| There
are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador.
The English bred lab comes from English bred stock. Their general appearance
is different. The English bred labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The
American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky. The
double coat is smooth and does not have any waves. Coat colors come in solid
black, yellow, or chocolate. There is also said to be a rare silver or gray
color that is referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. This color
is controversial and some claim it is a Weimaraner cross, while
others say it is a true mutation. 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. The nose color often fades and is not considered a fault in
the show ring. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The muzzle
is fairly wide. The neck is proportionately wide and powerful. The body is
slightly longer than tall. The short, hard coat is easy to care for and
water-resistant. The medium sized eyes are set well apart. Eye color should
be brown in yellow and black dogs and hazel or brown in chocolate dogs. Some
labs can also have green or greenish yellow eyes. In silver dogs the eye
color is usually gray. The eye rims are black in yellow and black dogs and
brown in chocolate dogs. The ears are medium in size, hanging down and
pendant 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 webbed feet which aid the
dog in swimming. |
The Labrador Retriever As a breed the Labrador needs no introduction. Probably one of the most famous, popular and widespread breeds in the world, they have been a familiar sight for decades by the sides of heads of state, on advertising and in the ring of honour at Crufts. They were developed in Britain as an all round gundog. As such they still retain the webbed feet and waterproof double coat of their forebears and their greatest joy in life is to go for a swim or to dash off and retrieve something for you. They are valued for superb temperaments and willingness to please which make them as good a family pet as a working companion.
