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BREED CHARACTERISTICS

There are two types of Labradors, the show Labrador and the working Labrador. The show Labradors are heavier, thicker and blockier. They are bred to look a certain way for the ‘show ring’. The working bred Labrador is generally longer legged, leaner and built for speed and are highly intelligent. They are bred for their working ability, so there is often more variation in their appearance.

Dating back to their days with fisherman, Labradors generally still have a double coat which would protect them from the cold when swimming.

Three main coat colours are recognised by the Kennel Club. Black, yellow and chocolate, although there can be significant difference within the colours. For example, yellow can vary from the darkest red through to white. The head of the Labrador is broad with a moderate stop. The nose is thick, black on black and yellow dogs and brown on chocolate dogs.

They should move freely, whilst covering ground and keeping their body straight. The breed is agile and athletic and should not be allowed to become overweight. They have a strong neck leading down to a broad chest. The top line should be level with a powerful well-developed backend. Hocks that are turned inwards are a fault and considered undesirable.

The short, hard coat is easy to care for and water-resistant. The eyes are medium-sized and are set well apart, expressing intelligence and good temper. Eye colour should be brown in yellow and black dogs and hazel or brown in chocolate dogs. The eye rims are black in yellow and black dogs and brown in chocolate dogs. The ears are medium in size and hang close to the head and are pendant like in shape. The otter tail is thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the tip. It is completely covered with short hair, with no feathering. The feet are strong and compact with their webbed feet aiding them in swimming.

The Labrador is of extremely good nature. The breed is intelligent, outgoing and friendly and exceptionally good with children. As well as being highly sociable with people the breed also tends to get on well with other dogs.
Labradors are not especially prone to separation anxiety; however, this is also affected by training and acclimatisation from a young age, learning that being left alone is not a cause for worry. Due to their friendly and gregarious nature Labradors do not make particularly good guard dogs.

The difference between show and field lines is also often reflected in energy and character. Show Labradors are often calmer and less energetic. This may make them more appropriate as family companion pets as opposed to a field line which might be better suited to a more active or working home.

Labradors are highly trainable dogs, which are intelligent but at the same time have a cooperative and willing nature. Their willingness to learn is demonstrated in their success and reliability as working and assistance dogs. They are desperate to please and highly motivated by food, which can act as an aid in the training process. Once trained this breed is generally very attentive to their owner and recall is not usually a big problem.

As with all puppies house-training is essential. On the whole Labradors are quick to learn, especially with an established routine and adequate access to a garden or outdoors space.

The Labrador can be prone to several inherited health problems, which can have an impact on quality of life. However, there are schemes in place to try to reduce their prevalence and improve the health of the breed. The average life expectancy of a Labrador is from around 10 – 12 years.