English Labs are Just Big Boned

"Wow. She's a big girl." "She never misses a meal." " Look at those rolls." 

These are phrases my yellow lab hears whenever she meets a new human friend. I see her tail wagging, but I know her self esteem plummets. There's black labs, yellow labs, chocolate labs, even silver and red labs. But did you know that there's also English and American labs? The labrador retriever actually originated in Newfoundland, Canada. English nobles then brought some labradors home to England. Based on their breeding and local conditions, the English lab subtype was born. English labs are generally stockier with a blockier body with thick legs, a thick neck, and a thick coat. Their sibling, the American lab typically has a lean body with longer legs, a narrower skull, longer muscles, and a thinner coat. Their temperments are slightly different as well. English labs tend to be more calm and sweet with less energy. They were bred to be show dogs where as the American lab was bred more for hunting. They typically have more energy. Few people are aware that there are two types of labradors with different body shapes. Time after time, people meet my English lab and comment on how she needs to go on a diet. In reality, she is at a very healthy weight. They really are just criticizing her natural body shape that she was born into. Can you really criticize someone for being big boned? Or having short legs? Not to mention, isn't it her personality that should really matter? Her sweet demeanor and eagerness to please should be enough to make everyone fall in love with her- rolls and all. Donate today to help us raise awareness for English labs and spread body positivity among the community for both two and four legged friends! 




Help Stop Body Shaming Now

Harper

Harper loves the beach. But every time she goes, she doesn't feel "bikini body" ready. The American labs are so sleek and lean. Help Harper see that every body is beautiful and ever body is a bikini body!

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Maggie

Maggie used to love playing soccer all day. Now she feels self conscious running on the field in front of the other dogs and their owners. Help show Maggie that she belongs on the field!

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Max

Max loves to sun tan but started feeling self conscious after a seagull stopped by and started laughing at his wider frame and neck rolls. Help Max realize that seagulls are only masking their own insecurities when making rude comments!

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Hershey

Body positivity is important from a young age. Right now Hershey doesn't even realize he was born a little different from his American lab friends. Help pups like Hershey feel confident from the get-go!

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Startling Statistics


100% of labs are adorable 

100% of labs love belly rubs 

100% of labs will be your best friend