The Beloved English Cream Labrador Retriever: An In-Depth Guide

There’s just something special about the English Cream Labrador Retriever. With their thick, golden fur and eager-to-please expressions, these gentle giants have an undeniable charm that has captured the hearts of many families across the UK and USA. Labrador Retrievers consistently rank as one of the most popular dog breeds, but the English cream variety stands out as a distinct and highly sought-after line. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the history, characteristics, and care requirements of this majestic breed.

History of the English Labrador Retriever

The ancestors of today’s Labrador Retrievers can be traced back to the rugged Canadian province of Newfoundland. It was there that the English nobles visiting in the early 1800s first encountered these remarkably capable water dogs. Impressed by their skills in retrieving ducks and other waterfowl during hunting trips, these aristocrats set about developing and refining the breed we now know and love.

Among those pioneers was the Earl of Malmesbury, whose dedication to preserving the refined English Lab line gave rise to the distinct physical and temperamental traits we see today. While breeders favored the chocolate and black colors initially, the now-iconic cream coat emerged as a naturally occurring shade that was selectively bred into its own distinct line.

Breed Overview

The English Cream Labrador Retriever is recognized by all major kennel clubs including:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC)
• The Kennel Club (UK)
• The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)

English Cream Labradors tend to be stockier and heavier-boned compared to their American counterparts, featuring thicker fur and blocky heads. However, there are still distinct “field” and “show” lines among breeders, with the show variety exhibiting an even calmer demeanor.

Characteristics of the English Labrador

Beyond their distinctly light golden coats, English Labradors exhibit several unique physical and personality traits:

• Gentle, Laidback Temperament: While still energetic, English Cream Labs are known for being a bit more laidback and calm than their American counterparts, making them ideal for families.
• Distinctive Blocky Head: The broad, “butty” skull and wide-set eyes give English Labs an almost bear-like appearance that many find endearing.
• Thick, Dense Double Coat: That luxurious cream-colored fur consists of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser outer coat that sheds year-round.
• Solid, Sturdy Build: With thick bones, powerful jaws, and muscular frames, English Creams exemplify the ideal retriever build for swimming and fetching.

Here’s What You Need to Know

English Labrador Temperament

One of the biggest draws of the English Lab is their legendary temperament. As the quote goes:

“A Labrador’s mouth is forever etched in a happy grin, its eyes squinted against the sun, its whole being the picture of fun.”

Few breeds match the eager playfulness yet unwavering patience and devotion of the Labrador. English Creams in particular are renowned for being:

• Gentle: With a very low prey drive, they are incredibly kid-friendly and less likely to jump or nip compared to other breeds.
• Affectionate: These are definitely “Velcro dogs” who crave constant contact and playtime with their family members.
• Intelligent and Trainable: Their desire to please and ability to follow commands make them highly responsive to positive reinforcement training.

Early socialization is still crucial for any Labrador puppy, regardless of lineage. But with their inherently friendly demeanor, English Labs can become wonderfully well-mannered companions in the right environment.

Caring for Your English Labrador

Like all Labradors, English Creams require an adequate amount of exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their high energy levels. A bored, under-exercised Lab can turn destructive out of pent-up restlessness. Here are some other key care requirements:

Grooming

That gorgeous cream coat is definitely high-maintenance. Expect to brush weekly and bathe monthly to keep shedding under control. You’ll also need to:

• Trim nails every 4-6 weeks
• Clean ears regularly
• Brush teeth 2-3 times per week

Food

English Labradors are prone to obesity if overfed, so measure out portions and stick to a regular feeding schedule using high-quality dog food. An adult English Cream typically requires:

• 1100-1700 calories per day split into two meals
• A diet consisting of 18% protein and 5% fat

Training

With their trainability levels, English Labs excel at:

• Basic obedience commands
• Retrieving games
• Agility courses
• Dock diving competitions

However, training must rely on positive reinforcement like treats, praise and play—English Labs do not respond well to harsh discipline or punishment.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders will screen for common hereditary health issues like:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Caused by improperly formed joints that grind and deteriorate over time.
• Obesity: This breed’s tendency to overeat and under-exercise makes weight management vital.
• Exercise-Induced Collapse: A neurological disorder causing muscle weakness after intense exercise.

Other potential issues include eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy and cherry eye, as well as heart conditions like cardiomyopathy. Reputable breeders should provide health clearances from organizations like:

• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• The Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)
• The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding an English Lab a high-quality, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining their:

• High energy levels
• Strong muscle tone
• Healthy skin and coat

Look for dog foods that meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy guidelines for their life stage:

• Puppy Formula: Higher calories, calcium and phosphorus for proper growth and bone development.
• Adult Maintenance: Protein from lean meats, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, EPA/DHA.

