The Labrador has been largely ruined by show breeders constantly breeding for heavier animals, the average show bred Lab could not do a days work IMO. The working Lab is an athletic dog that can work all day, as the breed was designed for, however some of them are too lightly made and somewhat weak in appearance again IMO. A cross between the two would be my ideal, but if I had to choose a type, it would be a working type every time.
Dawn.

A few of the work type I have seen seemed slightly long in the back giving the apperance of weak backs and even a bit sway backed, (not sure if thats the right way to put it but its what we would call a horse with a weak back)
i think your right with a mix of both giving the perfect lab, if breeders could incorporate the two it may even help with temprament in the breed, who knows.

I know a few breeder of working labs and I also know they would not let their dogs breed with a show dog. to get a good worker they will only breed with another good workers.
I do agree that the working breed looks better.

I also think that poor girl was just unfortunate, the dog was just tugging. Some thing it probably done most days. Such a shame.

Comparing that to the Labrador standard, "with no trace of aggression or undue shyness" there are certain events that would be acceptable IMO and would spark a nervous reaction, the scenario with the Horse may of been one such incident.