How To Identify Pure Labrador Puppy? 

The pure Labrador is a highly intelligent, good-natured, energetic, and loyal canine. Lab breeds love to play, swim, and be with people and other pets. The Lab breed needs a lot of activity, and they can be destructive or problematic if they get bored. Early socialization is important, as is continued socialization throughout the Lab’s lifetime. These dogs make great family dogs as long as the family is ready to give the dog plenty of exercise with careful attention to the dog’s Lab instincts, like playing fetch and being in the water.

Your purebred dog comes from parents that are both registered members of the same breed. Purebred dog breeds have a lineage that has been selected for generations to have certain personality and physical characteristics. Yet you cannot tell if you have a purebred dog by looking. Purebred dog characteristics will match well with the breed standard, but so could those of a lucky mixed breed. Your purebred dog might have unusual markings or a coat color that isn’t standard, but still be 100% the real deal. Pedigree dog certificates and paperwork are a sign you have a purebred dog. However, forgeries aren’t usual and dishonest dog breeders do sometimes pretend litters of puppies come from a different mating to their genuine mother and father. The only surefire sign of a purebred dog is a DNA test.

Labradors are large dog breeds and their origin can be traced back to Newfoundland, which is now a part of Canada. The breed is named after the Labrador region of the colony. This dog breed is outgoing, friendly and loving. They were originally bred as hunting and sporting dogs but today, they are tamed as pets. These adorable dogs are also trained as guide dogs, assistance dogs and even therapy dogs.

Their wide heads, kind eyes, medium-length muzzle and thick tails are some of the physical traits you look out for to recognise a Labrador. Labradors have a muscular and strong body. Sometimes, you may get confused between a Labrador Retriever and a Labrador. But do not worry! They’re both names of the same Labrador dog breed.

Labrador dogs are popularly known for their calm temperament. They love showering affection on their owners and people they know or are close to. These dogs gel up well with all the members of the house and are safe around children as well. Their coats are short and water repellent making it easy to groom them. But they shed a lot of fur. Labrador dogs are highly energetic since they were bred to hunt. They need plenty of exercises to stay fit and require an outlet for their pent-up energy. These dogs thrive well in both cold and hot weather.

Pure Labrador Puppies Characteristics

A purebred Labrador has an angular head. Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat.

1. Physical Appearance And Features

Breed standards may vary. As per the American Kennel Club, A labrador retriever should weigh about 55-80 pounds. They should be 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall. Three recognized labrador retrievers’ colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. The yellow color does have varying shades.

While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail, broad skull, and kind eyes.

2. Personality And Temperament

Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful.

However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization.

One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside.

Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity.

3. Health Considerations

Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Ensure the breeder has conducted necessary health checks on the litter’s parents and the puppies. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet.

Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. A well-balanced diet with sufficient protein and nutrients maintains your puppy’s optimal growth.

Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness.

How To Identify A Pure Labrador Retriever Puppy?

1. Researching The Breeder

Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. They can answer questions about the puppy’s pedigree and provide documentation to prove their breeding standards.

Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory.

2. Verifying The Puppy’s Pedigree And Registration

A reputable breeder can provide all necessary paperwork for the puppy’s lineage, including AKC registration papers. This documentation should include detailed information about the puppy’s parents, grandparents, and ancestors.

3. Conducting A Physical Examination

Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. Here are some things to look at:

1. Coat: A Labrador’s coat should be dense, short, and water-resistant. It must have a sleek appearance.
2. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate orblack lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes.
3. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip.
4. Nose: A Labrador’s nose should be wide with open nostrils. Its color will depend on the color of its coat.
5. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age.
6. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields.
7. Tail– A labrador dog’s tail is otter-like. It is thick and tapers toward the tip.
8. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs.

 4. Conducting Genetic Testing

• A DNA test analyzes the puppy’s genetic makeup to determine its breed and ancestry. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers genetic testing for Labrador Retrievers.
• Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken.
• A CH ( Conformation Champion ) on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards.

