Labrador Retriever vs. Labrador

There is no real difference between Labrador Retriever and Labrador because they are two different names of the same breed. Many people call these dogs Labradors (instead of Labrador Retrievers) as it is shorter and more convenient. However, this breed can be distinguished based on its origin. This is because Labs were originated in America as well as Britain.

Types of Labrador Retriever

Let’s discuss the two types of Labrador Retrievers in detail and see how they are similar (and different).

What traits do Labradors and Wolves have in common? Check out our post “Labrador VS Wolf “ to learn more.

American Labrador Retriever

The active and intelligent breed was bred to work in the wilds of North America. American Labs live for their owners and can quickly adapt to their surroundings. This is why they can adjust from man-made environments, like city apartments, to country houses.

Your lab will likely exhibit strong hunting instincts, such as chasing down rabbits or other small creatures, when outdoors. This can be a little hard to deal with if you live in a rural area with lots of small animals, like squirrels. Indoor labs prefer warmer climates with lots of room between furniture. This allows them to roam freely despite their large size. These affectionate pups don’t want to stay alone unless there is an activity to keep them occupied.

Just how different are Labradors and Poodles? Check out our post “Labrador VS Poodle” to find out.

English Labrador Retriever

Many English labs are not as agile as their field-bred companions. However, some of them can be very quick on their feet (even more than their American counterparts). English Labs are much more suited for quiet surroundings because they are very playful and can be distracted easily. Hence, juvenile English Labs that are not trained well are not recommended for a bustling neighborhood.

Labrador VS Dalmatian. Which is the better dog? Click here to learn more.

Differences Between American Labrador Retriever and English Labrador

The table shows some of the marked differences between English and American Labrador Retrievers.

Characteristics	American Labrador	English Labrador
Height	21.5-24.5 inches	21.5-22.5 inches
Body Type	Narrow and thinner	Short and Heavy-set
Head	Narrower head	Shorter muzzle and wider head
Coat	Thinner coat	Significantly thicker
Temperament	Active and full of energy	Less active and quieter

Similarities Between American Labrador Retriever and English Labrador

Both these dogs share several common traits because they belong to the same breed. Let’s discuss a few of those similarities.

Which dog is the better pet? Blue heeler of Labrador? Click here to learn more.

Family Pets

Labrador Retrievers become ideal family dogs for many reasons. These loyal canines are gentle with children and treat them with a lot of patience and affection. Although Labradors are playful and energetic, they make excellent lap dogs. They enjoy cuddling up on the couch with their favorite humans. This intelligent breed is quite easy to train and usually exhibits pretty good manners (won’t jump on guests and strangers).

Coat Colors

Labradors do come in different colors (black, yellow, chocolate, and rarely red). The coat color is usually the result of a dog’s hair cover that is yellow-brown in color. These hair covers are usually long and dense.

Check out our post “Labrador VS Cocker Spaniel” to learn just how different these 2 pups are.

Exercise Needs

Labrador retrievers need daily exercise and you must have an appropriate schedule to keep them happy. Puppies under six months of age will be happy with some playtime outside on most days. However, older puppies and adult dogs require at least one hour of vigorous exercise each day. Labradors who are not given an outlet to consume their stored energy can turn into chaotic chewers.