Elm
Hill only breeds the English variety of Labrador; however, there are
two distinct types of Labradors and the two types come from
different breeding lines. No distinction is made by the AKC but
there are definite differences in appearance between the two. Both
lines should have kind, expressive faces with only brown or
hazel-colored eyes.
English or
Show/Bench
These
dogs are shorter and stockier in build with fuller faces and more
powerful necks and they tend to have a slightly calmer nature than
the American Labrador. The standard height for a male, at the
withers, is between 22 – 22.5 inches and for a female, 21.5 – 22
inches. Fully grown males will weigh in between 65 – 80 pounds and
fully grown females will weigh in between 55 – 70 pounds.
American or
Working/Field
These
dogs are slightly taller and less stocky than the English variety.
They are usually more high-energy and high-strung as they are bred
to be working dogs. The standard height for a male, at the withers,
is between 22.5 – 24.5 inches and for a female, 21.5 – 23.5 inches.
Although there is not much of a difference in expected weight
between the two varieties, an American Lab will appear to be thinner
or lighter-built as they are leggier and taller at the withers.
Their muzzles appear longer than the English variety, giving them a
leaner expression. American Labs can be very fast and athletic and
can require more exercise than the English Labs.