Some top-rated Labrador dog food brands include:

• Purina Pro Plan
• Iams Healthy Naturals
• Nutro Natural Choice
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

ALSO READ: 38 AMAZING LABRADOR RETRIEVER MIXES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Where to Adopt or Buy an English Labrador

With their soaring popularity, you’ll need to exercise patience when looking to add an English Cream to your family. A few options include:

Reputable Breeders: Expect to spend $800-$1500 (potentially more) on an English Lab puppy from a responsible breeder engaged in:

• Genetic screening
• Health certifications
• Careful lineage selection

Here are a few well-regarded English Cream breeders to consider:

• Kernals Labrador Retrievers (Texas)
• Norlanders Retrievers (Minnesota)
• Topfen Cream English Labradors (Pennsylvania)

Labrador Retriever Rescues: Lower fees around $300-$500, but limited availability of the cream color. Some rescues specializing in Labs include:

• Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida
• Homeward Bound Labrador Retriever Rescue
• Labrador Rescuers

English Labrador Pros and Cons

As with any breed, English Creams come with their own unique set of pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Ideal Family Dogs: Their patience, gentleness, and affectionate nature make English Labs wonderful companions for households with children and other pets.
• Versatile Working Dogs: While calmer than field lines, English Creams still excel as retrievers during hunting trips and can participate in dog sports.
• Generally Healthy Breed: When acquired from responsible breeders, English Labs tend to have fewer genetic health issues compared to many other breeds.
• Easy to Groom: Despite their thick double coats, regular brushing is usually sufficient to keep their moderate shedding under control.
• Highly Trainable: English Labs’ intelligence and eagerness to please make them very responsive to positive reinforcement training methods.

Cons

• Potential for Obesity: English Labradors have a tendency to overeat and become obese without proper diet and exercise, leading to joint issues.
• Higher Sensitivity: Their people-pleasing nature means English Creams can be more sensitive to harsh treatment or heavy-handed training.
• Higher Initial Cost: Well-bred English Cream puppies from reputable breeders demand premium prices of $800-$1500 or more.
• Not Hypoallergenic: Despite claims, no dogs are truly hypoallergenic—English Labs still shed and produce dander that can aggravate allergies.
• High Energy Needs: English Labradors require a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

English Labrador vs American Labrador?

One common question is how the English Labrador differs from their American counterparts besides coat color. Some key distinctions include:

• Build: English Labradors are heavier-boned with thicker fur and blockier heads compared to American Labs’ leaner, more athletic build.
• Size: American/English show lines are typically more substantial in size, while field lines for both are on the smaller side.
• Temperament: The prevailing belief is that English Labradors display calmer, gentler demeanors compared to the sometimes rowdier American variety.

However, the “lazy Labrador” is generally an overstated myth. Both types love to run and play when given the chance. The bigger differentiator tends to be:

• Show vs Field Lines: Within each line, dogs bred specifically as handsome companions prioritize calmer manners over intense hunting drive.

More Dog Breeds & Further Research

For those interested in learning about other retriever breeds, some alternatives to explore include:

• Flat-Coated Retrievers
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Curly-Coated Retrievers

And if you’re set on getting an English Cream specifically, further research can be found at:

• The Labrador Retriever Club
• The Dog Lover’s Guide to English Cream Golden Retrievers
• Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer’s Guide
• The Complete Dog Breed Book

Conclusion

In conclusion, Few breeds combine the family-friendly temperament, versatile working ability, and overall appeal quite like the English Cream Labrador Retriever. With their distinctive golden coats and gentle demeanors, it’s no wonder this variety has captured so many hearts worldwide.

While requiring their fair share of grooming, exercise, and positive training, English Creams make wonderfully affectionate, intelligent companions for active households willing to meet their needs. As long as you acquire your pup from a reputable breeder engaged in genetic testing, you can expect to welcome a healthy, happy member of the family.

So if you have the time, patience, and love to give, the English Cream Labrador’s zest for life and undying loyalty will provide years of joy in return!

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FAQs

How much does an English Cream Labrador cost?

From a respected breeder, expect to pay $800-$1500 or more for an English Cream Labrador puppy. Adoption fees from Labrador rescues are typically $300-$500.

Are English Labs hypoallergenic?

No, English Labradors are not hypoallergenic. They still shed fur and produce dander that can aggravate allergies, despite sometimes being marketed as “hypoallergenic.”

At what age is a Labrador fully grown?

Most Labradors reach their full adult height between 12-16 months. However, they continue gradually “filling out” until 2-3 years old.

How long do English Labs typically live?

The average life expectancy for an English Labrador Retriever is 10-12 years with proper diet, exercise, and preventative veterinary care.

Do English Cream Labs shed more than other colors?

No, coat color does not affect shedding significantly in Labrador Retrievers. All colors have a double-layer coat that sheds regularly year-round.