How to know if a Labrador is pure
Purebred Dog Identification
You cannot tell if you have a purebred dog by looking. A purebred dogs appearance might match the breed standard, but it might not. I give an example below, of one of my own Labradors that does not meet the breed standard, despite having an impeccable pedigree.
And in the same way, it is entirely possible for mixed breed dog to look purebred if they meet the breed standard. I give an example below.
A 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. But breeding is not an exact science and there is plenty of scope for variation.
Your purebred dog might have unusual markings or a coat color that isnt standard, but still be 100% the real deal. So if appearance isnt enough to go on, how else can we ensure our dogs are purebred? I explain what your options are below, and look at some of the interesting variations that we find within the Labrador breed.
Contents
Is My Dog Purebred?
Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways:
- Can you tell by looking?
- Pedigree papers
- DNA testing
Looking For Purebred Dog Characteristics?
Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog.
A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador?
Purebred Dog Characteristics
A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. I dont usually give these kinds of assessments because the value of them is so limited. It doesnt really prove anything, it just tells the owner that I think their dogs has the look of a purebred Lab.
Purebred Lab Breed Standard
Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall.
The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. My own yellow Labs are a dark redish color, while Labs from show lines are often paler. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. Other key physical traits include a short, dense coat, an otter tail, broad skull, and kind eyes.
Purebred Dog That Looks Like A Hybrid?
Visual assessments of purebred dogs arent always accurate. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. So, lets look at a purebred dog that doesnt fit the breed standard, and a crossbreed that looks like the breed standard says a purebred Labrador should.
Example 1 Purebred But Doesnt Look It
One of the Labradors in my home bears little resemblance to the breed standard. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face.
These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put my girl down as a crossbreed.
Example 2 Mix That Looks Like a Purebred Dog
I have a friend with a Labrador X Pointer that looks for all the world like a classic Labrador. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. So, crossbreeds can look just like a purebred Lab, even though they arent.
Are Visual Assessments Any Good?
I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him.
Purebred Dog Colors
Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. Labs arent the only dogs that come in the colors yellow, chocolate, and black. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors.
Do purebred Labs have white on them?
The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. Sometimes a mismark (a mark that is prohibited in the breed standard) occurs because the Labrador isnt purebred. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too.
Common Lab Mismarkings
Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. My own red Labs mother had one, and a few white hairs on toes or under the chin are not unusual either. One of the puppies in a litter I bred had two white toes. This was a purebred litter with a great pedigree. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points (like a rottweiler) or patches of brindle fur.
These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend.
Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers
If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations.
Pedigree Papers Have Limitations
If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another.
So, pedigree papers are a good indication of pedigree, and sufficient for most peoples needs, but they are not an absolute guarantee. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification.
How to tell if your puppy is full blooded by DNA Identification
It is now possible to have some dogs DNA checked for identification purposes. There are various laboratories offering this service.
Purebred Dog Identification
So, to sum up, as visual confirmation of pure breeding is not possible, you need to use pedigree papers, and/or DNA results to confirm whether or not you have a purebred dog. Here is what I suggest you do:
How To Know If A Puppy Is Purebred Before Buying
If your heart is set on a purebred dog, before you purchase your puppy make sure the paperwork is in order. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy.
Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. If you cant meet the father make sure you see photos and a certificate of mating that confirms he is actually the father.
(paid link)If the puppies have markings on them that you dont like, then dont buy a puppy. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. Remember, the only problem with buying a mismatched puppy is that you wont be able to enter him in a dog show. If that doesnt matter to you, it certainly wont matter to him.
After Buying Your Purebred Puppy
Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like.
Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
The Labrador Retriever Dog Breed
The Labrador Retriever was the most popular pedigree dog breed in USA and other parts of the world for decades. I have raised and trained Labradors for years, and my home would be incomplete without one.
Labradors are bred to be steadfast, unflappable and kind. Traditional working Labs are tough, athletic dogs capable of great endurance and persistence. And these characteristics have created a pet dog that is a permanent fixture in our homes and hearts, as well as in the field. Labrador Retrievers genuinely can make the perfect pet, show, working, therapy, service and hunting dog.
Naturally food motivated, your Lab will be rewarding to train with modern dog training methods. Though they need guidance and supervision during those teenage years, when they can be exuberant and unaware of their own strength and power.
Youll find that your Labrador Retriever is an active dog with an intelligent, co-operative nature, provided you have the time and energy to steer their enthusiasm in the right direction. Ive compiled a range of guides and information to help you have fun raising your dog.
Labrador Retriever Topics:
The Labrador Retriever breed have a medium sized physique, a short coat that sheds, floppy ears and soulful eyes. They are a gentle, clever, high energy, breed that needs attention, training and love.
Your Labrador Retriever will need lots of exercise and plenty of training. Regular brushing will help you with shedding, but expect some fur around your home. Training and socialization will help you to avoid jumping up, pulling on the leash, chewing and separation anxiety too. Your dog is unlikely to be a guard dog, but they might bark watchdog style when the doorbell rings.