 Unusual Physical Features Or Markings

• Unusual physical features include an unusually curly or wiry coat, mismatched eyes, or an atypical head shape. These characteristics don’t necessarily mean the puppy isn’t purebred. However, they indicate potential health problems.
• Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage.

 Behavioral

• A young Labrador’s aggression, anxiety, or excessive shyness indicates a poorly bred dog. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind.
• If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization.

Unwillingness

If you encounter a breeder unwilling to answer your questions, it’s a red flag. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent.

Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management.

6 Tips For Finding A Purebred Lab Puppy

Researching Reputable Breeders

Here are some tips to help you find a trustworthy breeder:

1. Start by researching breeders online and reading reviews from previous customers.
2. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador.
3. Contact local breed clubs or national registries such as the AKC American Kennel Club for recommendations.
4. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders.
5. Ask about both parents’ health certifications and clearances of the litter. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders.

Key Specifications of Labrador Dog

• Weight

– A healthy Labrador weighs between 24–36 pounds kgs.

• Height

– An adult Labrador’s height should be anywhere between 21.5–24.5 inches.

• Lifespan

– The average lifespan of a Labrador is 10–12 years.

• Coat

– Its coat is short and not too furry.

Behavioural traits of Labrador Dog Breed

• Labradors are easy to train and easy to groom.
• They tend to chew on things. So, it is better to keep important things out of their reach.
• They are extremely loyal to their owners and make for great pets for first-time pet parents.
• They bark frequently but not excessively to be annoying.
• Labradors are friendly with other pets like cats and even other dogs. Plus, it is safe for children to be around them.

Physical appearance

– A Labradors friendly demeanour makes it easy for anybody to walk up to it and pat it or scratch its ears. They have an athletic body and sharp intelligence. Their ears do not droop down till their jaws but remain well above their jawline. Labradors are always ready to head out and play in the open and their extroverted nature makes them great companions. Their coats come in 3 classic colours –

• Black
• Chocolate
• Yellow

A Labrador’s coat displays no other type of markings except white. Of its double coat, the outer one is short and thick, and the undercoat is softer and provides warmth in cold temperatures and water. Their tails are known as otter tails and are a testimony of their ancestry. When swimming, a Labrador’s tail assists it in steering. The fun part is, they express their happiness and eagerness by wagging their tails. If you want to adopt a purebred Labrador or want to know how to identify one, here are some of its classic characteristics –

• A purebred Labrador’s coat has no feathering. It is either slightly wavy or straight and anything different indicates that the Labrador dog isn’t purebred.
• If someone shows you a Lab whose coat’s colour is anything other than black, chocolate and yellow, know it is not a pure breed.
• A small white mark is acceptable on a purebred Labrador; other than that, it should have no other markings.

Behaviour

– Labradors’ temperament is peaceful and friendly. They are joyful, gentle and undemanding canines who are super fun to play with. They are always high on energy, so you will have to make time in your schedule to take them out for walks or play catch. Labradors are family dogs and get along with everyone. You can play frisbee, take them to the beach and even on hiking trails. Their calm nature is reassuring enough to keep children around them. Because of their high energy levels, they should not be left alone for a long time as they might end up chewing or go digging around the house. With proper training, Labradors adjust well with other animals as well.

Care requirements for Labrador Dog Breeds

Here’s more information on Labradors that you should know if you are thinking of adopting one:

• Health

– Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but you need to be aware of certain ailments that they might develop. They can grow heart disorders such as tricuspid valve dysplasia and elbow and hip dysplasia. Labrador can also develop eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. They can further experience exercise-induced collapse, which is a recessive genetic disorder. Here, the dog suffers from a loss of muscle control because of excessive exercise.

• Grooming

– Labradors have a thick and double water-resistant coat. Their coat sheds a lot in the spring and autumn season. Even then, grooming a Labrador is not difficult at all. Brushing its coat a few times a week will remove dead fur and promote the healthy distribution of natural skin oils. Since its coat remains naturally clean, you will only need to bathe your Lab once every few months. Also, make sure you brush your Labrador’s teeth every day to maintain good oral health. Oh! And you also have to trim its nails regularly. With Labradors, you will have to particularly pay attention to their ear hygiene. Weekly cleaning and checking their ears for infection or dirt is recommended. Make sure their ears are dried after swimming or bathing.

