American Labs vs British Labs?

I am looking at getting a new bird dog for both upland and waterfowl hunting. I am trying to decide between an american or british lab. From what I have found on the internet it seems that british labs are a bit smaller and stockier, have a calmer demeanor, and have a better nose. American labs on the other hand are larger and leaner, have a higher energy at home and drive in the field, and have a good nose but not quite to the level of the british labs.

If anyone has any further information regarding any differences between these breeds (Including price!), or know any good breeders I would really appreciate the input.

Are you going to train it to point or just use it as a flusher for upland? Are you more of a waterfowler or an upland hunter?

If you want it to be a good upland dog and an okay waterfowl dog, get the Brit. If you want it to be an excellent waterfowl dog and a flusher/retriever for upland, get the American.

The thing with the Brits are that unless you get a big one, he is going to get wore out very easily if he needs to go through mud or weeds while retrieving. The short stocky legs make him work twice as hard. This is the same if he has to break ice to retrieve, the short legs are going to wear him out very quick.

I am more of an upland hunter. I would definitely want the dog to be a great upland dog and an ok waterfowl dog. I anticipate training the dog myself. I have been reading both Water Dog and Game Dog which have both seemed like really well written dog training books.

Is it true that british labs overall have a better nose?

Hard to say. Each dog is different. I would say with searching you can find a dog with a good nose (at least a good bloodline of dogs having good noses) in both American and British. You’ll want to see the parents and talk to the owner/breeder/trainer about the other dogs in the bloodline and how they were.

I’ve never heard that BL’s have a better nose, and a friend of mine has a BL kennel. I think it is going to vary more from dog to dog than an entire breed. My younger dog came from a kennel in SD and is a pointing lab. I never trained him to point but I like his long lean build and speed on open ground for upland hunting. My older dog is a little shorter (but still bigger then a BL @ 70lbs.), has a thicker coat and much larger paws. She is better in the water but also has more drive than the younger one. They are both good dogs and have their strengths and weaknesses.

You can’t really go wrong with a lab, they almost all will hunt well, you just need to know your dogs abilities and don’t exceed them. As long as you do that you both will have a good time in the field.

It’s when I see hunters that are over working their dogs (and I have done it as well) that the day gets tough and no one is having fun anymore. It takes a lot of work and most importantly (IMHO) conditioning to have a top dog. My wife runs with our 2, I work them out with the wheeler, and make a couple trips to the game farm to prep for the season. A little off track here but useful info. Good luck.

These types of comparisons usually turn in to a pissing contest, hopefully this one does not. I have posted my experience about my current BL in the past on this forum. A search can find various threads with helpful information. 3 years ago after comparing my research to the AL’s I owned previously I decided to take the plunge on a BL from John Pesek at Royalty British Kennel.
3 years later I have no regrets. My AL’s were all good dogs, good nose, desire, obedience and friendly family dogs. I raised male and female AL’s.
This is in no way a plug for John and Royatly but it may come off that way.
The experience my family and I had with John could not be improved upon nor could I want a finer dog. In fact ,the information he provided leading up to the ultimate pup selection was invaluable. During litter selection John would tell us things about the breed, characteristics of the pups from each litter based on dam/sire. Details that I thought were a bit far fetched.

3 years later I can tell you that everything John told us about the pup came true…. It is uncanny that he knows as much about his dogs as he does.
This may be true of others too but just sharing my experience.
What is my point? I think there are good and not so god breeders out there, that goes for AL and BL’s. I think it is obvious that there are Many more AL breeders as BL. Do your odds change as a result?

Bl’s are not always small dogs, is it possible to get a 130 lb BL? maybe but not too likely. If you are looking for a Upland dog not sure 130 lbs should be a desire.
My dog is male black, 55 lbs. Small but can go through anything. Nose is great, instincts are phenomenal. Where this dog differs from my AL’s is in ease of training and obedience. Simply put he was a breeze to train, he is not a wild dog, stays in range no matter the situation.
If you give John a shot, I promise you, you will think he is full of Bull with all the stuff he tells you as you visit with him. At the end of the day the guy is top notch and his dogs are too.
Last note: this week I came home from a night running from hockey rink to hockey rink, I walked in the door and the dog was holding my slipper softly in his mouth. I asked for it, he handed it over. I thought why not ask for the other, I told him to fetch my other slipper. He trotted through the house and came back with the other slipper. My wife and I were speachless. They pick up on everything.

Im looking to get a lab for ducks and roosters.
Ive researched joe peseks kennel. How much are his pups?
Looking at all of his overhead, they have to be pricey.

You should probably call John mine was definitely more than the average AL. I was concerned with the price as was my wife. 3 years later we do not regret the price one bit. No doubt we got what we paid for and will be customers of Johns again.

Find the best stock it will be british. They train get dogs across the pond!!!

What a timely post…I’m a “convert” to the Brits. Our current dog is 5 years old and we could not be happier. And, if you’re serious about getting a pup – we have one available. A black male. Repeat breeding – I have tons of details I could send you if interested. Great bloodlines/hips/eyes/EIC/etc…shoot me a PM if your interested.

Ive had 5 american labs so far. All were yellow. 1 male and 4 females. Never had an issue with their noses or energy. The male is by far the calmest out of all the females i have owned, and has the best nose by far. Maybe his big ears help on picking up scent. Everyone always told me dont get a male you will be sorry… best dang dog ive ever owned! He weigs 100 pounds but wouldnt hurt a fly.. only a grouse lol

As for bigger dogs getting tired faster.. imo thats not true.. if you take the big dog on walks or runs few times a week, that big dog will run circles around smaller ones. Atleast thats what ive noticed. My big male outworks both the small females combined.

My neighbor got his british lab here. http://www.rivervalleybritishlabs.com/
His dog is fantastic. Best hunting dog I’ve been with.

I have a dog myself from Tom @ River Valley. I couldn’t ask for a better hunting dog or more importantly, a family companion.
When the time comes for another one, I will be back to see him for sure.