I think the country has forgotten, or rather, never learned what a Labrador Retriever is supposed to look like.
You would think that the #1 breed in the USA would be more recognizable.
There are a few speculations I have as to why very few people can recognize a well bred Labrador.
Andy gets a lot of funny comments when we're out volunteering.
The usual ones are:
"What's he mixed with?"
"He is an English Lab!"
"Why haven't you neutered him?"
"Why is he so big?"
"Are you sure he isn't mixed with a bully?"
Firstly, pretty much every dog over 40 lbs in a rescue or shelter situation is labeled a "lab mix" or purebred lab if it isn't already labeled pit. However incorrect those labels may be, the vast spectrum of what people are seeing and calling "Labrador" has distorted the correct image to the general public.
Second, when a breed is very popular, it unfortunately makes room for irresponsible breeders that do not do health clearances or strive to achieve the written breed standard. The Labs created from poor breeding standards are often tall, thin, have a tail that lifts high off their back or curls, are lacking the correct double coat, and exhibit other structural faults (I'll have to dive into health concerns at a different time. That is it's own post... or two).
That being said, there are healthy Labradors out there that may not look like the standard. For example, guide dogs or other service dogs typically have the thinner and taller look. These dogs have been bred and raised for a different job than what the breed standard describes. They have also been spayed/neutered at a young age which prevents the hormones to finish "filling out" their structure. However, many Labrador conformation breeders donate puppies or sperm collections to service dog organizations.
I use Andy as an example. I know his structure, coat, movement, and temperament first hand. He is a Grand Champion, but he is also 10 years old now. I would encourage you to look up top ranking Labrador Retrievers to compare their similarities and differences. You'll find that while each dog is an individual, they are all correct in the right ways to perform their original job.
So, here we go! A crash course in the FAQ of the Labrador Retriever:
What was the original purpose of the Labrador Retriever?
Labs are lovingly referred to as the Gentleman's Gun Dog. Their sweet and attentive temperament kept them with their owner instead of out with the other dogs while they were out on a hunt. Sometimes the only time the Lab would leave their owner's side was to go retrieve the bird that was just shot. They are not a running breed. Smooth and efficient movement is still important in this sporting breed, but the Labrador Retriever is not a track star and they are not built like one. Think of the Labrador like a boat. Their tail should come straight off the back of their top line to hit the water like a rudder.Their feet are webbed and their front parts the cold water to keep their swimming efficient. Their double layer coat keeps them warm and dry. The Labrador is smart, kind, loyal, and instinctual.
For a great explanation of the standard and origin, check out this article.
Why are show Labs fat?
Well, they usually aren't. You cannot truly know the makeup of a dog's structure without laying your hands on them. Double coats, muscle, and structure play into this "fat" misunderstanding. Labradors are supposed to be a bit longer than they are tall. They need their double coat to keep warm and dry while retrieving birds in the cold and wet. The standard also calls for little to no "tuck up". I think a big misconception is that no tuck up = no waist line and therefore, fat. For those of you wondering what a tuck up is; it is past the rib cage and just about where that tummy skin starts heading for the hind leg.
Can show Labs actually do their original job?
Yes. Many conformation Labradors have hunting titles and/or training. The whole reason responsible breeders conform to the standard is because performance is made possible by correct structure. Andy runs out in the yard and looks up at the sky for falling birds whenever we hear fireworks.
English Lab or American Lab?
Okay. This one gets me every time. Andy gets called an "English Lab" often. His pedigree is completely American. English and American are terms coined to describe the different looks of purebred Labradors. They are not different breeds. The "English Lab" type is typically more accurate to the American standard as well as other kennel club standards. Conformation show dogs are often the dogs people call "English Labs". Conformation show dogs are not spayed or neutered. A Labrador is a Labrador. The only difference is in pedigree and honor to the standard. So once again, there is no such thing as American or English Labrador breeds. They are all just Labrador Retrievers.
What colors do Labrador Retrievers come in?
This is very very important. Please listen carefully.
Labrador Retrievers come in ONLY 3 colors: Black, Yellow, and Chocolate.
Black should be solid black. A small patch of white on the chest is not ideal, but also not a disqualification.
The color yellow can range from "fox red" to almost a white creme color. There are no white labs or orange labs. All shades are still considered yellow.
Chocolate should be a solid rich shade of brown.
Responsible breeders will do genetic tests to see what colors their dogs may be carrying before a litter is bred. For example, a black lab could be a carrier (meaning they could produce puppies of these colors) of only black, black and yellow, black and chocolate, or black yellow and chocolate. There are certain combinations to avoid which is why the tests are so important. Another day and another post can be used to go into deeper explanation of the genetics of coat color.
There are individuals out there that will try to tell you that silver or other "rare" colors are the result of special and unique dilute genes. Do not fall for it. These breeders will falsely register these dilute dogs as chocolate with the AKC. To spare the genetics lesson today, the short story is that Weimaraners were added to these kennel's special gene pools generations back and they continue breeding for the dilute (dd) gene to market them as purebred Labradors for ridiculous prices.
Do labs shed?
Yes. A lot. In my experience, yellows seem to shed the most!
Why is my Lab so hyper? I got a Lab because I wanted a well behaved easy dog.
All dogs need training! Behavior is a mix of upbringing and genetics. Some dogs will need more work than others. Dogs are not only products of their environment. Generations of genetics play into their instinct and behavior. That is why pointers point and collies herd. Their behaviors can be fine tuned and adjusted with training and care, but that raw deep genetic influence will always be there. A well bred Labrador will be a loving companion, but some are more high strung than others.
If you are looking for a Labrador puppy of a certain personality, make that clear to the breeder. Good breeders will often pick out your puppy for you. They know their lines well and can better predict which puppy might be right for your family and lifestyle.
Do you have a question about the Labrador Retriever? Leave it in the comments below!
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