What ARE you?

People unfamiliar with English (or show/conformation) labs are always asking what I am.  Because I'm short and stocky, with a HUGE blocky head, people think I'm something other than a lab.  People have actually argued with mom when she has told them I'm a lab!  "He can't be a lab -- labs have more pointy noses," said one woman.  "Labs are usually bigger," said another.  "He's mixed with something else, isn't he?" asked a guy today.

More than once, people have asked if I'm part pitbull.  Maybe it's because I have a big head, or maybe it's because, like the pitties I know, I LOVE people and I'm very cuddly and affectionate.

I think I confuse people, because they are accustomed to seeing American (or working/field) labs, who are usually bigger, taller, slimmer, and have more pointy snouts.  I have lots of friends who are American labs, and they are awesome doggies too!  I envy some of my American lab friends because they have an easier time counter-surfing because they are so tall!

Me (English lab) and my pal Nora (American lab)

My buddy Hero is part English and part American lab
(so he's the best of both worlds!)

Some of my friends suspect that I'm part polar bear because of my pale coloring, impressive swimming skills, and love for freezing cold water, snow, and ice.

I suppose it's also because of my undeniable resemblance to polar bears!

This is one of my puppy photos which has led to speculation:
Puppy or polar bear?

This is me swimming:
Puppy or polar bear?

Me swimming again:
Puppy or polar bear?

Me (Compare this and the following photo to the photos
that come up if you Google "polar bear face picture")

Me

In spite of the very strong photographic evidence that I'm part polar bear, the truth is that I'm 100% lab, and am actually very close to what a show/conformation lab is supposed to look like.   I'm about an inch or so short of being perfect for a male show/conformation lab -- but mom and dad think I'm perfect anyway!

Like all individuals, my breed is only part of who I am.  I have a multi-faceted personality!  I'm a trick dog, therapy dog, reading-assistance dog, cadet Dog Scout, and chief cuddler in my household.  I'm also quite a fashion hound (that will be a future blog post), and I'm an Adventure Dog extraordinaire (See My Mango Minster Adventure Dog Entry).

And yes, I am a pirate.