|
What is the difference between English
Labradors and Field Labradors?
There are differences in both looks and
temperaments between the English type and
the non-English type dogs. English dogs
are built more stocky, with a big, broad
head and big boned legs. They stand
shorter to the ground, have shorter legs and
tails than field dogs. The English
temperament is (in my own experience) much
more calm and relaxed. I've never met an
aggressive English dog. Field dogs are bred
and built to run in timed trials. The faster
and more accurately they can compete, the
better. Because of this, they are bred for
a higher energy level making them less
suited as companions and house dogs, more
"hyper" and sometimes difficult to train.
I have met some field bred labradors that
are quite aggressive. Not all field dogs are
hyper, or aggressive, just a greater
percentage are than what you will find in
the English lines.
There are significant differences
between field and trial-bred
(sometimes referred to as
"American") and show-bred (or
"English") lines of Labradors,
arising as a result of specialised
breeding. Dogs bred for hunting and
field-trial work are selected first
for working ability, where dogs bred
to compete in
conformation shows are selected
for their conformation to the
standards and characteristics sought
by judges in the show ring.
While individual dogs may
vary, in general show-bred Labradors are
heavier built, slightly shorter-bodied, and
have a thicker coat and tail. Field
Labradors are generally longer legged,
lighter, and more lithe in build. In the
head, show Labradors tend to have broader
heads, better defined stops, and more
powerful necks, while field Labradors have
lighter and slightly narrower heads with
longer muzzles.[24][25] Field-bred Labradors
are commonly higher energy and more
high-strung compared to the Labrador bred
for conformation showing, and as a
consequence may be more suited to working
relationships than being a "family
pet".[24][25] Some breeders, especially
those specialising in the field type, feel
that breed shows do not adequately recognise
their type of dog, leading to occasional
debate regarding officially splitting the
breed into subtypes.[26] In the United
States, the AKC and the Labrador's breed
club have set the breed standard to
accommodate the field-bred Labrador
somewhat. For instance, the AKC
withers-height standards allow conformation
dogs to be slightly taller than the
equivalent British standard.[27] However,
dual champions, or dogs that excel in both
the field and the show ring, are becoming
more unusual.[28]
|
