How to choose a Labrador

How to choose a Labrador? To pick a Labrador with a clear head profile, very wide nostrils, black nosepiece and clear, simple eyes; the hair on the tail of a purebred Labrador is short and dense, and the tail must be thick and straight, not bent towards the back, which is the most obvious feature of a Labrador. The purebred Labrador has a broad head; very clear but not exaggerated. The head and the front face are on parallel sides of each other and are approximately equal in length. The eyebrows are slightly prominent. The head is well defined, the cheeks do not have a lot of flesh, the bones of the head are well defined, and the eyes are well defined below, but the cheeks do not protrude. The lips should not be square or drooping. A wedge-shaped head, or hindbrain, or a head with a long, narrow muzzle is as wrong as a stubby head or a thick cheek. The jaws are strong but not slender, and the muzzle is neither long and narrow nor short and thick. Labrador nose-mirrors are broad and have very well-developed nostrils. Yellow and black dogs have black nosepieces and faded nosepieces of a light shade are not a defect. It is normal for yellow labs to often have pink noses in the winter time. The Labrador has a short joint and the chest should not be so narrow that it appears empty between the front legs; nor should the chest be so wide that it appears like a pit bull’s forequarters. The correct chest configuration is slightly thinner between the front legs, allowing the front limbs to move freely. The curve of the underbelly of the adult dog is almost straight or slightly uplifted. The loin is short, wide and strong, plump and powerful, extending to a very well developed and powerful hindquarters. When viewed from the side, the Labrador Retriever has a very well-developed, but not exaggerated, forechest. The tail is a unique feature of the breed. It is very thick at the root and tapers towards the tip. It is of medium length and does not extend beyond the fly joint in length. The tail is not feathered and is surrounded by a thick, short, dense coat of Labrador Retriever hair, resulting in a peculiar rounded appearance, described as the “otter” tail. The tail is an extension of the dorsal line at rest or during exercise. It may be carried cheerfully, but not curled behind. The Labrador’s eyes are always innocent, kind, and simple, with a curious, smiling expression that is a delight to behold.