What are the signs of pure Labrador
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
How To Identify Pure Labrador Puppy
Do you have your eye on a Labrador puppy but want to be sure its purebred? Are you worried about the growing prevalence of designer dogs? Or, maybe youre just curious about how to identify a pure Labrador puppy. Whatever your reasons, there are several ways to determine if the pup youre eyeing is a purebred Labrador.
The dogs lineage is a major consideration for households considering getting a Lab. People who want to buy a Labrador often ask, How can I tell if its a purebred? Given the stringent requirements of breed standards, this is a reasonable worry. As a dog parent, you want to be as well-informed as possible about your new family member.
If youre looking to buy a Lab from a breeder who claims to sell only purebreds, you should know the signs indicating whether the dog youre looking at is actually a Lab.
In this article, well discuss the characteristics of a purebred Labrador, how to identify one and what paperwork should accompany any Lab youre considering. With this information, you can be confident that the Labrador puppy is purebred.
Visual Assessment
The most obvious way to identify a purebred Lab is by looking at its physical characteristics. The American Kennel Club establishes those standards.
The following criteria can be used to determine if your Labs appearance is up to par:
Color
When it comes to purebred Labrador retrievers, the AKC has a very tight definition of the only three acceptable colors: black, chocolate, and yellow.
A black Labrador must be completely black, while a chocolate Lab should be anywhere from light brown to dark chocolate brown.
A wider range of colors is allowed for yellow labs, from very pale cream to fox red. Thus they are less likely to be disqualified.
Do purebred Labrador retrievers have white markings? Small white spots on the coat are still permitted. Unfortunately, a fully grown Labrador with brindles, color markings, or color panels is ineligible.
Size
The AKC breed standard for Labrador retrievers also specifies that your pup should be between 21.5 and 24.4 inches tall for male Labrador retrievers and 21.5 to 23 inches tall for females. Male Labs should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, with female Labs weighing slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds.
Tail Structure
The AKC breed standard states that a Labs tail should be thick and wide at the base, tapering to an oval or cone shape at the tip. It should reach at least the hock joint but no longer than halfway down the dogs shin.
Head Shape
Purebred Labradors have an oval-shaped head with a smooth, broad forehead that should be free of wrinkles. Their muzzle should be long, wide, and deep with a slightly set-back nose. The top of the muzzle should be straight or gently arched.
Nose Color
Pure Labrador babies have pink noses. However, this color does not last into adulthood. The noses of yellow and black Labradors are typically black, whereas those of chocolate Labradors are often brown. Dudley Labradors are the only dogs in the breed to keep their pink noses into old age.
Coat
Labradors should have a double coat thats short, dense, and straight. It has an oily outer layer to protect the pup from water and cold temperatures and a soft, wooly undercoat that helps to trap body heat.
Black Labrador Retriever
There are nine possible gene combinations in a labrador, but only four result in completely black coats, indicating that the genes responsible for this trait are dominant. Their dark, pure lustrous black fur coats make them so gorgeous and appealing to all dog lovers.
However, not all Labrador retrievers belong to the black variety. Some of the mutts had white patches on their black fur because of a gene disruption that occurred when they were descended from the St. Johns water dogs.
Yellow Labrador
Yellow labs can be seen in a range of shades. Like a lemon, they can be anywhere from a tan to a bright yellow. Included in this range is a yellowish-brown color called fawn Labrador.
This is a deeper yellow but not as dark as a red Labrador. It is common to find cream-colored labs among yellow labrador retrievers. With six distinct labrador colors to choose from, yellow Lab offers the most color variation.
Chocolate Labrador
They are regarded as having a deep/dark brown color based on what they named Chocolate Labradors. Most people enjoy this chocolate-like covering on their fur as they are lustrous and appealing.
Nonetheless, there is a wide range of shades of chocolate in labradors. Their hue ranges from light brown to a blend of brown and black lab coats.
White Lab
Since white labradors are genetically indistinguishable from yellow labs, their coats are the palest possible shade of yellow.
According to experts, white labs are the palest variant of the brown and yellow tint. Although their ear and paw fur are typically white, certain animals may have lighter brown fur in other areas.
Red Labrador/Fox Red Lab
Red labradors, like white labradors, are part of the yellow labrador dog color spectrum. Red labs are at the dark end of the yellow spectrum, opposite the white labs. Their color is a rusty red in the spectrums dark yellow/brown range.
In light of this, red fox labs are just yellow labs with darker coats that are mistaken for the reddish kind.
Silver Labrador Retriever
Silver labs can be any shade from a very pale gray to a dazzling silver blue. In direct sunshine, the silver tone pops out more clearly. Scientists have found that silver labs and chocolate labs share a color spectrum.
You can think of a silver Lab as a chocolate Lab with diminished DNA. They may have been born chocolate, but their DNA can subtly overcome all the other colors, producing an incredible silver covering instead. Therefore, silver labradors are distinct from other labrador coats because they have recessive genetics.
Natural Instincts
Labradors possess certain natural instincts that set them apart from all other breeds. These include retrieving and water-based activities, a strong desire to please their owners, and an affinity for training. They are also known to be very loyal, friendly dogs who enjoy being around humans and other animals.
Pedigree Papers
A pedigree paper is a document that lists the names and addresses of the puppys parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. This information can be important for people interested in purchasing a Labrador retriever puppy, as it can help them make an informed decision about which puppy to choose.
