Information about this wonderful breed!

STRUCTURE
I believe that if you show and breed for conformation you will breed the most wonderful Labrador retrievers. I consider structure is the most important part of a Labrador. The Lab was created to hunt by his owner in a canoe or boat. His body was designed as a waterfowl dog. Even though he does well in the field, the Lab excels in the  water. The best way to understand how important all this is would be to read some of the books by authors who have raised and known the breed.

TEMPERAMENT
To have a Labrador with a nasty and hyper temperament is not a correct Labrador. The hallmark of a the breed is sweet, understanding and happy! If you can not stand a dog to be under foot do not buy a Labrador. They will be kissing, jumping and loving you every minute they can. They will play, swim, ride in your car, sleep on your bed or hang out by your feet. They will hear your car come down the driveway and wiggle all over. This is how you want your Labrador and friend to be. The breed should be aroused by danger, but never show any kind of aggression to anything or anyone unless he has been cruelly mistreated himself.

SOUNDNESS
A Labrador should show no signs of lameness or difficulty moving. This is a working and gaiting breed and should always have a smooth rhythmic movement. The mind should be keen with a slight sense of humor. The Lab should never be "hanging from a chandelier", withdrawn towards humans or animals but always willing to please and showing acts of kindness. This breed for the most part is a healthy animal with no major diseases. OFA certification of Hips, X-ray of Elbows and Cerf certification of the Eyes should always be routine tests that breeders should perform before breeding their dogs. The Heart Clearance and the Optigen PRA test for the eyes are other very useful tools for the hobbyist breeder.

DIET
These are English style Labrador Retrievers and have large bone on a medium body frame with big heads and lots of coat!! Feeding and weight control should not be up to a vet as they usually don't deal in nutrition. These are questions you ask the breeder or look at your pup or adult dog - does he need more or less? Cups mean nothing except to measure out food by proportion. Your pup or adult dog should look full and content up to one hour after eating so adjust the food accordingly.  They should have a slight tuck-up under the belly if in good weight. Diets shouldn't be routinely changed except for a reason to exercise more, food allergies or illness. For medical needs consult your vet.

MAINTENANCE
The Labrador retriever is very easy to maintain. Baths are few, only when soiled. Brushing the coat can be done once a week with a rake or metal comb. Shedding is 2 times a year, summer and fall. Nails and teeth are done once a month. You can also give them bones to clean teeth and walks on concrete and pavement to wear down the nails naturally, nothing to clip or shave.

EXERCISE
The Labrador needs quality time, not quantity time. Many people believe that a Labrador retriever has to run for hours to get enough exercise so he won't be hyper in the home. Not so. He will not chew or destroy your home or surroundings if you spend time with him with various games. Keep many chew items for them - kongs and large nyla bones and large strong femur bones. They love to think, so challenge them and see how responsive they are. You'll be amazed how this pup or adult dog will bond with you and start to listen. Obedience is most important, especially the sit and come, teaching at a young age. The Labrador is an intelligent breed. He likes to think. Puppies get bored very easily or are lonely if not given enough activity during the day. These dogs can and will find something to do on their own. You may not like him digging in your garden or chewing on a new pair of shoes. Ten minutes of play to run and think while he is playing with you will do the trick.  Make use of a crate when they cannot be supervised until they are totally house broken and learn not to chew except on the correct items!  The crate is a safety feature for the dog and keeps him out of trouble and out of harms way. Never exercise the dog on hot or cold days that would not be acceptable for humans and never feed before or after exercise. Water should be offered all the time.

Print a copy of the following:

AKC Standard of the Labrador Retriever

FCI Standard of the Labrador Retriever 

OFA for Hip Certification - view the website