• Exercise

– Given the highly energetic nature of these dogs, they need 2 hours of daily exercise. You can plan many fun activities to make their playtime enjoyable. For instance, you can take them on walks, hikes, jogs or even play outdoor games. Labradors have an affinity for water and love swimming. You can also take them for dock diving. They enjoy playing fetch with either a ball or a frisbee. But remember, if they are not physically kept active, they can turn fierce or violent with all that unspent energy.

• Nutrition

– Ideally, 2 nutritionally complete and balanced dog food should suffice a healthy Labrador’s diet. But it is advisable to consult a vet before deciding their diet. A bowl of fresh water should be kept within their accessible reach at all times. Labradors also have a tendency to develop obesity. Hence, you will have to be mindful of the portions you serve. You cannot be as lavish with treats with your Labradors.

• Training

– It is advisable to start training a Labrador in the puppy stage. This will help redirect its energy and focus constructively. Typically, Labradors are pleasing canines and love making their owners happy. This, in turn, helps in training them easily. They also do well in a house that has other pets. It is recommended to introduce your Labrador dog to new situations and people from an early age, so that they get acquainted with different situations. Ensure that you adopt positive training methods; you need to be patient and assertive while training this breed. You can also make use of dog treats for reward-based training.

History of Labradors

The ancestors of today’s Labradors can be traced back to the early 1800s in Newfoundland. St. John’s water dog, a dog breed, was used on fishing boats. These dogs were known for exceptional qualities like their good and friendly nature, their strength in water, and reliability. These dogs also caught the visiting British nobles’ eye, and they took home a couple of dogs to serve as gun dogs. They also went on to improve the breed as it was on the verge of dying in Newfoundland. Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Garner, Drew Barrymore, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gwyneth Paltrow are some of the celebrity Labrador owners.

Labrador Retrievers currently sit on the top of the list of the most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. With such high demand for this awesome dog breed, mixed breeds getting passed off as the real deal by shady breeders are somewhat inevitable.

The best way to tell a purebred Lab apart from a mixed Lab is through analyzing their appearance and their behavior. Genetic testing should also help out with a more accurate analysis.

However, the appearance and behavior analysis are the more easily accessible and more affordable options. Here is more about these features and how they can help you identify a purebred Labrador.

Natural Instinct: Retrieval

Another natural instinct that should help you pick out a purebred Labrador Retriever is their inclination towards activities that include retrieval. They will enjoy games like catch and fetch that allow them to chase and retriever objects.

They also have a very gentle bite which you will notice in the durability of their chew toys as well as balls you use for games like fetch.

However, this clue may not be very useful if the Labrador is mixed with another retriever like the Golden Retriever.

Natural Instinct: Not Afraid Of Water

Purebred Labrador Retrievers are naturally very comfortable in the water. This is due to their history of use as retrievers which includes retrieving prey from large water bodies like rivers and lakes.

These purebred Labs will instinctively gravitate towards activities that allow them to relieve the glorious past of their ancestors. This could be the dog sneaking a swim in your pool or having just a bit too much fun splashing about in a puddle of water.

Appearance: Coat Type

Labrador Retrievers were bred for use as hunting dogs. Their tasks included retrieving waterfowl in which case their water-resistant coats came in very handy.

When mixed with other dog breeds, there is the possibility that the resulting mixed breed Labrador will not have this characteristic water-resistant coat.

This makes it very difficult for the mixed lab to enjoy time swimming or playing in larger pools of water as the fur gets wet and heavy.

Appearance: Markings

For the most part, purebred Labradors have uniform coats with no markings. However, a single white patch of fur on the center of the dog’s chest is considered a standard marking for pure Labrador Retrievers.

If the white markings extend past this point or the Labrador has other markings like black or tan patches, there is a good chance that the Lab is a mixed breed. The tan markings are a common appearance when Labs are mixed with breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers.