You can also use the pedigree paper to track the health and temperament of the Labrador breed and identify any potential genetic defects present in the puppy. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a Labrador puppy, it is important to ask for a copy of the pedigree papers.
DNA Test
Finally, since even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, DNA testing is the last resort for determining a purebred Labrador retriever. A DNA test can be done with a simple cheek swab or blood sample and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The most common type of DNA test used for puppies is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test amplifies the DNA so that it can be easily analyzed. You can usually obtain the results of a PCR test within one to two days.
Another type of DNA test, called an allele-specific PCR (ASPCR) test, can identify mutations in the Lab puppys DNA that may indicate a health problem. However, this type of test is less commonly used than the PCR test.
A DNA test can provide valuable information about a labrador puppy. Still, it is important to remember that the results of a DNA test are only one piece of information that should be considered when making decisions about the puppys care and welfare.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that this test can be expensive, so it is usually unnecessary unless you have a specific reason for wanting to confirm your puppys breed.
Buying a Purebred Labrador Puppy
Ensure the puppy you acquire is a purebred Labrador and that its papers are in order. It is important to verify that the breeder registered the litter before selling the puppy to new owners.
Make sure you meet the mother and that you like her appearance. Request photographic evidence of the father and a certificate verifying the fathers sperm and egg contributions if meeting the father is not an option. Do not buy a puppy from the breeder if it has markings that you find offensive.
True black Labradors sometimes sport white patches. A chocolate Labrador that is 100% purebred may have brindle markings. Getting a purebred mismatched puppy is great, except you cant enter them in dog shows.
Finally, make sure to ask the reputable breeder if they have performed any health checks on the puppies. This is an important step in ensuring that the puppy you are buying is healthy and free of any genetic defects.
Purebred Dilute Labradors
In recent years, breeders have developed a dog breed of Labrador called the Purebred Dilute Labrador. These dogs are born with two copies of a gene that causes them to have a diluted coat color. The result is puppies with grey, silver, or light blue coats instead of the traditional black, yellow, or chocolate colors.
Dilute Labradors may also have a lighter eye color than traditional Labradors. While these dogs are still considered purebred, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club due to their unique genetics.
How To Find A Reputable Breeder
Regardless of what type of Labrador puppy you decide to get, you must find a reputable breeder. Here are some tips to help you find a good breeder:
Start at a Shelter or Rescue Group
Not only will you probably find a great dog, but youll also feel good about helping a dog who doesnt have a home find one. While the dog may have done nothing wrong, most dogs end up in shelters owing to issues with their owners, such as financial constraints, lack of time, changes in the family dynamic (such as a new baby, divorce, relocation, or marriage), or allergies.
Do Your Research
Search the internet for reviews and recommendations from other dog owners. Visit websites specializing in Labrador Retrievers, such as the American Kennel Club. Read up on breeders who have good reputations and ask for references from owners whose dogs you admire.
Make Sure The Breeder is Reputable
A reputable breeder will not hesitate to answer any questions you have. Ask about their breeding practices, how their puppies are socialized and raised, and whether or not the puppy is registered with an organization such as the AKC. Make sure that the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Get a Referral
Once you have narrowed down your search to a few reputable breeders, ask them for references. Reach out to previous customers and find out what their experience was like. Ask if they would recommend the breeder and if they were pleased with the puppys health and behavior.
Finally, remember that a purebred Labrador is one of many types of dogs worth owning. Mixed breeds can be just as wonderful and loving as purebreds and may even be healthier. Take your time when selecting a puppy, and make sure that you find one that is right for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does mixed breed Labradors have the same characteristics as purebred Labradors?
A: Mixed breeds may not have all the same characteristics as a purebred Labrador, but they can still be just as loving and loyal. Mixed breeds are also often healthier than purebred Labradors due to the lack of inbreeding.
Q: What is the best type of Labrador to get?
A: The best type of Labrador depends on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet. If you want a show-quality Labrador, then a purebred would be best. However, if you just want a loving and loyal companion, then a mixed breed might be the right choice for you.
Q: Are dilute Labradors registered with the AKC?
A: No, dilute Labradors are not currently eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club. This is because they have unique genetics that does not match the breed standard. However, they are still considered purebred dogs and can be registered with other organizations.
Q: How can I find a reputable breeder?
A: Start by searching the internet for reviews and recommendations from other dog owners. Visit websites specializing in Labrador Retrievers, such as the American Kennel Club. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few reputable breeders, ask them for references and reach out to previous customers. Make sure the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Q: How do I know if a Labrador puppy is purebred?
A: The best way to ensure that a Labrador puppy is purebred is to purchase it from a reputable breeder. Ask for proof of registration, health checks, and breed history. If the breeder cannot provide these documents, then it is best to look elsewhere. Additionally, it would help if you look for physical traits typical of Labradors, such as a broad head and short muzzle.
Q: Is it possible to train a Labrador puppy?
A: Absolutely! Labradors are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Start by teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Then move on to more complex behaviors, such as walking on a leash and responding to hand signals. With patience and consistency, you can have a well-trained Labrador in no time!
Final Words
Selecting a purebred Labrador puppy is a big decision. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and proof of health checks. You should also remember that purebreds are not the only type of dog worth owning mixed breeds can also be just as loving and loyal. Finally, once you have a puppy in your home, be sure to provide them with the proper training, socialization, and care that all puppies need to grow up healthy and happy.
