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 So you're looking for a family dog, and not surprisingly, one of the most popular breeds comes to mind, the Labrador Retriever. You've heard he is a great family dog. He is a lovable, biddable, loyal, gentle dog that everybody has, so the choice is easy, right?
WRONG! Did you know that not all Labs are created equal?
Like any other breed, a dog's type and temperament is the result of either a random or purposeful breeding. The puppies will inherit the traits of their parents and grandparents. When choosing a breed, you must also choose a particular puppy from a particular litter and from a particular breeder. This is work that MUST be done before acquiring any pure bred puppy. In this discussion on Labradors, you will see that they don't all automatically become that wonderful laid back, "sit at your feet by the fire" companion that most people think of when they think of a Labrador as a family pet. Instead many are high energy and quite destructive in a home setting. Some reasons for this energy and destructive behavior is due to a combination of genetics, boredom or lack of training.
All Lab breeders choose to breed specific "types of Labs" with a particular function in mind.
Labs are often referred to as 2 distinct "types".
- Field or American Labradors- This type of Labrador is bred specifically for their high energy, stamina and retrieving instincts, because they are going to be used for hunting or agility competition for instance. Since people around the world do hunt and compete with labs, they rely on this genetic influence to insure that their dog will be able to withstand hard work and remain focused. Because of the work these dogs will be doing, they need to be a bit leaner, have longer legs, lighter bone and longer muzzles. This type of Lab will not be happy sitting in someone's living room. They need a job!! When dogs like these are not kept busy and are without a job, they will most certainly get into tons of trouble in a home.
- Show or English Labradors - This type is used for breeding stock and showing. Following the breed's standard, this so called English type is somewhat stockier in appearance, heavier in bone, has a blockier head and an otter like tail. They may have less energy overall, perhaps less "driven" and that's why their genetics are often found in service dogs. Are all show bred labs perfect angels? Of course not! There are always individual differences in each pup in a litter.
Their names are confusing and actually any dog born in the US is an American Lab. There will continue to be discussions on what type is best suited for its job as a retriever. Both of these types of Labradors, are still Labs and will retrieve birds if trained to do so. Both can make delightful pets with a combination of exercise, good nutrition and training. Besides its appearance, the most obvious difference is that the field bred lab lives to retrieve; the show lab does it because it can! Take a look at the standard for the Labrador Retriever on the AKC website or contact the Labrador Retriever Club of America for more clarification of these "types".
 We also think of labs as being natural water dogs and for the most part they are, but if they are introduced to water in the wrong way they may swim or even go near the water. Trust me on this one. I have a lovely 3-year-old male who fell into the swimming pool when he was about 7 months old. It was not a good experience for him; he panicked and had to be rescued from the deep end. I still cannot get him into the water. Is he a Labrador, of course he is, but he doesn't like the water.
Many people purchase a puppy with the intention of entering him in a show only to find out that the qualities that make a successful show dog are not present in this particular puppy. There are still some fun options for this pup and owner. He can be trained to compete in the obedience ring or to work towards an agility title. Trust me, he will love agility! This is a great activity to get involved in if you like a bit of exercise yourself! You work with your dog running, jumping and crawling through tunnelsÉ If this isn't for you, perhaps you'd enjoy "Freestyle", which is the sport of "dancing" with your dog. People choose their own music and costumes and teach their dogs the steps that best work for both and compete against other dance teams.
Most service dogs come from English lines. In general they have temperaments better suited to do the job they are required to do. They are patient, gentle and form strong people bonds. Temperament testing at an early age sometimes can find the traits that make a good service dog. However, those folks that breed specifically to produce a service dog, whether it is to be a Canine Companion or a Guide Dog for the blind rely upon past performance in dogs they know. They breed to produce the temperament needed for that particular job. This is done studying basic genetics. You breed known a known temperament to another known temperament. Most of the offspring should have what you're looking for. Some will not!! Those that don't fall out of the breeding plan can still be wonderful dogs but become family pets instead. They are spayed or neutered and not used for breeding.
Today there is a great need for "detection" dogs. These are the guys that you see at airports, banks and disaster areas. These dogs need to have energy and stamina and are specifically trained to "sniff" out a specific scent. The most common scents are drugs, explosives and cadavers. These dogs are highly trained "hunters" but they do not retrieve. Instead, they are trained to hunt, find and "mark" their find. This is a JOB. Dogs suited for this purpose are what I like to call busy, they don't want to sit around being cute, they have good noses, can find a dog biscuit hidden under a rock in no time. A breeder can spot this kind of dog when she sees it. This guy sort of upsets the entire kennel. He's usually a bit on the noisy side, always looking and searching things out. He'll dig to retrieve what he thinks is a prize. Three of my dogs have gone on to be very successful explosive detection dogs, they are good at their jobs, they are working, happy, and so am I, because these three were not suited to being couch potatoes!!!
What is common in all of the above activities? Training, training and more trainingÉ Those dogs you see competing have all put in hours of work before entering the ring. This is true for every aspect of the dog show game. It takes dedication on the part of the owner and a lot of hard work.
 I have been breeding Labradors for about 20 years. First and foremost I breed, armed with the knowledge, with what physical traits are behind the dogs I'm intending to breed . I look at health issues specific to the breed and avoid any known problems. I know the temperament of the Dam; after all she lives with me. I know if she spins in circles when she is excited, I know if she likes to swim, retrieve or sleep on her back. I try to find out about these kinds of traits in the sire, in addition to all the other important issues of health, structure and soundness. However, let's consider that in a litter of 6 or more puppies, 6 may be rather laid back and nurse contentedly, scramble for the "best" nipple and then sleep soundly, while numbers seven and eight are frantic, can't get the right nipple, and push all the litter-mates out of the way, while they may climb on top and whine and just can't seem to settle down. Those are the two puppies that I watch. They are going to be trouble; they are going to be the ones that need to be kept busy growing up. They either need a job or a houseful of children that will play with them nonstop!!
So in summation, we all breed what is described as a Labrador. However what needs to be in your mind as you research responsible breeders for your needs, particularly as a family pet, is what do you want to do with your dog? What is your lifestyle? Are you willing to commit the necessary time to train your Labrador? When these questions are answered, then you can narrow down your search for the "type" of Labrador that will best fit into your family. Remember, Field dogs absolutely need to work. They need energy and stamina and focus, while English Labradors, for the most part, can be trained to do almost anything. That still means that each puppy in a litter will have its' own temperament and personality as well. Get to know your breeder, meet the Dam and pups face to face. Try to contact owners who have had puppies from this particular breeder in the past. Please make the commitment to educate yourself and expect to train your dog with the guidance of a professional. The effort you put in before getting your puppy will insure that you and your dog are a good match for its lifetime. You will be proud of your dog, enjoy his companionship and know that he is both emotionally and physically sound. Expect to have several discussions with your breeder, and to build a relationship that will last the life of your dog. A responsible breeder will be available to answer your questions and will often insist that your dog be returned to them when and if ever you cannot keep it.
Remember, a responsible breeder would NEVER place a puppy of theirs in a pet shop!
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