Labrador Retriever -
Breed Standard ankc
Labrador Retriever Breed Standard
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
Kennel Club, London 1994 - Last updated January 2018, Dog Kennel Club. FCI Standard No 122
Group 3 (Gundogs)
General Appearance: Strongly built, short coupled, very active; broad in skull; broad and deep through chest and ribs; broad and strong over loins and hindquarters.
Characteristics: Good tempered, very agile (which precludes excessive body weight or excessive substance). Excellent nose, soft mouth, keen love of water. Adaptable, devoted companion.
Temperament: Intelligent, keen and biddable, with a strong will to please. Kindly nature, with no trace of aggression or undue shyness.
Head And Skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snipy. Nose wide, nostrils well-developed.
Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence and good temper; brown or hazel.
Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back.
Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck: Clean, strong, powerful, set into well placed shoulders.
Forequarters: Shoulders long and well laid back, with upper arm of near equal length, placing legs well under body. Forelegs well boned and straight from elbow to ground when viewed from either front or side.
Body: Chest of good width and depth, with well sprung barrel ribs - this effect not to be produced by carrying excessive weight. Level topline. Loins wide, short-coupled and strong.
Hindquarters: Well developed, not sloping to tail; well turned stifle. Hocks well let down, cow hocks highly undesirable.
Feet: Round, compact; well arched toes and well developed pads
Tail: Distinctive feature, very thick towards base, gradually tapering towards tip, medium length, free from feathering, but clothed thickly all round with short, thick, dense coat, thus giving 'rounded' appearance described as 'Otter' tail. May be carried gaily but should not curl over back.
Gait/Movement: Free, covering adequate ground; straight and true in front and rear.
Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather resistant undercoat.
Colour: The only correct colours are wholly black, yellow or liver/chocolate. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. Small white spot on chest permissible.
Sizes: Ideal height at withers:
-Dogs 56 - 57 cms (22-22.5 ins)
-Bitches 55 - 56 cms (21.5 - 22 ins)
Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Breed Specific Tips & Guides
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Feeding your Dog
We recommend a good quality dry dog food such as Royal Canin. Dry dog food is the best option for your dog as it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals that a growing puppy/dog needs. Adding in supplements such as sardines, fish oil, yogurt and frozen carrots aid in the cleaning of your dogs teeth and assist in maintaining a healthy coat and weight.
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Socialization and Training
After your puppy has had their 2nd vaccinations, training and socialization in a controlled environment is encouraged and highly recommended. A well trained, well socialised dog is a happier and more balanced dog. And, Labradors LOVES to learn. Please take the time to invest in your dogs’ socialization and training at the earliest stage possible as it sets the dog up to be the best companion it can possibly be. A bored and unstimulated Lab is often a destructive one, so put in the work early and reap the benefits.
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Exercise and Growth
Once your puppy fully matures (usually around 18 months, growth plates close and become a stable part of the bone. Too much exercise can be risky for a puppy's growth plates, if an injury occurs these cells might slow down their growth or simply stop growing. We recommend that you do NOT exercise your puppy until they are at least 6 months of age. After this time, puppies should be exercised only in MODERATION. They expel plenty of energy in their daily playing activities. Do NOT let your puppy run up or down STAIRS, jump off beds or couches, run on soft sand or partake in any rough play with other dogs. By avoiding these things, you are giving your puppy the best chance at a long, happy, healthy life.
Please click the button to be taken to a page with comprehensive training tools, designed specifically for Labrador Retriever owners.