Appearance: Height At Withers

Another telltale sign of Labradors is their height ranges. The breed does not vary very much so any Lab that is too small or too large is most likely a mixed breed.

For some perspective, let’s take a look at these height ranges measured from the withers to the ground for standard Labrador Retrievers. These are different between males and females.

Purebred males measure between 22 to 22.5 inches. Female Labradors are typically smaller with a height range of 21.5 to 22 inches.

Appearance: Weight Range

The build and weight ranges of the Labrador could also point to whether it is purebred or mixed.

Purebred Labradors have a proportional build with a wide chest that narrows towards the back. In terms of weight, the ranges differ between male and female Labs.

Male Labradors weight from 65 to 80 lbs while the smaller females can weigh between 55 and 70 lbs.

If the Labrador is smaller than this, they may be a miniature version bred from runts. However, they are more often than not a result of mixing with a smaller dog breed. If the Lab is much larger than this range, it is almost definitely a mix.

Appearance: Tail Structure

The tail is often forgotten as a marker for breeding but it is actually one of the best ways to tell purebred Labs apart from mixed doggies.

The tail on a pure Labrador Retriever is thick, straight, and of medium length. It is unique in that it tapers with the thickest point at the base and the narrowest at the tip.

The tail is covered by a thick coat that should be of the same length as the rest of the coat. Any long fur or feathering is a sign of possible mixed breeding.

Appearance: Nose Color

The nose color that a purebred Labrador has depends on their coat color. Typically, black Labradors will have a black nose and chocolate Labradors have dark brown noses.

The Yellow Labrador variety is the exception with some having black noses while others have light brown noses.

The Labrador may also have a pink nose. These Labradors lack the pigmentation necessary for different nose colors. They are known as Dudley Labrador Retrievers.

Appearance: Eye Rim Color

The color of the eye rims also depends on the coat color and the genes present in the purebred Labrador. The rim will be black in yellow Labs and in black Labs.

With purebred chocolate Labrador Retrievers, the color of the eye rim will be a shade of chocolate brown similar to the coat and nose.

If the Labrador has eye rims without any pigmentation or any other color other than black or chocolate, you may have reason to suspect that it is a mixed Lab.

Appearance: Ears

The ears on purebred Labrador Retrievers are another distinct feature you can use to tell purebred and mixed Labs apart.

Those on purebred Labs are large but in a proportional way compared to the skull. They are set far apart just slightly above the eyeline.

The ears are floppy and fall to a point above the corner of the dog’s jaw.

Labradors with excessively large or erect ears are most likely mixed with a dog breed that has those ear characteristics.

Appearance: Coat Length

Labrador Retrievers of purebred origin should have a short coat. This coat has 2 layers and is very dense. The fur around the neck may be slightly longer than that on other parts of the coat.

The fur itself is typically straight. However, some slight waviness is acceptable according to AKC breed standards. It should also be slightly coarse to the touch.

If the Labrador has either long, smooth hair or both, it is likely a mix with other similar breeds like the Golden Retriever.

Appearance: Colors

Purebred Labrador Retrievers come in 3 standard colors. These are the black, chocolate, and yellow Labradors. The intensity and shade of the yellow and the black Labradors may vary with some being darker or lighter than others.

A Labrador-like dog with any other color than the standard colors recognized by the American Kennel Club’s breed standards is likely a mixed bred Lab. Some of the common colors you may get in mixed Labradors include copper brown and white.

FAQs

How To Identify Labrador Puppy?

DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely.

What Does A Lab Puppy Look Like?

If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that.

Do Purebred Labs Have White On Them?

The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though.

What Is The Difference Between Pure Labrador And Labrador?

A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc., Whereas a mixed lab has varied characteristics and is different. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations.

How Should A Lab Puppy Look?

A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy.

What Color Eyes Does A Purebred Labrador Have?

Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes.

How Do You Pick A Good Labrador Puppy From A Litter?

Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc., Observe how they interact, and survey their overall appearance. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

COMMON PROBLEMS IN PEDIGREE DOGS: HEALTH CHALLENGES