Perfecting the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard

Breed Appearance

The Labrador Retriever is a robust, mediumsized, shortcoated hunting dog with exceptional athletic abilities and a balanced physique. Known for its endurance in harsh environments, this breed is highly skilled in hunting waterfowl for extended periods. They possess excellent temperament qualities and make wonderful family companions, known for their friendly and gentle nature.

Labrador Retrievers are bred to be stable and efficient hunting dogs, with their physical and psychological traits indicating their suitability for a variety of pursuits beyond hunting. Their most distinguishing features include their short, dense, and weatherresistant coat; a "otter" tail; a clean, broad skull with a moderate stop; strong jaws; and "kind" eyes that exude a friendly, intelligent, and unique demeanor.

Importantly, Labrador Retrievers should have a balanced body structure, allowing for agility and superior endurance, whether in the field or during work. This breed has a distinctive style, highquality characteristics, and is not overly delicate or stocky. Labrador Retrievers are primarily bred as working dogs, and their body structure and robustness are of paramount importance.

Size, Proportions, and Constitution

Size

Male Labradors stand between 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall, while females range from 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Heights exceeding or falling short of these measurements are considered不合格. In working conditions, males weigh between 65 to 80 pounds, and females between 55 to 70 pounds. This standard does not apply to dogs under 12 months of age.

Proportions

Labrador Retrievers have a short, muscular body with a length from the shoulder to the buttocks equal to or slightly longer than the height from the shoulder to the ground. The distance from the elbow to the ground should be approximately half the height of the shoulder. The chest should extend to the elbows but not be too deep. The body length is moderate, allowing for a straight gait, but the dog should not be overly low or have overly long legs and body.

Constitution

The overall constitution and bone proportions of the Labrador Retriever should be harmonious. Thin or "slender" individuals are not allowed, nor are those with clumsy gaits. In working condition, Labradors should have welldeveloped muscles and no excess fat.

Head

Skull

The skull is broad and welldeveloped but not exaggerated. The skull and foreface should be on a parallel plane, with lengths approximately equal. The stop is moderate, with slightly prominent cheekbones, and the skull and nose should not be on the same line. The brow ridges help to define the forehead. The head lines are clear, with cheeks free of excess flesh; the skull's skeletal structure is clear, and the eye sockets are welldefined, with cheeks not prominent.

Nose

The nose should be wide with welldeveloped nostrils. The color of the nose should match the color of the dog's coat: black for black and yellow dogs, brown for chocolatecolored dogs. A pink nose or one lacking pigment is a disqualification.

Teeth

Teeth should be strong and regular with a scissors bite, with the lower teeth slightly behind the upper incisors. A level bite is acceptable but not preferred. A protruding underbite, an overbite, or misaligned teeth are serious defects. A complete set of teeth is ideal, with missing molars or incisors also considered serious defects.

Ears

Ears should be moderately close to the head, slightly lower than the skull, and slightly above the eyes. They should not be large and heavy but proportionate to the skull and reach the inner corner of the eye when pulled forward. The ears should not be overly large or heavy, but should be in proportion to the skull and reach the inner corner of the eye when pulled forward.

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