What makes a Labrador Retriever a Labrador Retriever and why are they made like the way they are?
BISS US. CAN. CH. Chablais Myrtille, born 4 Nov 1989
One of my all time favourite dog, and she happens to be one of Charlie's ancestors!
The Labrador Retriever is first and foremost a water dog. They were made to retrieve in icy cold waters. They move differently on land as compared to other retrievers, and are very powerful swimmers. Show breeders work towards preserving their original function, which results in the way they look now.
UK Sh Ch, Farnfield Topo Gigio JW Sh Cm
Another one of my all time favourite dogs. He was UK's Top Labrador in 2014, and is also one of Willow's great great grandfather!
Every breed has a specific look, which we call breed type. It is like a set of identifiers which makes a breed unique. A dog with a good breed type means that it looks like the breed it is suppose to be. For Labrador Retrievers, it is their head, body, coat and tail which makes them different from other breeds.
A Labrador Retriever needs to have a strong head to allow them to cut through waves in the sea. A lack of fleshy cheeks improves the aerodynamics, a moderate muzzle length allows them to retrieve larger objects with ample strength, and a soft mouth will prevent damage to the game they retrieve. Ears are set slightly above the eye level so that they are above the water and also it reduces drag while swimming. The neck has to be in balance with the dog. A short neck makes it harder to pick up things off the ground, while a long neck brings the centre of gravity too forward.
Charlie has a very nice head, but also an extremely derpy look :p
Similar to many dog breeds, the standard calls for a scissor bite, and ideally with full dentition. The teeth should be interlocking without much gaps between the jaws. A dog with a correct bite will allow it to not only hold onto the game they are retrieving, but also prevent potential dental problems in the long run. Teeth/bite is almost 100% affected by genetics, and having a correct bite is not only important to working dogs but dogs of all breeds.
Both of these pictures show a correct scissor bite.
A Labrador Retriever is often mistaken for a fat dog due to their wide body and lack of a tuck up. However, if you put your hands on a well bred, well conditioned Lab, you'll find that it is the ribs that are wide. A good spring of ribs allows room for their heart and lungs, protects their organs from the cold, and provides buoyancy while swimming. There needs to be a layer of fat, but underneath you'll be able to feel a well muscled dog. These traits helps the Lab to function well as a water dog.
AM. CAN. Ch. Chablais John Kaffe, born 12 Dec 2000
I'm not a fan of chocolates but this is a fantastic representation of a Labrador Retriever.
A Labrador Retriever has a very special coat. Not only it's thick and double coated, it is also water resistant. As a water dog, the thick coat allows the dog to be kept warm in low temperatures, and the water resistant feature allows them to dry quickly after their work in the water.
Judges, especially at a Labrador specialty show, will often check for the presence of a correct coat. They do this by feeling it with their hands, as well as scratching a line against the natural direction of the fur. A Lab with a correct coat will show a scratch line, and this line stays even when the dog is moving.
I've scratched a line on Willow's fur and this line will stay even when the dog is running.
A Labrador Retriever has a very distinct and iconic tail. Often described as an "Otter Tail", it is supposed to be thick at the base and tapers off towards the end. Their powerful tails are used as a rudder to help them navigate while working in water.
The standard also calls for the tail to be carried as the same level as their topline, especially during movement. The idea is that a high carrying tail will affect the effectiveness of their tails while swimming.
Charlie's tail is carried too high while Willow carries her tail at an ideal level.
A Labrador Retriever, like most working breeds, need a well angulated front, with a nice laid back shoulder. Ideally the scapula (shoulder blade) should be of an equal length with humerus (upper arm), forming an almost 90 degree angle. This setup allows the dog to move with ease, covering much ground with every step, thus reducing energy spent and allowing them to traverse all day.
The graphic below is taken from Dickendall Labradors, one of the breeders whom I admire.
A Labrador Retriever also needs a nice moderate turn of stifle (knees), and it is very important to not only the Labrador Retriever but also many other working breeds. The stifle needs to be well bent in order to allow the dog to have more drive in its rear movement. Having a straight stifle reduces drive and reach in a dog's movement.
Moderate rear angulation is also another important aspect to a dog's locomotive. Too little angulation will result in the dog being unable to take a larger stride, and too wide of an angulation increases energy spent when they move. An ideal angulation can be seen below; drop a line down from the bum and it should touch the front of its toes.
Pasterns and feet are also very important to a working dog like the Labrador Retriever. A weak pastern will not allow a dog to engage in high impact activities without increasing the risk of injuries. Similar to a car, where constant usage will increase the likelihood of damaging other components if the suspensions are faulty.
A Labrador's topline needs to be straight and level with the ground, and not too long in the body. A Lab with a compact body and a strong core allows it to cut through water easily. The legs are placed under the body which act like oars on a boat, propelling the dog effectively and efficiently in the water. The body can be simply described as a boat with a strong hull that can navigate through rough waters. The graphic below is taken from the Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club.
The movement of a Labrador Retriever needs to be free and effortless. The power should come from the rear and they need to be covering ground with minimal effort. The core and topline stays stable while they are moving. As a water dog, they do not need to show speed but they need to move with purpose and power on land. Some of the incorrect movements include pounding of legs/feet, paddling of feet, and bobbing up and down of the body.
Good movement is something I am very particular about. It is something they are born with, and can be identified at a fairly young age. It takes practice and guidance to identify a good movement but once you get it you will be able to fully appreciate a beautiful mover.
AUST. NZ. Ch. Roughfield IL Sorpasso showing off his amazing stride
The Labrador Retriever is a functional breed and they are purposefully built the way they are. They are not as flashy as many other breeds, but every part of them is built with purpose. They also have very big personalities that makes it hard not to love them. They are a biddable, loveable, and versatile breed, and they make great companions that will always be ready for any adventure!
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