This topic comes up regularly, and is often a heated subject. You will hear Labrador Retrievers referred to as "English" or "American", "Bench" or "Show or Field" or even "Pet" types. Many people seem intent on defining their Labrador by one of these body types. The ultimate answer, despite the long debates, is that as far as the Breed itself goes, according to the AKC, there is only one Labrador Retriever... the one described in the breed standard.

Here is an except from the article The Origin and Purpose of the Labrador Retriever by Dr. B.W. Ziessow, which can be found on the Labrador Retriever Club website (see link below).

The Officers and Directors of the Labrador Retriever Club, as well as the majority of the sportsmen involved in the breed are disturbed with a recent trend towards two so called "types" of Labrador Retrievers -- field dogs and show dogs. We are concerned if the trend persists, the breed may be divided into two separate and distinct kinds of dogs, as have so many breeds in the sporting group.

It is our opinion that the show dog and field dog should have exactly the same conformation and condition. Additionally, we believe the first question that should come to mind in judging the Labrador Retriever is "Can the dog do the job he was originally intended to do?"

Dr. B.W. Ziessow

The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., is the single organization officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as the national parent club of the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., was incorporated in October 1931, in the state of New York, and is not affiliated with any other association titled or claiming to be the National Labrador Retriever Club.

Full article: http://www.thelabradorclub.com/library/origin_purpose.html
Questions or comments? Write us at info@thelabradorclub.com. All contents Copyright © 2005 The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. a New York Corporation. All rights reserved.