LABRADOR RETREIVER
Sporting Group
Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Labrador
Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a
sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a
retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland
game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to
win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical
features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an
efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety
of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.
The most distinguishing
characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant
coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop;
powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence
and good temperament.
Above all, a Labrador
Retriever must be well balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work
in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style
and quality without over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloddiness.
The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness
are of great importance.
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