What is the difference between English and American?

We breed show type Labradors AKA bench or ”English” style. Labradors are exhibited in the show ring all over the world and are bred for a similar look and type and often imported and exported to and from the US and other countries such as England, Canada, Poland, and China. They are broad and muscular dogs with thick bone and large wide heads. They have double wavy coats and are excellent house dogs and easy to train. They are honest and loyal but also very amiable and gregarious and exceptional with children of all ages. 

Field type Labradors AKA “American” are only bred in the US. A small population are well bred for hunting only but these are not very popular with the general public and typically not purchased as pets. The vast majority of Labradors are often the result of backyard, Amish, or puppy mills and bred to make money without pedigree research, temperament testing or health screening. They are tall and lean and have a longer more narrow muzzle and head shape. They typically have a lot more energy and because they are not selectively bred they can have more health and behavioral problems. 

What is a silver or a white? 

Dilute Labradors are silver and charcoal colored (blue) and are not a recognized coat color per the AKC and the LRC, despite what silver breeders will tell you so you will buy their puppies. Labradors are not white. Beware of breeders advertising "polar bear" or "white chocolate" as these are marketing ploys. Labradors are black, chocolate and yellow. Yellow can be very light cream or a dark fox red. Chocolate can be a light color and very dark nearly black. 

”I only want a pet so why should I buy a puppy from a show breeder?” 

This is a common question and the answer is you are benefitting from the time, money, and passion of experienced dog people who only select 1-2 puppies to continue in a breeding program. You get a dog with a set temperament and look that was well planned and well raised and well bred. 

"Adopt don't shop" makes me think I should rescue and not purchase a puppy?  

First of all everyone is free to make their own decisions on what companion they will have for the next 12-15 years. Rescue puppies are pulled from down south to the northeast and even from other countries and although many are wonderful pets there are some with genetic predispositions causing aggression and/or fearfulness and stress. People choose a purebred for a variety of reasons such as experience with the breed, needing a good family dog for small children or even after having a difficult experience with a rescue dog. AKC funds nutrition, orthopedic, and cancer (to name a few) research on companion dogs and many Labrador breeders volunteer for local Labrador rescue organizations. So dog lovers all help contribute to the overall health and well being of dogs all over the country. 

"I don't want to wait for my puppy I want it right away!"

You are making a big investment of money and time and energy and will have your dog for many years. Do your homework and research and be patient. Purchasing a puppy from a ready to order shop is supporting puppy mills no matter what they tell you. Only support local hobby breeders whose passion for dogs far outweighs monetary gains.