What is the Difference Between Labrador and Labrador Retriever

There is no real difference between Labrador and Labrador retriever. Both the terms refer to the same dog breed, officially known as Labrador retriever. People often use the short and handy term Labrador to call Labrador retrievers.

In the past, Labrador retrievers served the purpose of gun dogs. The name Labrador retriever is an ideal match for the breed; they were used to retrieve fish and fishing nets from the freezing waters of the Newfoundland coast. Our ancestors developed many retriever breeds such as Flat-coated Retriever and Chesapeake Bay Retriever for retrieving purposes.

Key Areas Covered

1. Labrador Retriever 
   – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior
2. Labrador 
     – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior
3. Similarities Between Labrador and Labrador Retriever
     – Outline of Common Characteristics
4. Difference Between Labrador and Labrador Retriever
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Dogs, Labrador, Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior

Labrador retrievers are strong and athletic dogs. They are squared in their physical appearance. They usually have a well-built body and strong legs. The height of a fully grown Labrador male is 24 inches, while the weight ranges from 85 pounds for a large male. In brief, they belong to the medium-size dog category.

The most eye-catching features of a Labrador retriever are its wide head, expressive eyes, and drop ears. Labradors have a thick but fairly short double coat of fur. Most significantly, the fur coat of a Labrador is water repellent. Labradors usually have a thick tapering tail which is called the “otter tail.” It helps the dog to turn when swimming. Labradors have “webbed” feet and longer skin between the toes, which facilitate their swimming. Moreover, Labrador’s color can range from black to chocolate, red, white, to yellow. In addition, Labradors’ life span is usually 12 to 14 years.

Personality and Traits

In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent and popular family dogs. This is mainly because of their intelligence, willingness to get trained, and enthusiasm to work with people.  Labradors are usually peaceful with children, other dogs, and pets. However, Labradors being a breed of strong dogs, need moderate obedience training when they are puppies. If not, they can be aggressive towards their owners.

Labradors are very protective and are fond of their families and homes. They are always ready to greet company, too. However, Labradors genetically develop a strong retrieving instinct, so if not given proper training and appropriate toys, they can turn into destructive chewers. In addition, Labradors are considered “easy keepers” but, if they are not provided with an adequate amount of physical activities and required food portions, they can become unhealthy and overweight.

Labrador – Facts, Characteristics, and Behavior

Labrador is a short name people use to call the Labrador Retriever.  Hence, there is no real difference between Labrador and Labrador retrievers.

Similarities Between Labrador and Labrador Retriever

1. Labrador and Labrador Retriever are synonyms. They both refer to a breed of strong and high-energy dogs that served the purpose of gun dogs in the past.
2. In addition, they are excellent family pets who love to be with people.
3. The shade of a Labrador may range from black to chocolate, yellow, red, or even almost white.
4. Moreover, they should be properly exercised. If not, they can turn into destructive chewers.

Difference Between Labrador and Labrador Retriever

In brief, there is no real difference between Labrador and Labrador retrievers. Both terms refer to a breed of high energy, athletic and solid dogs that served the purpose of gun dogs in the past and are excellent family dogs.

Conclusion

There is no difference between Labrador and Labrador retriever since both the terms refer to a breed of intelligent, easy-to-train family dogs. In the past, they were adapted as gun dogs. Hence, they require adequate exercise and physical activity. But if they are not provided, they can turn destructive.

Reference:

1. “Retriever (Labrador).” The Kennel Club.
2. “Labrador Retriever.” Indian Trail Animal Hospital.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Labrador Retriever (1210559)” By Pixabay (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Labrador-hunting-labrador-kind-3839545” (CC0) via Pixabay