American vs. UK Dog Breeds
Source: flickr4jazz
When it comes to many aspects of life on different sides of the pond, there are significant differences. The same is true for many of the dog breeds that have both an American and a UK version. Whilst the general temperament and traits of the dog breeds are similar, the physical differences are usually very distinct and easy to spot.
Interestingly enough, many of the American and UK versions of dog breeds are the most popular dogs in the respective countries. It is also a bit startling for many dog lovers in both countries to find out the breeds did not originate in either country. To understand a bit about the American and UK versions of popular breeds, let us take a closer look at the difference in each respective breed.
The Labrador Retriever
In the United States as well as the United Kingdom, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog by far. They outstrip the competition with the highest registration numbers in both Kennel Clubs, averaging double the number of registrations as the next runner up breed. Although first selectively bred in England in the 19th century, the Lab is actually a product of Canada developed from the St. John's Dogs used in Labrador and Newfoundland for hunting and fishing.
The Labrador in the UK tends to be stockier and slightly shorter in the leg than the American Lab. They also have a blockier head with a shorter muzzle and a wider skull than the American field bred Lab. The British Lab also tends to be more of a natural hunting dog and less bred for conformation and show lines, but rather for work in the field. They also tend to be calmer, quieter and more relaxed than the sometimes high strung American Labs. However, temperament does vary greatly from dog to dog and within kennels of distinct breeding lines.
The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, considered to be of Spanish origin, is another breed that has both an American and UK version. Both are wonderful companion and hunting dogs, although the English Cocker Spaniel is much more commonly used for hunting in the UK compared to the American counterpart that is more of a companion pet.
The traits that set the two apart are largely a function of the use of the dog breed. The English Cocker continues to sport a shorter, lighter coat, longer legs and more of a rangy body than the long coated, shorter bodied American version. The American Cocker has a distinctively different head with a dome shape to the skull, longer muzzle, longer lips that droop and a very pronounced stop. The eyes are slightly closer together on the American Cocker than the English Cocker, and they also tend to be larger and more defined by distinctive eyebrows that protrude from the face.
The Bulldog
The English Bulldog is one dog breed that is universally associated with Britain and the UK in films, television and popular culture. The Americans also have their own version of this absolutely wonderful breed. Generally, the American Bulldog is taller, heavier and has a longer muzzle with fewer wrinkles than the English Bulldog. In addition, the English Bulldog tends to have a calmer, less hyper type of personality, while the American counterpart often requires a significant amount of exercise to stay calm and happy.
In general, both the American and UK version of dog breeds have more in common than they have as differences. Researching both the breed as well as the breeding line is as important as choosing a type of dog, regardless of the country from which it comes.
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