Your Labrador Retriever puppys characteristics will have some strong benefits but also drawbacks when it comes to fitting in with your family, kids and lifestyle. Ill share tips on adopting, buying, raising and caring for your yellow, black or chocolate companion. From your growing baby Labrador Retriever puppy, to a healthy, happy adult dog. Youll learn how to increase lifespan, and keep your pet fit through diet, nutrition and exercise. I will also help you pick a Labrador Retriever from show ring or fieldwork lines, select the right color, as well as manage shedding. And train that high energy personality and those active Labrador Retriever breed traits, into a perfect family pet.
What Are The Typical Labrador Retriever Characteristics?
The Labrador Retriever is a popular family pet, but they have a strong working background. And many pet Labs are still also working sporting dogs today! Due to being bred to work well with their human handler, they are incredibly clever and cooperative.
Labrador Retriever History and Origins.
Labrador Retrievers have an amazing history. They came from humble beginnings as a sporting companion, spending their days diving from boats to retrieve nets and even fish.
The breed was brought overseas by visiting nobles. Labrador Retriever breeders then continued to standardise them into the dogs we know today.
Average Labrador Retriever Size?
Labrador Retrievers were bred to carry out a job, which required them to be strong and athletic. They needed to be able to run for long distances while carrying game, and to cope well in the water too.
The Labrador Retriever is a well-proportioned dog with a broad head and long legs. Pups from show lines tend to be stockier, with working bred Labrador Retriever dogs maintaining a slimmer shape.
Labrador Retriever Coat Colors!
The Labrador Retrievers coat officially comes in three solid colors. Black coats are the most common, with chocolate and yellow Labs being a little less frequent.
Although these colors are the only official colors, there are a huge amount shades and genetic variations. Yellow Labs are also found in fox red, golden and white shades. And then there are the dilute genes! These make the standard colors more pale, and result in charcoal, champagne and silver Labrador Retriever dogs.
How To Manage Your Labrador Retrievers Shedding?
Labrador grooming is an important part of their ownership. Your dog will be a prolific shedder. The right brushes, a good vacuum cleaner and a regular cleaning routine will help you to stay on top of it. Although they have a short coat, your Labrador Retriever needs brushing at least once a week.
Are Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
Labrador Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. Your dog will produce lots of allergy inducing dander in their coats and saliva.
Typical Labrador Retriever Temperament
Labs are well known for being friendly dogs that crave human company. They do not tend to have aggression problems, provided that they are well socialized and bred from friendly parents. Most Labs are confident and friendly. But some can be nervous, so make sure to socialize from a young age.
The issues most owners have with Labs are to do with over friendliness and too much enthusiasm. Running off to greet strangers, jumping up and chewing are big issues that some homes contend with. Fortunately, training from an early age can help a lot. Chewing can be managed with toys and distractions too.
Are Labrador Retrievers Good Pets?
The Labrador Retriever is a great pet for active families, who are around for much of the day or are able to put in place effective cover plans during the working day. Although generally good natured, Labs can be quite bouncy and pushy and knock over very small children or the frail.
Your dog will do best in a home that has someone in the house for most of the day, and where they get lots of short training sessions as well as a significant period for exercising. With the right training and environment, your Labrador Retriever will grow into an excellent pet.
Labrador Retriever Training Tips!
Due to their history as cooperative working companions, Labs are fortunately fairly easy to train. If you know what you are doing, of course! The best way to motivate a Labrador is through food. Although some dogs will happily work for praise alone, food is always a winner with your Labrador Retriever. Positive reinforcement methods are used by all the top dog handlers now, and are the best way to form a strong bond and have a well behaved dog.
The Most Common Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers can inherit a few nasty diseases from their parents. And the breed is also prone to a few conditions. Through parental testing before breeding most are avoidable thankfully. Youll want your potential puppys breeder to show you evidence of health testing for hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and a clear eye test. Labrador Retrievers are also prone to cranial cruciate ligament disease and obesity.
Feeding your Labrador Retriever is an important part of their care. Youll need to use a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate food. Follow the instructions on the packet for amounts, because these vary from brand to brand. If your dog is looking too skinny or a little overweight, you can then adjust this amount to suit their physique.
Finding a Labrador Retriever Puppy?
Good Labrador Retriever breeders have waiting lists due to high demand. The best dog breeders health screen both parents. They will be happy to show you clear certificates for PRA, a recent eye test and great hip and elbow scores. The breeder might also have tested for the dwarfism gene.
(paid link)Good dog breeders are happy to answer any questions you might have about the parents temperament and working or show activities. And it will be clear that they have a really strong bond with their dog. They will also have plenty of questions for you, to make sure you are right for their puppies. They want to know how often you are out of the house, where the dog will sleep and what you plan to do about training and exercising.
Consider a Shelter Dog?
Rescuing an older dog can be a great way to bring a new pooch into your home. You will be able to meet your adult dog and get to know their personality and make sure that it matches with the environment you would be able to provide.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
