to a country. But on this occasion the name has an important reference and is that the Labrador retriever breed comes from Canada and is named after the namesake of Labrador.
When we talk about a Canadian labrador, we are talking about an original labrador, that is, the first dogs of the breed, those that have not been selected for work or company, as is the case of English or American labradors, differentiated according to the functions they traditionally develop. . In the case of the Canadian Labrador, as it is not a variety modified by breeders, it is the pure version of Labrador, so to speak. It is in this type of labrador that the essence of the labradors that appeared in the sixteenth century is more alive.
Therefore, the Canadian Labrador does not currently exist as such, as it refers to the breed of labrador retriever recognized by different institutions and existing for 5 centuries, which has inevitably evolved from generation to generation.
Finally, it should be noted that in all types of labrador you can find the different colors accepted in the breed.
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