What Does English Labrador Retriever Have?

English Labrador Retrievers are a large, sporting breed of dog from the United Kingdom. They have a dense, short, water-repellent double-coated coat in either black, yellow, or chocolate. Technically, the English Labrador retriever is the same breed as American Labrador. However, the American version is slightly longer. The two breeds are almost identical in other ways. The Labrador has a strong, muscular build, with friendly eyes and triangular ears. The Labrador’s tail is medium in length and taper towards the tip. This breed is an excellent swimmer and a strong competitor, but it’s also a loving companion who excels in therapy work and service.

Characteristics of English Labrador

English Labradors are known for their friendly, upbeat personalities. When properly trained and socialized, most Labradors get along with other dogs and people. Labs are known for their high energy and eagerness to please.

The English Labrador: History

Actually, the English Labrador’s ancestors came from Newfoundland in Canada (not Labrador). In the 1800s, there was an area dog called the St. John’s waterdog. This breed worked on fishing boats. English nobles who visited the area noticed these dogs and decided to take some home.

In the United Kingdom, the breed was refined. The breed was used to retrieve waterfowl during hunting because of its responsiveness and loyalty.

Because the Lab’s Newfoundland version died out, the breed standard for Labs that we recognize today was adopted from the U.K. The Lab was first recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom in 1903 and the American Kennel Club in 1917.

English Labrador Care

Your Labrador should get plenty of exercises every day. Be prepared to brush your Labrador’s fur occasionally. Labradors are generally very good at socialization and training.

Exercise

Your Lab should get at least two hours of exercise each day. Labs prefer to exercise with you and have fun together than being left alone. Running, swimming, cycling and hiking are all great activities. This retrieving dog loves to play fetch and is a great sport. Dock diving and other dog sports are great ways to give this water-loving animal mental and physical challenges. Your Lab can be trained to do therapy or serve in the military. This will help keep its mind stimulated.

Grooming

To remove loose fur and distribute oils to the skin, brush your Lab at least once a week. As the seasons change, you can expect higher levels of shedding. You might need to brush your fur daily during these times to remove all loose hair.

Regular brushing is enough to keep a lab coat clean. You should still give your Lab a bath at least once per month depending on how dirty they get. You should also check your dog’s ears every week to make sure they are clean. After baths and swimming, dry them thoroughly. You should also trim your dog’s nails on an average basis every month and brush his teeth daily.

Training

Start socializing and training your Lab puppy as soon as possible to avoid bad habits. A puppy class is an excellent way to teach basic commands, manners, and socialization. Lab dogs are intelligent and eager to please so they pick up training very quickly. Plus, they tend to be very food-motivated and respond well to positive-reinforcement training methods.

Socialization is important for your Lab. It should be exposed to other dogs and people from an early age. Labs will be friendly to strangers if they have had positive experiences with them.

Common Health Problems

Although this breed is generally healthy, it can still be susceptible to certain hereditary health issues.

• Elbow, hip dysplasia
• Heart problems
• Myopathy due to hereditary causes (loss in muscle strength and control).
• Eye problems
• Bloat

Diet and nutrition

Your Lab should always be provided with fresh water. Give your Lab a balanced diet that includes high-quality food and two meals per day. Labs can become overweight and overeat, so make sure you measure the food your dog eats each day and watch out for treats. Talk to your vet about the right amount and type of food.

Labs can also be susceptible to bloating, so you may want to give them smaller meals, but more often. It is important to keep your dog calm at mealtimes.

Places to Adopt an English Labrador or Buy One

English Labradors tend to be more prevalent in the United Kingdom. However, it is still possible to find Labradors of this breed elsewhere. To find out if a dog is available, contact your local animal shelters or Labrador rescue groups. A puppy from a trusted breeder will cost you around $800 to $1500.

English Labrador OverviewPros

• Training is generally a good idea.
• Many times, gets along well with children and other pets
• Loyal and affectionate

Cons

• Exercise is a must
• Shedding is quite heavy
• Overeating and weight gain are not healthy behavior

Additional Research and Breeds

Do your research before you bring home an English Labrador. Talk to breeders and rescue groups as well as veterinary professionals. If possible, spend some time with the breed.

You might be interested in similar breeds.

• Curly-coated Retriever
• Goldendoodle
• Flat-coated retriever

There are many potential breeds available. With a little research, you can find the best one for your home.

FAQ

What is the difference between American Labradors & English Labradors?

Technically, English Labradors and American Labradors can be considered the same breed. The English Labrador is slightly larger and a little calmer than the American variety.

English Labradors are good family dogs?

English Labradors can be very friendly to children if they have had the right training and socialization. Some Labradors might be too enthusiastic and energetic for young children.

Are English Labradors good apartment dogs?

As long as the dog gets enough exercise and socialization daily, this breed is able to adapt to living in apartments. It might become destructive or loudly vocal if it is not given enough exercise