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The AKC Labrador Standard

The Labrador is a strong looking, short-coupled dog with a dense, short, hard coat.  Other notable characteristics include a broad skull, a powerful neck, deep chest, and a thick "otter" tail.  The chest should be deep and wide with the ribs well-sprung.  The forelegs should be straight from the shoulder, medium in length and with good bone.  The hindquarters should be very muscular and well developed.  Good angulations in the hindquarters is desirable.  

Dreamer's  puppy

The AKC height standard is 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches at the withers for males, and 21 1/2 to 24 1/2 for females.  The males weigh 65 to 85 lbs. and the females weigh 55 lbs. to 75lbs.  

The coat color may be black, yellow, or brown.  According to the AKC standard, any other color is a disqualification.  A small white spot on the chest is permissible.  The yellow color ranges from a light cream color to a dark fox-red color.  Pale yellow Labradors are sometimes referred to as white labs.  

The nose and eye rim pigment should be dark brown on chocolate labs or black on black and yellow labs.  Lack of nose pigment is referred to as the Dudley nose.

Overall, the sturdy Labrador should have a balanced, proportional appearance.  

Visit the AKC website for a detailed description of the Labrador Retriever standard.  AKC Labrador Retriever Standard

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