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There is only one breed of Labrador in the world, but there is a pretty clear distinction between a show Lab and a working Lab. Years of specific breeding brought on these differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oftentimes, a show Lab is not bred with a field Lab and vice versa. Over time, this has caused significant differences between the two to manifest. Even this research<\/a> article that looked into genes of Labradors separated them into two types: the common Lab and the field Lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at some of the key differences that the two types of Labrador retrievers have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A show Labrador is the stockier of the two. People also sometimes refer to them as the English Labrador. Generally, this type of Labrador is less energetic than its field counterparts. They tend to display classical Labrador looks, with the bulky build and wide tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Field Labs, or American Labs, on the other hand, are more athletic and look leaner and less stocky than show Labs. Because they specifically bred for work, they need more exercise to keep up with their energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to this study<\/a> in 2015, a field Lab is not suitable for a family with children since Labradors that live in a household with children were less likely to exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given that field Labs need a lot of going around, it is not a wise choice to have one as a pet, unless you have the time and energy to spend on your Lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Field work or field trials are competitions that aim to show off the natural retrieving ability of dogs. It goes back to the roots of why people bred Labradors in the first place\u2014to fetch game during hunting stints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Labradors are not the only dogs to participate in field trials. Many other breeds with retrieving histories also compete in these competitions. Field trials are very intense, as organizers try as much as possible to mimic what it\u2019s like in a day\u2019s work of being a hunting dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how exactly do you train your Labrador for field tests?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, take a look at these suggestions and tips to aid you on your field trial training for your Labrador retriever:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you really dedicated to training your Lab for field trials, it is best that you start training them from an early age<\/a>. For them to succeed as hunting dogs, you have to spark an interest in them. Start by getting them used to smaller and more common birds. This will slowly pique their interest, and you can later build your way up to larger birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming a successful hunting dog means that you have to accustom your little Lab to the loud noises that gunfire brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with small banging noises. Don\u2019t start with incredibly loud noises since you will risk scaring your Lab otherwise. Slowly build up this tolerance to sound until you are confident that they are already used to gunfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take note, however, that dogs sometimes get anxious<\/a>, so you should not force them into it right away. Be patient and wait until your Lab becomes comfortable with the noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Show Labrador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Field Labrador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What exactly is field work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Training your Lab for field trials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Start them young.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Get your Labs used to the sound of gunfire during training for field trials.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Engage them in obedience training.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n