 The American show or bench Labradors, aka English Labradors, refers to a short-coupled dog with a wide back skull, a stocky build, a short muzzle, and a thick tail. The American show or bench lines are similar to the Labradors bred in England. The American field lines tend to produce a lean athletic Labradors with a more narrow frame, longer legs, a slightly longer neck, a more narrow head, a narrow muzzle, and thinner tail than the American show type Labrador and the Labradors bred in England. Both American field and American show lines usually produce Labradors with the desire to retrieve. The field lines tend to produce dogs with a strong drive in the field. The American field Labradors are often bred to compete in field trials. Both types of American Labradors can compete in the obedience ring, tests for working certificate, Rally Obedience, and agility trials. The Labradors from both field lines, and show lines make wonderful companion dogs. The field lines tend to produce energetic Labradors so their new families must be prepared to provide lots of active daily exercise. The offspring of the American show lines tend to be more mellow. These dogs still required regular daily exercise. Some lines of Labradors in the USA have both show and field dogs in their pedigrees. The appearance, energy level, and field drive of the puppies are often a reflection of the mix.  |