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General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled,
dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables
it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness
to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions;
the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament
to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics
should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game
with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond
the hunting environment.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador
Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter"
tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful
jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence
and good temperament.
Above all, a Labrador Retriever must be well balanced,
enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little
or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without
over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloddiness. The Labrador
is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of
great importance.
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Size, Proportion and
Substance
Size--The height at the withers for a dog is 22½ to 24½
inches; for a bitch is 21½ to 23½ inches. Any variance greater
than ½ inch above or below these heights is a disqualification.
Approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working condition: dogs 65 to
80 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds. The minimum height ranges set forth
in the paragraph above shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve
months of age.
Proportion--Short-coupled; length
from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump is equal to or
slightly longer than the distance from the withers to the ground. Distance
from the elbow to the ground should be equal to one half of the height
at the withers. The brisket should extend to the elbows, but not perceptibly
deeper. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight, free
and efficient stride; but the dog should never appear low and long or
tall and leggy in outline. Substance--Substance and bone proportionate
to the overall dog. Light, "weedy" individuals are definitely
incorrect; equally objectionable are cloddy lumbering specimens. Labrador
Retrievers shall be shown in working condition well-muscled and without
excess fat.
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Color
The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any
other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small
white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs
from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black--Blacks
are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings
is a disqualification. Yellow--Yellows may range in color from fox-red
to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts
of the dog. Chocolate--Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark
chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification.
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Temperament
True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed
as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly,
outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards
man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle
ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness
towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult
should be severely penalized.
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A Laboratory Retriever
Pup |
A Laboratory Retriever
Adult |
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