Are you interested in adding a new pet to your family? Are you considering a large breed of dog, but are unsure which would be the best fit? English labradors, with their clever personalities and loving nature, are the ideal family dog for those who like to get outdoors and can offer this breed an adequate amount of exercise.

Here’s everything you need to know about the English labrador—including the breed’s temperament and behavior—to help you decide if it’s the right dog for your family.

What Do English Labradors Look Like?

The English labrador has a double coat that comes in three main colors: black, yellow, and chocolate, and is waterproof to help the dog withstand cold, wet temperatures. They have chunky bodies, long broad muzzles, and floppy ears. Other physical characteristics include long tails that stick out boldly and barrel chests. Female labradors usually grow to 55 to 70 pounds while males can often hit 80 pounds. 

English Labrador Temperament 

English labs have a friendly, kind nature that makes them a favorite pet for families—especially those with young children. While English labs do like to get outdoors and enjoy exercise, they are not as dependent on outside activities as the American lab. English labs are very playful and can easily get distracted by other dogs if he is brought into a social area. 

Unlike their American counterparts, who can get restless or even destructive when not exercised enough, the English lab is more relaxed and gentle—especially when he ages out of puppyhood. They get along with almost everyone—humans and animals alike—and are always eager to please. 

English Labrador Behavior 

Because of their strong need to please, English labradors often do very well in obedience training and can easily learn to follow instructions or commands. They are very intelligent dogs and are moderate barkers—not only barking at danger but also at various triggers throughout the day. While English labs never met a stranger they didn’t like, they are still protective of their family and homes and will do what it takes to keep everyone safe. 

Taking Care of An English Labrador

Before you decide to get any breed of dog, you should first learn what it involved with their care so you can prepare your family and ensure you are up to the task. Here are some guidelines for caring for your English Labrador:

• Exercising your lab for a couple of hours each day is ideal. Families who enjoy hiking, swimming, or just taking long walks are ideal for a lab as he prefers to exercise with his humans rather than being left to his own devices. 
• Labs have short coats, but they are heavy shedders. Brushing your lab several times a week will help limit the shedding and distribute skin oils to keep their coat shiny and healthy. When the weather changes, you can expect excess shedding and should step up your routine to brushing your lab once a day. Bathing your lab once a month, cleaning his ears weekly, and brushing his teeth daily are other ways to keep him looking and feeling his best. 
• Begin a training and socializing program early with your English lab puppy to prevent them from forming bad habits. A puppy class is the perfect way to introduce them to manners, and labs tend to catch on quickly as they are always eager to please.
• Be aware of common health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat, heart problems, and hereditary loss of muscle strength and control, known as myopathy. Make sure you work with a reputable breeder and keep up on regular vet visits to ensure your lab is and stays healthy.
• Make sure to feed your lab high-quality food that is healthy and not full of fillers. Labs have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and various health problems, and to eat quickly, which can cause bloat. Feed them small, frequent meals and try to limit the treats. 

Choosing The Right English Labrador for Your Family 

Decided you have the time and resources to take care of an English labrador and want to add one to your family? The key to finding a healthy, happy puppy is working with the right breeder. Look for one that has a majority of five star reviews on Facebook, Yelp, or Google and that has years of experience breeding English labs. 

You should also look for a breeder that focuses on top bloodlines with good temperaments and offers a genetic guarantee. Remember that you don’t need to choose a breeder that is near you—many will hand deliver puppies right to your door no matter where you live in the United States. Some also have live video feeds so you can see your puppy grow after its born and prior to it being delivered to you. 

Ready to add an English labrador to your family? Work with a reputable breeder and you’ll soon have a new best friend delivered to your door.