Labrador Classification

Smith Farms has Labrador puppies for various needs and interests. Labradors have various talents and are great gun dogs as well as sporting dogs. Below we have listed the breakdown of AKC standards for Champion breeds of Labradors.

Labrador Classification and Breed standards:

Show standards: Like any animal, there is a great deal of variety among Labrador Retrievers. These characteristics are typical of the show-bred or bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States, and are based on the AKC standard. Significant differences between US and UK standards are noted.

Size: Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long from the shoulders back as they are from the floor to the withers. Males should stand 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches (55.9 to 62 1/4cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65 to 80 pounds (30 to 36 kg). Females should stand 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches (54 1/2 to 60 cm) and weigh 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg). By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards, height should be 22 to 22.5 inches (55.9 to 57.2 cm) for males, and 21.5 to 22 (54.6 to 55.9 cm) inches for bitches.

Coat: The Lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is described as 'water-resistant' or more accurately 'water-repellent' so that the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. That means the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colors are chocolate, black, and yellow. There is much variance within yellow Labs. Colors should be solid, though varying shades of yellow on the same dog are acceptable in yellow labs and a white spot on the chest is acceptable in black labs, though not desirable.

Head: The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colors are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes.

Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. The jowls should hang slightly and curve gracefully back.

Body: The body should be strong and muscular with a level top line. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive (or distinguishing) features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. The AKC adds that "true Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the 'otter' tail."