The American Kennel Club’s Standards for Labrador Retrievers

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      The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. Labs are social, gregarious, and high-spirited companions. These medium to large-sized dogs are loveable companions and devoted to their families.  

     A strong, well-balanced Labrador Retriever stands between 21.5 and 24.5 inches from the shoulder to the hip. They weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, depending on the sex. Labradors have rich, durable coats that come in various shades of yellow, black, and chocolate. Their heads are broad, their eyes are friendly, and their thick, ‘otter tails’ easily convey the breed’s friendly manner. 

     These dogs are great additions to any household. They create a strong bond with their families and mingle well with other dogs and people. While they have a laid-back demeanor, don’t mistake it for a lack of energy. Labs are passionate athletes who need a lot of activity, such as swimming and playing outdoors, to stay physically and mentally fit.

Here’s a direct link to the AKC page for Labradors.

AKC Appearance Standards

     The AKC standard shows Labs as clean-cut with a powerful and athletic appearance. Labrador retrievers are medium-sized dogs with warm, friendly eyes and a well-balanced physique. They are tough enough to hunt for extended periods in harsh weather while also having the personality of a loving family pet.

Size

      According to the AKC, male Labrador Retrievers should be 22-1/2 to 24-1/2 inches tall and weigh 65 to 80 pounds at the withers. Females should be 21-1/2 to 23-1/2 inches tall and weigh 55-70 pounds at the withers.

Head

      The head of a Lab is broad but balanced. They have a broad head and a strong jaw. The ears are close to the head, somewhat far back, and low. They should reach the interior of the eye when pushed forward. On black and yellow Labs, the nose should be broad and black, whereas, in chocolate Labs, it should be brown.

    A Lab’s eyes appear dedicated and friendly. On black and yellow Labs, the eyes should be brown with black rims, and on chocolate Labs, the eyes should be brown or hazel with black rims. When the mouth is closed, the teeth should be robust and have an equal bite, with the bottom teeth immediately behind the top teeth.

Other Areas 

Neck: The neck should be robust, with no loose skin, and long enough to allow for simple retrieval.

Body: The topline should be straight and level between the shoulder blades and hips, with a beautifully tapered rib cage (not too flat or too barrel-chested).

Tail: The Lab’s tail should be an otter tail with a thick base that tapers off. The Lab should keep a line flowing from the top of the head to the tail tip.

Forequarters: The forequarters should be strong and balanced with the hindquarters so that the shoulders and hips, as well as the front and rear legs, are in proportion.

 Conclusion

     If you are interested in adopting a pure pedigree Labrador retriever, consult an expert breeder. Poorly bred labs can grow up to suffer from a host of deformities and other various health issues. With genetic health testing and guarantees, we can eliminate many of these hereditary conditions. Do your research and feel free to reach out to us before settling on a dog that’s right for you and your household. 

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Here’s a video about this: (Keep in mind some standards have varied since this video and can be found on the AKC website.)